At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and grow major buying groups while achieving sales and margin budgets.
- Company: Sika, a global leader in specialty chemicals for construction and manufacturing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, generous holiday, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Inclusive environment with opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Why this job: Shape strategies for key accounts and drive market share growth in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2 years in Key Account Management with strong IT and CRM skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Sika is a speciality chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and industrial manufacturing. Sika has subsidiaries in 102 countries around the world and, in over 400 factories, produces innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation sector towards greater environmental compatibility.
About the role
We are looking for a National Key Account Manager with a proven track record of growing both sales and margin in Buying Groups, National Accounts or a region. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and growing the major buying groups. The team currently consists of 4 regional sales managers and 16 BDMs spanning both buying group and independent customers. This role would suit an individual that is proactive, has strong analytical and communication skills, a proven track record for building strong relationships and who is enthusiastic with a drive to succeed.
Purpose of the Role
To maximise profitable growth through strategic account management and customer relationship ownership.
What’s In it for You?
- Achieve and exceed sales and margin budgets
- Shape the long‑term strategy for key buying groups
- Grow market share across the UK buying group distribution market
- Access ongoing professional development including Sika Business School
Rewards
You will be rewarded with a competitive salary, and a sweep of great benefits. We pride ourselves on our total reward package:
- Bonus Scheme
- Holiday 25 days rising to 28 days with service, plus bank holidays
- Hybrid Working
- A company pension contribution of up to 10%
- Private healthcare for you, with option to add family
- Group life cover at 6x your annual salary
- Global Income Protection (PHI)
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Staff discount platform & Cycle to Work scheme
- Dedicated Service Awards for reaching key milestones
- Lunch allowance when field
- Selected discounted Sika products
Support
The UK Distribution team is one of trust, honesty & respect, motivation and fun, being supportive, sharing our passion and collaborating.
Skills
- Strong strategic and commercial acumen
- IT and CRM literacy
- Product/industry knowledge (advantageous)
- Communication and negotiation skills
- Commitment to ongoing development
A significant commitment to professional and personal development from day one, including a comprehensive local, product knowledge and leadership development initiatives complimented by a global Sika Business School offering.
The Future
Potential Career Routes: National Sales Manager where possible which could include other areas of Sika’s business. The opportunity to progress within a global company across a variety of business areas.
What we need from you?
- Minimum 2 years Key Account Management experience
- Proven track record of delivering results
- Strong IT and CRM skills
- Industry/competitor knowledge (advantageous)
Commitment towards Diversity
We welcome expressions of interest from all eligible applicants. The Construction Industry and the Sika salesforce remain disproportionately under‑represented by women and we therefore particularly welcome applications from women interested in a sales career in the building supplies and materials industry. Accordingly, we aim to provide an enabling and inclusive working environment for all.
We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based on skills relevant to the position, education and/or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
National Account Manager – Buying Groups employer: Sika
Sika is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development through initiatives like the Sika Business School, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme and private healthcare, and a culture built on trust and respect, Sika empowers its employees to thrive in their careers while contributing to sustainable practices in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Account Manager – Buying Groups
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Sika, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like National Account Manager – Buying Groups at Sika.
We think you need these skills to ace National Account Manager – Buying Groups
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sika
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
