At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth and manage relationships with major retail and hospitality accounts.
- Company: LEC Beverages, exclusive UK distributor of Tsingtao Beer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with regular travel across the UK.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced team and make an impact with a globally recognised brand.
- Qualifications: Experience in account management within FMCG or drinks sectors.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: London (Full-time, office-based + field travel)
Salary: £50,000 – £60,000 + performance bonus
Company: LEC Beverages Limited – Exclusive UK Distributor of Tsingtao Beer
About the Business
LEC Beverages is the exclusive UK distributor of Tsingtao beer, one of the most internationally recognised Chinese beverage brands. Operating under London Export Corporation, the business is focused on building a strong national presence across:
- Major retail chains
- Wholesale and cash-and-carry groups
- On-trade (bars, restaurants, hospitality)
We are now entering a key growth phase and are looking to expand distribution across both on-trade and off-trade channels.
Role Overview
We are seeking a National Account Manager to drive growth across key accounts in the UK. This role will take ownership of both:
- Off-trade (retail, supermarkets, cash-and-carry)
- On-trade (hospitality groups, distributors, key venues)
You will be responsible for developing and managing relationships with major buyers and delivering measurable sales growth.
Key Responsibilities
Account Management & Sales Growth
- Manage and grow relationships with major retail and wholesale accounts
- Develop new national account opportunities across off-trade and on-trade
- Deliver volume growth across key customers
- Identify and execute new routes to market
Retail & Off-Trade
- Work directly with supermarket buyers, cash-and-carry groups, and national wholesalers
- Secure listings, promotions, and distribution expansion
- Manage pricing, promotions, and commercial terms
On-Trade Development
- Build relationships with key distributors and hospitality groups
- Increase brand presence in bars, restaurants, and venues
- Support activations and commercial partnerships
Commercial Execution
- Drive promotional activity and sell-through
- Monitor account performance and identify growth opportunities
- Ensure strong follow-through on all deals and agreements
Candidate Profile
We are looking for someone who is:
- Commercially driven and results-focused
- Confident dealing with major retail buyers and distributors
- Comfortable operating across both on-trade and off-trade channels
- Highly organised with strong follow-through
- Able to manage multiple accounts and priorities
Experience Required
- Proven experience as a National Account Manager (or similar)
- Background in beer, drinks, FMCG, or distribution
- Experience working with:
- Supermarkets / major retailers
- Wholesalers / cash-and-carry
- On-trade distributors or hospitality groups
Mindset & Approach
The ideal candidate will:
- Be hungry for growth and progression
- Take ownership of their accounts and results
- Be proactive and comfortable driving activity
- Thrive in a fast-paced, commercial environment
- Be focused on execution and delivery, not just planning
Working Environment
- Full-time, office-based in London
- Regular travel across the UK for meetings and account management
- Fast-moving, commercially focused business
Opportunity
This role offers the chance to:
- Take ownership of national accounts in a growing business
- Work with a globally recognised brand
- Be part of scaling a distribution platform in the UK
- Progress within a wider international trading group
National Account Manager (Food) employer: LEC Beverages
Contact Detail:
LEC Beverages Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land National Account Manager (Food)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, trade shows, or even local meet-ups. The more faces you know, the better your chances of landing that National Account Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience with major retailers and distributors. Make sure they know you can drive growth and manage accounts like a champ.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies you admire, like LEC Beverages, and express your interest. A little initiative can go a long way in getting noticed.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! We’ve got loads of resources and tips to help you ace your job search. Plus, applying through us gives you a better shot at standing out from the crowd. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace National Account Manager (Food)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the National Account Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing accounts, especially in the food and beverage sector, and showcase any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive sales growth.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for the industry, your understanding of both on-trade and off-trade channels, and how you plan to contribute to our growth at LEC Beverages.
Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to build and maintain relationships with major buyers and distributors. We want to see examples of how you've successfully managed accounts and driven results in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you can easily keep track of your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at LEC Beverages
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of Tsingtao beer and its market position. Familiarise yourself with its unique selling points and how it stands out in the competitive landscape of beverages. This will show your passion for the brand and your readiness to represent it.
✨Demonstrate Your Account Management Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed key accounts or driven sales growth. Be ready to discuss how you built relationships with major buyers and what strategies you used to secure listings and promotions.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Highlight your understanding of both on-trade and off-trade channels. Discuss any relevant experience you have with supermarkets, wholesalers, or hospitality groups, and be prepared to share insights on how you would approach expanding distribution for LEC Beverages.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that demonstrate your interest in the role and the company’s growth plans. Inquire about their strategies for increasing brand presence or how they measure success in account management. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to the company's future.