At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth and manage relationships with major retail and hospitality accounts.
- Company: Join LEC Beverages, the exclusive UK distributor of Tsingtao Beer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with regular travel across the UK.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing business and work 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
Sales Account Manager - Food employer: LEC Beverages
Contact Detail:
LEC Beverages Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales 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 Sales 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. Share specific examples of how you've driven sales growth in the past – numbers speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like LEC Beverages. Express your interest in their growth phase and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep it organised! Juggling multiple accounts is key in this role. Use tools or apps to track your interactions and follow-ups with potential employers. This will show them you're highly organised and ready to manage their accounts effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Account Manager - Food
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Sales Account Manager role. Highlight your experience with major retail buyers and your success in driving sales growth. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in account management and how you've successfully navigated both on-trade and off-trade channels.
Showcase Your Commercial Mindset: We’re looking for someone who’s commercially driven. In your application, emphasise your results-focused approach and any strategies you've implemented that led to measurable growth in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with LEC Beverages.
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 product and your readiness to represent it.
✨Demonstrate Your Account Management Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed accounts or driven sales growth. Highlight your strategies for building relationships with major buyers and how you’ve navigated challenges in both on-trade and off-trade environments.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss how you identify and execute new routes to market. Think about times when you've secured listings or promotions and be prepared to share your thought process. This will demonstrate your ability to think commercially and drive results.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions that show your interest in the company’s growth phase. Inquire about their strategies for expanding distribution or how they measure success in account management. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is right for you.