At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales and build relationships with major retailers in the chocolate industry.
- Company: Join a premium chocolate brand committed to ethical farming and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on innovation and collaboration across teams.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a real impact in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing retail accounts and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 € per year.
Today, we work directly with farming partners who share our commitment to growing cocoa The Islands Way: with respect for people, place and craft. Farmed, fermented and crafted with a flavour-first approach, our chocolate is trusted by the UK’s leading baristas, bakers, chefs and connoisseurs.
The Senior National Account Manager will take full ownership of Islands Chocolate’s retail channel, managing and growing relationships across key accounts including major grocers, online retailers, and independent outlets. This is a highly commercial role focused on driving sales, increasing brand presence, and building strong, long-term partnerships. You’ll combine strategic thinking with hands-on execution to deliver growth across all retail formats.
- Fully own and proactively manage all retail accounts across grocery, online and wholesale.
- Build strong, cross-functional relationships with key customer contacts (buying, supply chain, category, marketing, e-commerce).
- Expand distribution and product range across all formats (main estate, convenience, online, cafés, front of store).
- Maximise sales performance through effective use of customer systems (availability, compliance, promotions, ranging).
- Deliver standout in-store and online visibility through activation (POS, secondary displays, sampling, digital placements).
Account Management & Commercial Growth
- Develop and execute joint business plans with key retail customers to deliver sustainable growth.
- Identify opportunities to increase distribution, product range, and brand visibility across all retail channels.
- Lead commercial discussions and support negotiations relating to pricing, promotional activity, and trading terms.
- Relationship building - build trusted, long-term partnerships with key stakeholders across customer organisations.
- Take full ownership of the retail channel P&L.
- Monitor performance against targets and implement corrective actions where required.
- Monitor competitor activity, category trends, and retailer performance to inform strategy.
Promotions & Shopper Marketing
- Build and execute commercially effective promotional plans aligned to key trading periods.
- Collaborate with marketing teams to deliver compelling shopper marketing initiatives both in-store and online.
- Analyse campaign and promotional performance to optimise future activity and ROI.
- Work closely with marketing, supply chain, finance, and operations teams to ensure seamless execution across accounts.
- Support successful product launches and new product development initiatives with retail partners.
Proven experience managing and growing national retail or FMCG accounts. Strong commercial acumen with experience owning or influencing P&L performance. Demonstrated track record of delivering measurable sales and margin growth. Confident negotiator with resilience, credibility, and strong relationship management skills. Strong analytical capability with the ability to turn data into actionable insights. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Passion for premium food brands and building exceptional customer partnerships.
Sr. Sales Account Executive in London employer: Islands Chocolate
Islands Chocolate is an exceptional employer that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work culture focused on growth and innovation. With a commitment to sustainability and quality, we offer our team members opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the premium food sector. Located in a vibrant area, our workplace encourages creativity and teamwork, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about building strong partnerships and driving commercial success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sr. Sales Account Executive in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to potential contacts. You never know who might help you land that dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their values and how they operate. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on common questions related to account management and sales strategies. The more comfortable you are, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Sr. Sales Account Executive in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Sr. Sales Account Executive role. Highlight your experience in managing retail accounts and driving sales growth, as these are key to what we’re looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about premium food brands and how your background makes you a perfect fit for building long-term partnerships in our retail channel.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen and ability to drive measurable sales growth. Numbers speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing your successes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Islands Chocolate
✨Know Your Chocolate
Dive deep into the world of chocolate and understand the brand's values, especially their commitment to sustainable farming. Familiarise yourself with their product range and how it stands out in the market. This knowledge will not only impress but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Sales Savvy
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed retail accounts or driven sales growth. Use metrics to back up your achievements, as numbers speak volumes in a commercial role like this one.
✨Build Relationships on Paper
Think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your ability to forge strong partnerships with key stakeholders. This could include examples of successful negotiations or collaborative projects that led to mutual benefits.
✨Be Ready for Data Discussions
Brush up on your analytical skills and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform your strategies in previous roles. Think about how you can turn insights into actionable plans, especially in relation to P&L performance and promotional effectiveness.
