At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic plans and manage key accounts in the spirits industry.
- Company: Join Sazerac UK, a leader in exceptional spirits brands like Buffalo Trace and Fireball.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible home-based work and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving brand visibility and sales in a vibrant market.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing national accounts and strong negotiation skills are essential.
- Other info: Ideal for self-starters passionate about the spirits industry.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: UK Home Based – Ideally in the South
Reports To: National Account Controller, Sazerac UK
About Sazerac UK: Based in London, Sazerac UK is building an extensive portfolio of exceptional spirits brands. Our diverse portfolio of award-winning Sazerac brands includes the UK’s fastest-growing bourbon brand, Buffalo Trace, the powerhouse brand, Southern Comfort and the hottest shot brand in the UK, Fireball. We are proud to also build partner spirits brands in the UK including the number 1 sambuca, Antica Sambuca, the fastest growing shot brand, Tequila Rose and the number 1 independent super premium flavoured gin, Warner’s.
Role Overview: As a National Account Manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing strategic commercial plans across key Cash & Carry and Travel convenience customers. You will play a critical role in building long-term partnerships, driving sales, increasing brand visibility, and achieving ambitious volume and profitability targets.
Key Responsibilities:
- Account Management: Lead the commercial relationships with major Cash & Carry customers, and key Travel Retail Route to Market operators.
- Strategic Planning: Develop and execute annual joint business plans (JBPs) and promotional calendars aligned to Sazerac brand plans, and each customer’s strategy.
- Sales & Forecasting: Deliver volume, NSV, and gross profit targets, manage accurate forecasting and demand planning in collaboration with our operations teams.
- Trade Execution: Maximise in-depot execution and visibility through impactful activations using bespoke brand POS, and digital content.
- Route to Market: Manage and enhance relationships with key partners in the Travel Retail Route to Market channel, ensuring strong execution of promotional plans.
- Negotiation & Commercial Terms: Negotiate pricing, promotional investment, and commercial terms in line with company strategy and CPI’s.
- Internal Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with marketing, operations, and finance teams to ensure flawless executions.
- Insights & Reporting: Utilise data and insights to inform decisions, evaluate performance, and identify new growth opportunities.
Candidate Profile
Essential Experience & Skills:
- Proven track record of managing key national accounts in the Cash & Carry channel (e.g. Booker, Bestway, Unitas, or Costco).
- Experience managing Travel convenience retail and route to market customers.
- Strong negotiation and commercial acumen, with ability to manage P&L.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
- Self-starter with a high level of initiative and drive.
- Analytical and insight-driven, with good understanding of the UK spirit’s market.
Desirable:
- Experience in premium spirits, FMCG, or drinks industry.
- WSET qualification or passion for spirits and drinks categories.
- Bachelor's degree in business.
National Account Manager employer: Sazerac UK
Contact Detail:
Sazerac UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land National Account Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the spirits and FMCG industries. Attend industry events, trade shows, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Sazerac UK’s portfolio and understand their key brands. Familiarise yourself with their market positioning and recent campaigns, as this knowledge will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and alignment with their business goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with key national accounts, particularly in the Cash & Carry channel. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed relationships and driven sales growth in similar roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by being prepared to discuss how you’ve used data to inform decisions in past roles. Highlight any experience you have with forecasting and demand planning, as these are crucial for the National Account Manager position.
We think you need these skills to ace National Account Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in managing national accounts, particularly in the Cash & Carry channel. Use specific examples that demonstrate your success in driving sales and building relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of Sazerac UK and its brands. Mention your passion for the spirits industry and how your skills align with the responsibilities of the National Account Manager role.
Highlight Key Achievements: In your application, emphasise any quantifiable achievements related to sales targets, account management, or successful negotiations. This will help illustrate your capability to meet the ambitious goals set by Sazerac.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Since the role requires data-driven decision-making, include examples of how you've used insights and analytics in previous roles to inform strategies or improve performance. This will demonstrate your analytical mindset.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sazerac UK
✨Know Your Brands
Familiarise yourself with Sazerac's portfolio, especially the key brands mentioned in the job description. Understanding their unique selling points and market positioning will help you demonstrate your passion for the role and the products.
✨Showcase Your Account Management Skills
Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed national accounts, particularly in the Cash & Carry channel. Highlight specific strategies you implemented and the results achieved to showcase your expertise.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you would develop and execute joint business plans. Think about how you can align Sazerac's brand plans with customer strategies, and be prepared to share ideas on promotional calendars and activations.
✨Highlight Your Negotiation Skills
Since negotiation is a key part of the role, prepare to discuss your approach to negotiating pricing and commercial terms. Share specific examples of successful negotiations and how they benefited your previous employers.