National Account Manager, gifting

• Up to £70,000 + Bonus
• Remote
• 2 days per month in London

We are exclusively supporting a fast-growing lifestyle and gifting brand with the hire of a National Account Manager to develop their Grocery, Mass Market and National Retail accounts.

This is a strategic role with significant scope to shape the next stage of the business. The demand is already there, with many of the largest retail accounts having approached the brand over a number of years. The business is now ready to capitalise on this demand and build those relationships commercially.

You will have a strong track record of selling into major UK Grocery retailers and major nationals – managing significant revenue portfolios and winning new business. An established network of current buying contacts is essential, alongside experience within gift, beauty, toiletries or a closely related lifestyle / seasonal category.

The Role:

• Reporting into the senior commercial team, you will take ownership of the Grocery and large national retail channel, developing and executing the account strategy across existing and prospective customers.
• Identify, develop and secure new Mass, Grocery and National accounts, leveraging your established network of buyer relationships.
• Lead commercial negotiations across ranging, pricing, promotions, margin and trading terms.
• Develop JBPs, account plans and forecasts with clear revenue and margin objectives.
• Identify opportunities across gifting, seasonal ranges, new product launches and licensed product.
• Work closely with product, marketing and operations to ensure the proposition, range and commercial plans meet retailer requirements.
• Monitor account performance and identify opportunities to drive further growth.
• Contribute to the wider sales strategy and longer-term development of the function.
• Represent the business with key retail customers and at relevant industry events.
• As the channel develops, there will be scope to help shape and build out the wider function.

You’ll need:

• Significant experience selling into major mass, national retailers and UK grocers.
• An established and current network of buying contacts.
• Proven experience within gifting or a closely related lifestyle/consumer product category.
• Experience working with licensed product would be a significant advantage.
• Experience managing £5m+ in annual revenue.
• A proven track record of winning new retail accounts, rather than solely managing inherited accounts.
• Strong commercial negotiation and account management skills.
• Experience building relationships with senior buyers and key decision-makers.
• A strong understanding of ranging, promotions, margin, forecasting and retailer trading requirements.
• A commercially driven and proactive approach, with the ability to work independently and make an impact within a growing business.

Who will thrive here:

You’ll thrive in this business if you’re self-motivated, commercially driven and take real ownership of your work. You’ll be comfortable working independently, accountable for delivering results and proactive in identifying opportunities rather than waiting to be directed. This is a fast-growing business, so we’re looking for someone who brings energy, ambition and pace, and who enjoys having the autonomy to make things happen.

Diversity & Inclusion:

ILMJ values diversity, equality, and inclusion and encourages applicants from all backgrounds and identities.