At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key accounts in the toy industry and drive profitable growth.
- Company: Join a dynamic team working with exciting toy brands.
- Benefits: Fun, fast-paced environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Perfect for those eager to develop into a National Account Manager.
- Why this job: Step up your career while bringing innovative toys to market.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail account management and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a commercially driven and ambitious Key Account Manager to join our dynamic toy client. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a portfolio of well-loved brands and a constant pipeline of innovation in a highly seasonal and fast-moving category.
You’ll take ownership of a portfolio of customer accounts while supporting larger, strategic retail partners. This role is ideal for someone ready to step up from a Sales Executive position and develop towards a National Account Manager role within a fun, competitive, and collaborative environment.
Role Purpose
The Key Account Manager is responsible for delivering profitable growth across a portfolio of customer accounts within the toy and retail sector. You will own Tier 3 and selected Tier 2 accounts while supporting Tier 1 national retailers, combining independent account management with exposure to complex commercial negotiations.
Role Scope & Accountability
- Own a portfolio of independent and mid-tier retail accounts (including toy specialists, online retailers, and grocers)
- Support major national retailers as part of a wider account team
- Deliver revenue and Direct Gross Profit (DGP) targets
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Demand Planning, Marketing, Product Development, and Finance
- Contribute to successful product launches and seasonal campaigns
Core Responsibilities
- Account Strategy & Pre-Season Planning
- Build and deliver seasonal account plans aligned to key toy industry peaks (e.g. Christmas, Easter)
- Support planning for major retail accounts with insight and analysis
- Develop compelling product ranges and promotions tailored to each customer
- Understand market trends, competitor activity, and consumer demand
- Seasonal Preview & Commercial Negotiation
- Lead line reviews and range presentations for independent and mid-tier customers
- Support or co-lead presentations for major retail accounts
- Negotiate pricing, promotions, and space with clear commercial rationale
- Manage customer expectations around new product launches and availability
- Commitment & Forecast Management
- Secure seasonal commitments aligned to critical trading periods
- Maintain accurate forecasts, especially around peak seasons
- Work closely with Demand Planning to ensure stock availability
- Proactively manage risks relating to supply or demand fluctuations
- In-Season Execution & Performance Management
- Monitor sales performance vs forecast during peak trading periods
- Ensure strong on-shelf availability and online execution
- Manage promotions and react quickly to in-season trends
- Maintain clear and proactive communication with customers
- Post-Season Review & Continuous Improvement
- Lead post-season performance reviews with customers
- Analyse sell-through, promotions, and product success
- Capture insights to improve future ranges and forecasts
What We’re Looking For
Skills & Competencies
- Commercial & Analytical Thinking
- Strong understanding of retail dynamics and margin drivers
- Ability to analyse sales data and translate into action
- Executional Excellence
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple customers during peak seasons
- Relationship Management
- Confident communicator with the ability to influence buyers
- Strong relationship-building skills across internal and external stakeholders
Experience & Capability
- Experience in FMCG, toys, consumer goods, or retail account management
- Proven progression from Sales Executive or similar role
- Experience working with retailers (e.g. grocers, online, or specialists)
- Strong commercial acumen and numerical skills
- Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
- Full UK driving licence
Personal Attributes
- Passion for consumer products and the toy industry
- Energetic, proactive, and solutions-focused
- Thrives in a seasonal, deadline-driven environment
- Eager to develop into a National Account Manager
Development Path
This role provides a clear pathway into a National Account Manager position, offering:
- Ownership of customer relationships
- Exposure to major retail accounts
- Experience in complex negotiations and product launches
Why Join The Company?
- Work with exciting, innovative toy brands
- Be part of a fun, fast-paced, and collaborative team
- Play a key role in bringing products to market during peak seasons
- Excellent career progression opportunities
Key Account Manager in Flitwick employer: Quality Personnel
Contact Detail:
Quality Personnel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Account Manager in Flitwick
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the toy industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Key Account Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its products. Show your passion for the toy industry and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their success. Bring your A-game and make sure to highlight your commercial acumen!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings; proactively reach out to companies you admire. Send them a message expressing your interest in potential opportunities. Sometimes, the best roles aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your application in the best light possible. Let’s get you that Key Account Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Manager in Flitwick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Key Account Manager role. Highlight your experience in retail account management and any relevant achievements in sales to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for the toy industry and explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention how you can contribute to our exciting portfolio of brands.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong commercial and analytical thinking, be sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can turn numbers into actionable insights!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our fun and dynamic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Quality Personnel
✨Know Your Toy Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the toy industry. Familiarise yourself with current trends, popular brands, and seasonal peaks like Christmas and Easter. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion for the sector and show that you're ready to take ownership of customer accounts.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive sales in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've analysed sales data and translated it into actionable strategies. This will highlight your commercial acumen and ability to manage multiple accounts effectively.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Since the role involves complex commercial negotiations, think of past experiences where you've successfully negotiated pricing or promotions. Be ready to role-play a negotiation scenario during the interview to showcase your confidence and relationship management skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
The Key Account Manager role requires strong organisational abilities, especially during peak seasons. Share specific examples of how you've managed multiple projects or accounts simultaneously, ensuring on-shelf availability and effective communication with customers.