At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic retail accounts and drive sustainable sales growth.
- Company: Join Pilgrim’s Europe, a dynamic company with strong customer partnerships.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, life assurance, and career progression.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on ownership and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-profile role with visibility and influence.
- Qualifications: 4+ years in retail account management and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Senior Commercial Manager to lead the growth and development of a strategic retail account within Pilgrim’s Europe. This is a high‑profile, customer‑focused role with full ownership of performance, responsible for delivering sustainable sales growth, profitable margin and long‑term customer partnerships. You will take the lead in driving customer strategy, Joint Business Planning and commercial execution, while influencing internally and externally at senior levels. As a senior member of the commercial team, you will also play a key role in leading, coaching and developing others, setting the standard for performance, collaboration and delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Full P&L ownership for a defined account or portfolio of accounts
- Develop and deliver Joint Business Plans (JBPs) across all product categories and routes to market
- Drive sustainable sales growth, profitability and delivery against business objectives
- Own customer strategy and account development plans
- Champion the customer internally, ensuring alignment and delivery
- Identify and unlock growth opportunities through data, insight and strong customer relationships
- Lead and develop promotional strategies to maximise performance and ROI
- Drive focus on emerging routes to market, including convenience and online
- Integrate sales strategy into wider business planning, budgets and forecasts
- Monitor performance and take proactive action to manage risks and opportunities
- Own forecasting processes, including risks and opportunities management
- Deliver commercial KPIs in line with budgets and business improvement targets
- Lead performance reviews through the S&OP / SOP process
- Provide clear, data‑backed communication of account performance
- Work with Category and Customer Marketing teams to ensure plans are insight‑led, commercially viable and strategically aligned
- Manage marketing activity and budgets to deliver strong return on investment
- Support a market‑led NPD pipeline in collaboration with Product & Innovation teams
- Oversee stage‑gate processes and product launches, ensuring best‑in‑class execution
- Drive innovation that strengthens category position, sales and margin
- Build strong relationships across Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain and Operations
- Lead, coach and develop colleagues across the commercial function
- Drive a culture of ownership, accountability and continuous improvement
- Influence and challenge stakeholders at all levels, internally and externally
Essential Requirements
- Strong experience in major retail account management (typically 4+ years at Commercial Manager level)
- Proven track record of delivering sales growth and profitability
- Experience leading Joint Business Planning (JBP) with key retail customers
- Excellent negotiation, influencing and stakeholder‑management skills
- Strong analytical and commercial decision‑making ability
- Confident communicator with high‑impact presentation skills
- Highly organised, able to manage complexity and competing priorities
- Resilient and adaptable within a fast‑paced FMCG environment
- Experience leading or mentoring others
Desirable
- Experience within a food or FMCG business
- Understanding of category management and NPD processes
- Experience delivering effective promotional strategies
- Exposure to manufacturing and supply chain environments
- People management experience
Qualifications
- Full UK Driving Licence (travel as required)
- Degree preferred but not essential
Values & Behaviours
Demonstrates ownership, integrity and determination, working collaboratively with discipline and humility to deliver practical results.
Why Join Pilgrim’s Europe?
At Pilgrim’s Europe, you’ll be part of a business with scale, ambition and strong customer partnerships, where commercial roles have real visibility and impact.
Benefits
- Competitive base salary, aligned to experience and responsibility
- Company pension scheme with employer contributions
- Life assurance and employee benefits package
- A clear opportunity to own and grow strategic customer accounts
- Exposure to senior stakeholders and decision‑making
- Strong career progression pathways within Commercial and wider business functions
- A collaborative, values‑driven culture focused on ownership, delivery and continuous improvement
Ready to Lead and Deliver? If you’re a commercially ambitious leader ready to take ownership of a strategic account and drive meaningful growth, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and take the next step in your commercial leadership career with Pilgrim’s Europe.
Senior National Account Manager, Senior National Account Manager in Uxbridge employer: Pilgrims Europe
At Pilgrim's Europe, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises food safety and quality excellence. Our team in Attleborough benefits from continuous professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a commitment to innovation in food safety practices, making it a rewarding place to grow your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior National Account Manager, Senior National Account Manager in Uxbridge
✨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 Senior National Account Manager, Senior National Account Manager at Pilgrims Europe, 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 Pilgrims Europe. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Senior National Account Manager, Senior National Account Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior National Account Manager, Senior National Account Manager in Uxbridge
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 Pilgrims Europe:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Pilgrims Europe. 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 Pilgrims Europe
✨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 Pilgrims Europe 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 Pilgrims Europe 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 Pilgrims Europe’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.
