National Account Manager

At Mr Fothergill's Seeds we are in the business of bringing gardens to life. Known for our exceptional range of seeds, garden products and horticultural expertise with well-known brands such as Mr Fothergill’s, Johnsons, DT Brown and Darlac our products can be found in garden centres, big retailers and direct to consumers through our websites and catalogues. We have a legacy of quality, a loyal customer base and are committed to inspiring and empowering gardeners of all levels.

We are a passionate team with a strong can-do attitude. We show respect to one another and are keen to innovate on our respective areas of expertise. We value agility, understand the journey our business is on and strive to add our unique mark onto that journey. We work hard but don’t forget to have fun. Our company purpose is “Helping Everyone Grow” and we extend that purpose to everything we do.

The National Account Manager (NAM) will be responsible for managing and expanding Mr Fothergill’s Seeds' portfolio of accounts, both existing and prospective, across DIY and Variety Discount retail channels. The role will ensure the effective presentation and promotion of all Fothergill’s products, including Own Label (OL) opportunities, within the gardening and FMCG sectors. The NAM will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to drive sales, manage key relationships, and identify new business opportunities that align with the company’s growth strategy.

Core Responsibilities:

• Account Management: Maintain and oversee the day-to-day running of existing accounts, ensuring all products are presented and offered effectively to drive sales. Develop and nurture long-term relationships with key accounts and act as the primary point of contact for any account-related matters.
• Business Development: Proactively seek new business opportunities within both existing and prospective accounts. Identify new channels for growth and foster relationships with potential customers to expand Fothergill’s Seeds' market presence.
• Bespoke Range Planning: Develop tailored product ranges for each account, focusing on both the Mr Fothergill’s brand and any Own Label (OL) product offerings. Ensure that all products are aligned with the retailer's needs and preferences, driving product visibility and sales.
• Sales Strategy: Collaborate with internal teams (marketing, product development, supply chain) to develop and implement effective sales strategies for each account. Oversee pricing, promotional strategies, and stock levels to ensure commercial success.
• Record Keeping: Ensure accurate records of account activities, sales performance, and customer interactions are maintained. Regularly update CRM systems with detailed account and sales data to inform decision-making and track progress.
• Relationship Building: Build and maintain strong working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, including retail buyers, supply chain teams, and merchandising staff. Communicate effectively with all parties to ensure smooth business operations and address any challenges proactively.
• Merchandiser Recruitment & Training: Lead the recruitment and training of merchandising staff to ensure that product displays meet company standards and drive sales. Provide ongoing support and training to ensure that merchandising teams effectively represent the Mr Fothergill’s brand.
• Trade Shows & Networking: Attend trade shows, conferences, and networking events as required to promote Mr Fothergill’s Seeds and build relationships within the industry. Stay informed about market trends and competitor activities to identify new opportunities.

We are looking for someone who has gained solid account management experience within FMCG or consumer goods categories and be adept in sales strategy and product range planning. You will also demonstrate:

• Excellent communication skills and ability to build relationships with customers, suppliers, and internal teams
• A Highly organized approach with the ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities effectively
• Commercial focus with a track record of driving sales growth and profitability.
• Experience in merchandising and managing promotional activities.
• Self-motivation, proactivity, and capable of working independently and as part of a team.

The world of gardening should be accessible to all and it’s important that our teams reflect the diversity of our customers, ensuring that our products meet everyone’s needs. Therefore, we very much welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates regardless of background, gender, race, religious beliefs, disability, sexual orientation, or age. We’re ‘rooting’ for you!