At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth and strategic partnerships for top grocery accounts in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Global branded food business with a strong UK presence and innovative culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, trust in your role, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Enjoy a culture focused on growth, innovation, and minimal politics.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic team while managing key grocery accounts.
- Qualifications: Proven FMCG sales experience and strong relationship management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Hybrid working, 2 days North West, 3 days remote.
Our client is one of the food industry’s best-kept secrets, a global branded food business with a market-leading UK operation in strong growth. Their portfolio spans both Private Label and Brands, with products holding Number 1 or Number 2 positions across multiple categories and listed across every major UK grocery retailer.
This is a business that invests seriously and consistently in Consumer Marketing, Category capability, NPD and Food Development, and Commercial Brand Planning. The result is a team that punches well above its weight and a culture that combines the energy and freedom of an entrepreneurial business with the scale and resource of a global group.
What you will find here is refreshingly different from many FMCG businesses:
- Trust and real freedom in how you manage your time and approach your accounts
- The chance to help shape the UK team culture and commercial approach
- Very little politics, with a clear focus on growth over process
- No restrictions on winning business, provided it is profitable and aligns to long-term values
- Access to exciting brands and products with significant headroom still to grow in the UK
- Two days at Manchester HQ with three days flexible working
As Senior National Account Manager, you will take full ownership of two key Top 4 grocery accounts, driving category growth, strategic partnerships, and revenue performance. Reporting to the Sales Director, you will be fully supported but the emphasis will very much be on you to show what you can deliver.
This is a high-impact commercial role operating in a genuinely fast-paced category, where NPD and category initiatives are central to success and strength of character matters as much as commercial acumen. You will be expected to influence at all levels, internally across Sales, Category, Marketing, Finance and Supply Chain, and externally at senior levels within the retailer matrix.
Manage profitability well beyond gross margin level, understanding the full contribution to profit and the wider commercial impact of every decision you make.
Strategic Customer Management: Build deep, cross-functional relationships with senior retailer contacts across Buying, Supply Chain, Category, Marketing and Finance, influencing long-term strategic planning.
Joint Business Planning: Apply data-driven insight to drive distribution growth, range optimisation and strategic merchandising decisions that genuinely move the needle.
Champion the launch and execution of NPD strategies aligned to consumer trends, leading the communication of category and product solutions to retail partners. Identify and capitalise on market opportunities, ensuring the business consistently meets ambitious sales and profit targets. Work closely across the commercial team to ensure alignment between brand strategy and retailer requirements, balancing internal priorities with external demands.
We are looking for a commercially strong, results-driven Senior National Account Manager with a proven background in FMCG sales and account management:
- Proven FMCG sales experience in either Branded or Own Label food and beverage, and ideally both
- Strong experience managing Top 4 grocery accounts such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA or Morrisons, or major discounters, at NAM or SNAM level
- Full P&L ownership and JBP experience, with the financial acumen to develop and execute commercial strategies that maximise both revenue and profit
- A genuine category perspective, able to leverage category insight and shopper data to drive commercial growth and strengthen retailer relationships
- Confident, credible relationship management skills, comfortable influencing at all levels from peers to Executive Board members
- Resilience and commercial ambition, thriving in fast-paced, high-growth environments and playing both the short and long game
Senior National Account Manager/Category Manager employer: PT Executive
Our client stands out as an exceptional employer in the FMCG sector, offering a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and global resources. With a strong focus on employee autonomy, minimal bureaucracy, and a commitment to growth, team members enjoy the freedom to innovate while being supported by a dynamic culture that values strategic thinking and collaboration. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, with two days at the Manchester HQ fostering teamwork and three days of remote work enabling a balanced lifestyle, making it an ideal environment for ambitious professionals looking to make a significant impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior National Account Manager/Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the FMCG industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by doing your homework. Research the company’s products, their market position, and recent news. This will not only help you answer questions but also show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and the business.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, highlight your past successes in managing accounts and driving growth. Use specific examples that demonstrate your impact, especially with Top 4 grocery accounts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s land that dream job together!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior National Account Manager/Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior National Account Manager role. Highlight your experience with Top 4 grocery accounts and any relevant FMCG sales achievements. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for the food industry and how your skills align with our company culture. Remember, we love a bit of personality, so let your enthusiasm come through!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen and strategic thinking. We’re looking for results-driven individuals, so don’t be shy about sharing your successes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at PT Executive
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior National Account Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on your P&L management skills and be ready to discuss how you've maximised revenue and profit in previous roles. Bring specific examples of how your decisions impacted the bottom line.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
This role requires a strong strategic mindset. Prepare to discuss your experience with Joint Business Planning and how you've used data-driven insights to drive growth. Think about specific instances where your strategic decisions led to successful outcomes in category management.
✨Build Relationships
Relationship management is key in this position. Be prepared to talk about how you've built and maintained relationships with senior contacts in retail. Highlight your ability to influence at all levels and provide examples of how you've navigated complex stakeholder environments.
✨Embrace the Fast-Paced Environment
This role thrives in a fast-paced setting, so show your resilience and adaptability. Share experiences where you've successfully managed multiple priorities or adapted to rapid changes in the market. This will demonstrate that you can handle the dynamic nature of the FMCG industry.
