At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and develop national accounts in the Foodservice sector while driving new business opportunities.
- Company: Join a fast-growing, privately owned bakery manufacturer supplying quality products across the UK and Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible home/field-based work with national travel and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Be part of an entrepreneurial culture where your ideas shape the business and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial skills, good presentation abilities, and experience in food products preferred but not essential.
- Other info: Work closely with leadership to execute brand strategies and enhance account performance.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are a privately owned, wholesale bakery manufacturer proudly supplying the UK and European Foodservice and Retail markets. A one-stop bakery supply partner, offering an extensive range of quality, handcrafted products. As we continue to grow and expand our presence in the market, we are seeking a motivated, hands-on National Account Manager who can work autonomously managing existing business and developing new opportunities within the Foodservice sector - specifically wholesale, contract caterers, education, healthcare and travel & leisure.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a National Account Manager to join an entrepreneurial, fast-growing business where your input truly matters. Working within a lean structure, you’ll be more than just an account manager—you’ll be a total business manager. From owning your own reporting and planning to implementing and improving processes, you’ll be hands-on and actively involved in shaping both the commercial strategy and the wider business. This role is Home/Field Based with national travel and target to be at our Head Office in Exhall, Coventry one day per week.
- Managing and developing regional and national accounts across the Foodservice Industry
- Working with the Head of Foodservice and leadership team to develop and execute the plan and brand strategy with existing and new foodservice accounts
- Increase distribution and visibility of the branded portfolio within account base
- Develop new business within the account base via new listings in addition to execution of new account opportunities
- Responsible for the delivery of internal targets with focus on profitable growth for allocated accounts
- Promotional plan implementation in line with strategy and customer plan
- Understand commercial impact – Pricing, Promotions, Investment, Trading Terms
- Negotiate trading terms, pricing, range reset opportunities, JBP’s and cost increase where relevant
- Collaborate with internal teams with focus on account objectives
- Provide clear internal and external analysis of reports with focus on performance
Strong commercial skills, good presentation skills and time management are essential. Experience with ambient and frozen food products (bakery experience preferred but not mandatory). Team player (sales team and wider business team) with the ability to work flexibly with UK wide travel.
We kindly ask that all applicants apply directly via LinkedIn, as we are not seeking recruitment agency support at this time.
National Account Manager - Department Stores employer: Handmade Speciality Products Ltd
Contact Detail:
Handmade Speciality Products Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land National Account Manager - Department Stores
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Foodservice sector, especially in wholesale and contract catering. Understanding the nuances of this market will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to our growth.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the bakery and foodservice industries. Attend relevant trade shows or events to make connections that could provide insights into the role and the company culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with account management and how you've successfully developed new business opportunities in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your commercial skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research our brand and product portfolio thoroughly. Being able to articulate how you would increase distribution and visibility for our products will show your genuine interest in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace National Account Manager - Department Stores
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in account management, particularly within the Foodservice sector. Emphasise any achievements related to managing national accounts and developing new business opportunities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your motivation for the role and your understanding of the bakery industry. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed accounts or implemented strategies that led to growth.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, focus on key skills mentioned in the job description, such as commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and the ability to collaborate with internal teams. Use concrete examples to demonstrate these skills.
Showcase Your Flexibility: Since the role requires UK-wide travel, mention your willingness and ability to travel as needed. Highlight any previous experience you have with remote work or managing accounts across different regions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Handmade Speciality Products Ltd
✨Know Your Products
Familiarise yourself with the bakery products offered by the company. Understand their unique selling points and how they fit into the Foodservice sector. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion and ability to represent the brand effectively.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare to discuss your experience with pricing, promotions, and trading terms. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully negotiated terms in previous roles, as this is crucial for managing accounts and driving profitable growth.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Highlight your ability to work within a team and collaborate with various departments. Share specific instances where you’ve worked cross-functionally to achieve account objectives, as this role requires strong teamwork skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions that may ask how you would handle specific situations, such as developing new business or implementing promotional plans. Think through your strategies and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.