At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage UK grocery accounts and develop strong customer relationships to drive brand growth.
- Company: Join a family-owned business that values teamwork and innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible work environment, competitive salary, bonuses, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role with ownership of national accounts.
- Qualifications: FMCG sales experience and strong account management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Description
At Highland Spring Group, it starts with nature, it flows through people.
We’re looking for a National Account Manager to take commercial ownership of a portfolio of UK grocery customers, helping grow our brand through strong relationships, clear insight and well-executed customer plans.
This is an opportunity to make your mark in an independent, family-owned business, with responsibility for your accounts and the support of a collaborative commercial team.
Reporting to our National Account Controller, you’ll join our Sales team in a home-based role, with travel to customers, our head office in Blackford, other company sites and team meetings.
You’ll work 37.5 hours per week, with some overnight stays required.
The opportunity
You’ll own the day-to-day commercial agenda for your accounts, balancing growth ambitions with profitability and building partnerships that create value for both Highland Spring and our customers.
Your responsibilities will include
- Developing and delivering customer plans and Joint Business Plans, turning commercial priorities into clear actions and results.
- Managing account P&Ls, delivering volume, revenue, margin and profit targets, and taking action when performance needs attention.
- Leading customer negotiations, promotional planning and range discussions within agreed commercial parameters.
- Working with Supply Chain to build accurate forecasts and support strong availability and service.
- Using category, shopper and customer insight to create compelling proposals, grow distribution and bring new products to market.
- Building relationships across buying, category, supply and online teams.
- Bringing colleagues across Finance, Marketing, Category, Technical and NPD together to deliver customer commitments.
- What you’ll bring
You’ll have FMCG sales experience and a track record of managing UK grocery customers, or substantial account management experience that demonstrates you’re ready to take full commercial ownership of national accounts.
We’re looking for someone who understands the numbers, builds credibility with customers and follows through on commitments. You’ll bring:
- Experience of customer planning, commercial negotiations and managing account P&L performance.
- A strong understanding of trade investment, promotional effectiveness, forecasting and customer profitability.
- The ability to turn data and insight into clear recommendations and persuasive customer proposals.
- Confident communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build relationships across different teams and levels.
- An organised, accountable approach to managing competing priorities, with sound judgement on when to act and when to seek support.
- Working knowledge of GSCOP and Competition Law, alongside strong Excel and presentation skills.
Experience in beverages, water or premium FMCG brands would be welcome, as would exposure to e-commerce or customer activation across stores and online.
Why Highland Spring Group?
You’ll find a flexible, trusting workplace where you can take ownership, contribute ideas and continue developing your career.
We offer a competitive package with bonus and benefits, professional development and opportunities to build experience across the business.
Our values underpin how we work
We’re a Team. We’re Proud. We Care.
Everyone’s contribution matters, we’re passionate about our brand and products, and we care for each other, our customers and our environment.
If you’re ready to bring commercial ambition, curiosity and a collaborative approach to Highland Spring Group, we’d love to hear from you.
National Account Manager employer: Highland Spring Group
Highland Spring Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at The Ochils in Blackford, where innovation and collaboration thrive. Employees benefit from a strong focus on professional development, with opportunities to lead impactful capital projects while enjoying a supportive culture that prioritises safety, quality, and teamwork. Join us to be part of a company that values your contributions and fosters growth in the engineering and manufacturing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Account Manager
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like National Account Manager at Highland Spring Group, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Highland Spring Group. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a National Account Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace National Account Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Highland Spring Group:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Highland Spring Group. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Highland Spring Group
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Highland Spring Group that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Highland Spring Group that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Highland Spring Group’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.