At a Glance
- Tasks: Build relationships with customers and drive innovative projects in the FMCG sector.
- Company: Join Solent Group, a leader in bespoke product innovation across various categories.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hours, extensive benefits, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making an extraordinary impact in the retail industry.
- Qualifications: Minimum 2 years managing national accounts, ideally in FMCG or food sectors.
- Other info: Remote work available with excellent career growth and social events.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Solent Group works with a diverse portfolio of Retailers and supplies bespoke products within various categories, including Health & Beauty, Household Impulse Snacking and Reusable Bags. We are proud to be best-in-class when it comes to own-label product innovation. Our Categories are fast-paced with ever-evolving trends and a host of ground-breaking products coming to market on a regular basis - we add value to retailers by leading and owning each category.
Here at Solent, we want people to be extraordinary. We pride ourselves on creating and producing amazing products and brands for our Global Customers. You will be joining a company with offices globally across South Africa, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam, and the UK.
Purpose of the role:
Solent Group is seeking a dynamic National Account Manager to build relationships with our customers and manufacturing partners. You will develop existing accounts and look for new business to add to our already prestigious portfolio. This role is responsible for planning and overseeing all aspects of projects while meeting set targets. You will be an experienced National Account Manager within FMCG (ideally foods) who has an exceptional track record of maintaining and growing a customer base while ensuring all members of the team are motivated and inspired to hit business goals and objectives. Strong commercial acumen coupled with a desire to go above and beyond is key for this role.
Key Responsibilities:
- Bring your passion and enthusiasm to grow existing clients, alongside generating new business
- Live the Solent Values and work with your teams to drive the Vision
- Work with all departments to ensure customer strategy is met
- Formulate customer-specific sales plan/strategy
- You will be working independently alongside a pre-set sales strategy to achieve account-specific budgets
- Understand customer KPIs, and targets and review performance, with knowledge and proposals to reach category standards
- Relentlessly pioneer the future and pursue ambitious growth opportunities in your customers
- Be resourceful and employ innovative solutions to deliver value, gross margin & volume targets for your customers
- Contribute to the wider sales team and support other colleagues with their accounts
- Assign, monitor and co-ordinate project milestones and progress, with both internal and external stakeholders
- Lead and plan the implementation of the project (resource, relationship, allocation)
- Ensure visibility and feedback is maintained
About you:
- Minimum 2 years' experience managing national accounts, ideally top 6 grocers
- Strong commercial acumen
- Retail/FMCG/Food experience essential, ideally top 6 grocers
- Experience across our product categories, ideally in Foods/Manufacturing and or Private Label
- Appetite/experience with international grocers
- Detail-oriented with an ability to multi-task and set priorities
- Experience in Critical Path Management
- Resource Planning & Allocation
- Project Risk Assessment
- Familiar with using Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Excel, and PowerPoint
What we offer:
- Competitive salary with annual salary reviews
- 25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 27 days after 3 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
- Extensive benefits program including buying additional holiday, medical cash plan, access to mental health support and many other benefits
- Flexible hours and work from home available to all staff
- Great learning and development and progression opportunities
- Yearly bonus structure (based on company targets)
- Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
- Generous Company Sick Pay
- Pension Scheme Contribution
- Solent social events run by our in-house Social Team
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Dress down Fridays
- Free parking on Christchurch Quay
National Account Manager - Foods employer: Solent Group
Contact Detail:
Solent Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land National Account Manager - Foods
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the FMCG and food sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and donβt be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
β¨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the brand! When you get that interview, make sure to express your enthusiasm for Solent Group and its innovative products. Share how your experience aligns with their values and how you can contribute to their mission of being extraordinary.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Brush up on common interview questions for National Account Managers and think about how your past experiences can showcase your commercial acumen and ability to grow client relationships. Practice makes perfect!
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows youβre genuinely interested in joining the Solent team. Letβs get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace National Account Manager - Foods
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about the opportunity to work with our diverse portfolio and contribute to our innovative products.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure to customise your CV to highlight your experience in FMCG and account management. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs, so donβt be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences are easy to spot. Use bullet points if it helps to break down your information!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youβre considered for this exciting opportunity at Solent Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at Solent Group
β¨Know Your Products Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure youβre familiar with Solent Group's product categories, especially in Foods. Research their latest innovations and understand how they add value to retailers. This will show your genuine interest and help you discuss how you can contribute to their success.
β¨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples from your past experience that highlight your strong commercial acumen. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed accounts, met KPIs, and driven growth. Use specific metrics to illustrate your achievements and how they align with Solent's goals.
β¨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
As a National Account Manager, building relationships is key. Think of instances where youβve developed strong partnerships with clients or stakeholders. Be prepared to share these stories and explain how you can apply those skills at Solent Group to foster collaboration and drive results.
β¨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and project management skills. Practice articulating your thought process on how you would handle challenges related to account management, resource allocation, or meeting tight deadlines. This will demonstrate your readiness for the fast-paced environment at Solent.