At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead wholesale accounts and drive strategic growth in the FMCG sector.
- Company: Join Perfetti Van Melle, a global leader in confectionery with a fun, family-like culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and a clear career progression path.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for international exposure and continuous personal development.
- Why this job: Make an impact with iconic brands like Mentos and Chupa Chups while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Sales or account management experience, strong communication skills, and a passion for learning.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 41000 £ per year.
Location: Old Windsor, GB, SL4 2SE
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Team: Sales - Cash & Carry and Convenience Channel
Reporting to: Channel Controller
Launch your FMCG career with one of the world's leading confectionery companies! At Perfetti Van Melle, we're looking for an emerging commercial talent to join our UK Sales team as a Junior National Account Manager. This is more than just a sales role – it's a development opportunity designed for individuals with the drive, energy, and potential to grow into future commercial leaders within our business. This role is ideal for someone who is ambitious, confident, proactive, curious, and passionate about developing a long‑term career in FMCG.
Where we need you
As Junior National Account Manager, you will be responsible for leading a portfolio of wholesale customers, including Co‑op Wholesale and Sugro, while supporting the delivery of strategic growth plans and commercial objectives.
Why this role stands out
- Ownership of national wholesale accounts and customer P&L responsibility.
- Exposure to major UK wholesale customers including Co‑op Wholesale, Sugro Head Office, and Sugro wholesale members nationwide.
- Opportunity to work with some of the world’s most loved confectionery brands including Mentos, Chupa Chups, Fruit‑tella, and Smint.
- Hybrid and flexible working model.
- Clear development pathway into National Account Manager and broader commercial leadership roles within Perfetti Van Melle.
Your core responsibilities at a glance
- Full leadership and P&L ownership of your customer portfolio.
- Develop and implement strategic account plans that create win‑win outcomes for both customers and Perfetti Van Melle.
- Deliver annual budget targets across Volume, Net Sales, and Market Share growth.
- Lead forecasting and S&OP processes for your customer accounts.
- Manage product mix and Net Sales performance to drive profitable growth.
- Own customer trade investment and continuously evaluate return on investment.
- Build strong relationships with key customer stakeholders at Buyer level and create opportunities for senior‑level engagement.
- Partner effectively with Finance, Supply Chain, Commercial, Trade Marketing, and Brand Marketing teams.
- Act as the voice of the customer within Perfetti Van Melle.
- Deliver exceptional customer relationships, measured through Advantage Survey outputs.
- Demonstrate and champion Perfetti Van Melle values in everything you do.
The ingredients of Perfetti Van Melle – is this your flavor?
We are Taste Makers in Candy! Perfetti Van Melle is an international family‑owned business with over 18,000 employees across 38 operating companies, and products enjoyed in more than 150 countries worldwide. In the UK, we’re proud to be home to some of the world’s most loved confectionery brands, including Mentos, Chupa Chups, Fruit‑tella, and Smint.
What makes us unique
- Empowering – Growth and development opportunities tailored to you, with clear career pathways and continuous learning.
- Fun – A family‑like culture, collaborative teams, engaging events, and yes… a candy factory!
- Innovation – Active engagement in health, sustainability, food safety, and category innovation.
- Dynamic – Operating in 30+ countries with exciting growth ambitions and opportunities for international exposure.
The ideal recipe for our new Junior National Account Manager
- Experience within sales, account management, commercial roles, or FMCG environments.
- Developing knowledge of the UK FMCG industry, ideally across multiple channels.
- A track record of delivering results and building strong customer relationships.
- Previous experience within impulse categories would be advantageous.
- Ability to analyse data and translate insights into compelling customer recommendations.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
- High proficiency in Excel and willingness to develop expertise in data platforms such as Circana and Kantar.
- Resilience, determination, and a solution‑oriented mindset.
- A growth mindset with a genuine desire to learn and continuously develop.
- Ambition to build a long‑term career within Perfetti Van Melle and the FMCG industry.
The qualities that will help you succeed
- Confidence to take ownership and make decisions.
- Curiosity and eagerness to learn.
- Commercial awareness and customer focus.
- Initiative and a proactive approach.
- Energy, ambition, and a passion for winning together.
- Ability to thrive in a fast‑moving and collaborative environment.
What we offer
- Company bonus scheme participation.
- Private medical insurance.
- Life assurance.
- Income protection insurance.
- Travel insurance.
- 27 days annual leave (full‑time contract).
- Flexible working arrangements.
- A collaborative and inclusive culture.
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities.
- A clear pathway for career progression into National Account Manager and broader commercial leadership roles.
Most importantly, you’ll join a business that genuinely invests in people and supports ambitious talent in building rewarding long‑term careers. At Perfetti Van Melle, we believe the strength of our team lies in diversity. We create a workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, valued, and empowered to grow.
Junior National Account Manager employer: Perfetti Van Melle
Perfetti Van Melle is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, offering clear pathways for career progression within the FMCG sector. With a focus on employee growth, you will benefit from tailored development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a collaborative environment that values diversity and innovation. Join us in Old Windsor to work with beloved confectionery brands while enjoying a fulfilling workplace built on trust and mutual respect.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior National Account Manager
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Junior National Account Manager at Perfetti Van Melle, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Perfetti Van Melle. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Junior National Account Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior National Account Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Perfetti Van Melle:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Perfetti Van Melle. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Perfetti Van Melle
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Perfetti Van Melle that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Perfetti Van Melle that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Perfetti Van Melle’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
