At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales growth and manage distribution for a premium beverage brand across various channels.
- Company: Join the UK's fastest growing premium beverage brand with a dynamic team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Hybrid role with significant autonomy and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape channel strategy and make a real impact in a high-growth environment.
- Qualifications: 4+ years sales experience, strong distributor relationships, and operator activation skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
This is a pivotal commercial role within the UK's fastest growing premium beverage brand. We are expanding our presence across a recently widened product portfolio beyond our now well-established Grocery channel. We are seeking experienced National Account Managers to drive distribution and activation across key channels, including:
- Leisure: Cinemas, theme parks, stadiums, entertainment venues
- HORECA: Hotels, restaurants, cafes, catering
- On-Trade: Pubs, bars, nightclubs, licensed venues
- Travel: Airports, train stations, service stations, travel retail
- Operators: Contract caterers (Levy, Aramark, Compass, Sodexo)
This role offers significant autonomy and the opportunity to shape our channel strategy from the ground up in a private equity-backed, high-growth environment. We are building a team of specialist account managers, each focusing on specific channel expertise. You will be joining at a critical growth phase with the ability to make a lasting impact on our market penetration and brand development.
We are hiring multiple National Account Managers to cover the full channel spectrum. Each hire will specialise in one or more specific channels while collaborating as part of a cohesive team. Channel assignments will be discussed during the interview process based on candidate strengths and experience.
Given the size of the business and early stage of growth outside of Grocery, your primary immediate focus (and your performance / bonus will be set by your performance) on growing new accounts, rather than maintaining existing accounts.
ROLE OVERVIEW
Position: National Account Manager
Industry: Premium Beverages / FMCG
Location: Hybrid - Commuting distance to London (2 days/week in office)
Reporting to: Sales Director
Timing: ASAP, with notice expected
Team Structure: Part of specialist team covering full channel spectrum
COMPENSATION PACKAGE
Basic Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 per annum (experience-dependent, inc. car allowance)
Bonus: Above-average performance-based bonus scheme (20-35% OTE)
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package + others to be discussed
ROLE PURPOSE
To drive sales growth through expert management of both distribution (RTM) and channel activation, including channel operators. You will leverage existing distributor relationships to secure new listings while activating demand through targeted operator partnerships, implementing a sophisticated push-pull strategy for sustainable growth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Dual-Channel Strategy Execution
- PUSH (Distribution): Secure and maintain listings with key RTM partners (wholesalers, distributors)
- PULL (Activation): Drive demand through operator partnerships and venue-level activations
- Channel Specialisation: Focus on one of: Leisure, HORECA, On-Trade, Travel, or Operators
- Strategic Planning: Develop and execute channel-specific push-pull strategies
- RTM (Route to Market) Management
- Leverage existing + build / maintain new relationships with key distributors: e.g. LWC, C&C, Booker, Carlsberg Britvic, Bidfood, Creed, Brakes, Freemans
- Negotiate listing agreements, margin structures, and promotional support
- Ensure optimal stock levels and ordering cycles with distributors
- Manage distributor performance and relationship development
- Operator Activation & Development
- Build strategic partnerships with key operators: Levy, Aramark, Compass, Sodexo, etc.
- Secure menu placements, pouring rights, and promotional activations
- Conduct staff training and product education at venue level
- Develop joint business plans with key operator partners
- Commercial Management
- Achieve monthly/quarterly sales targets for assigned channel(s)
- Manage pricing, margin structures, and promotional effectiveness
- Provide market intelligence on channel trends and competitor activity
- Coordinate with marketing on channel-specific campaigns
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
Essential Experience (Non-Negotiable)
- Minimum 4+ years total sales experience with at least 2+ years in soft drinks/beverage sales
- Strong existing distributor relationships with key RTM partners (Booker, Bestway, Brakes, etc.) with a minimum 2+ years working with distributors in your respective channel (Leisure, HORECA, On-Trade, Travel, or Operators)
- Demonstrable operator activation experience in one of: Leisure, HORECA, On-Trade, Travel, Catering Operators
Personal Attributes
- Highly motivated self-starter with entrepreneurial mindset
- Excellent relationship builder across both distributor and operator levels
- Autonomous worker comfortable with field-based role
Practical Requirements
- Already living within 1 hour commuting distance of Central London - required 2 days/week in office
- Expenses for travel into the office will not be reimbursed
- Extensive field travel across assigned territory/channel
- Right to work in UK - no sponsorship available
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
- Stage 1: CV screening and initial discussion with JW Markets
- Stage 2: Q&A / Intro with founder CEO
- Stage 3: Presentation of 90 day plan to senior management
Timeline: 2 week process from application to offer
National Account Manager in London employer: JW Markets
Join a dynamic and rapidly growing premium beverage brand that values innovation and autonomy. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer a comprehensive benefits package and a collaborative work culture that encourages you to shape your own career path. Located within commuting distance of London, this hybrid role provides the perfect balance of office engagement and field-based flexibility, making it an ideal environment for ambitious professionals looking to make a significant impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Account Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that National Account Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its products. Show us you’re passionate about the premium beverage industry and have a solid understanding of their market strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate how your experience aligns with the role. Focus on your distributor relationships and operator activation successes to really impress us.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace National Account Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the National Account Manager role. Highlight your experience in beverage sales and any specific channel expertise you have. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the premium beverage industry and how you can contribute to our growth. Keep it engaging and relevant to the role.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've driven sales growth or secured new accounts in previous roles.
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 you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at JW Markets
✨Know Your Channels
Make sure you understand the specific channels you'll be focusing on, whether it's Leisure, HORECA, or On-Trade. Research the latest trends and challenges in these areas so you can speak confidently about how you would drive distribution and activation.
✨Showcase Your Relationships
Highlight your existing relationships with key distributors and operators. Be ready to discuss how you've leveraged these connections in the past to secure listings and drive sales growth. This will demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare a 90-Day Plan
Since the interview process includes presenting a 90-day plan, think strategically about how you would approach your first few months in the role. Outline your goals for channel activation and how you would build relationships with new accounts.
✨Be Ready for Questions on Autonomy
Given the autonomy of the role, be prepared to discuss how you manage your time and priorities independently. Share examples of how you've successfully worked autonomously in previous roles, especially in high-growth environments.
