At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth by managing national retail accounts and executing strategic business plans.
- Company: Join a fast-growing challenger brand in the grocery sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting scale-up phase with a successful CEO leading the way.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in FMCG sales/account management with strong commercial acumen.
We’re partnering with a challenger brand in a high-growth, highly competitive category, as they look to hire a National Account Manager to help accelerate the next phase of UK retail growth. The business is scaling quickly, has strong category demand, massively on trend, and is now building a team to take the business through the next phase of growth.
This role will sit within the UK grocery/retail side of the business which is currently ambient but will be bringing huge amounts of NPD through to grow onto different shelves, with a clear need to realign accounts around brand and category strategy, strengthen JBPs, and build relationships with the major buying teams. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who wants to join a challenger brand through a genuine scale-up phase, which is rare in the north. There's a CEO at the helm with past success in growing challenger brands.
Key Responsibilities:- Own full P&L responsibility for designated national retail and wholesale accounts
- Develop and execute Joint Business Plans aligned to ambitious growth objectives
- Lead commercial negotiations across pricing, promotions, distribution, and annual agreements
- Drive distribution gains, NPD listings, and strong promotional execution in-store and online
- Work cross-functionally with supply chain, marketing, finance, and NPD to deliver plans flawlessly
- Analyse sales data, margin performance, and customer profitability to inform decisions
- Manage forecasting inputs and support demand planning and supply alignment
- Build relationships with key buyer/category contacts, and help open doors into larger grocery opportunities
- 3–5 years’ FMCG sales/account management experience
- Proven experience managing UK grocery, convenience and/or wholesale customers
- Strong commercial acumen with P&L ownership and JBP delivery
- Confident negotiating with buyers and managing annual trading agreements
- Solid understanding of category management and shopper insight
- Analytical mindset (strong Excel), commercially disciplined, and comfortable in a challenger environment
If the role and responsibilities sound like a good fit for you, then I’d love to speak to you!
National Account Manager in Leeds employer: The Advocate Group
Join a dynamic and rapidly growing challenger brand as a National Account Manager in the Leeds area, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of UK retail. With a strong focus on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and the opportunity to drive innovative product launches, this company offers a unique environment for ambitious professionals looking to make a significant impact. Enjoy competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to work alongside a successful CEO who has a proven track record in scaling brands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Account Manager in Leeds
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like National Account Manager at The Advocate Group, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including The Advocate Group. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a National Account Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace National Account Manager in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for The Advocate Group:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for The Advocate Group. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Advocate Group
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show The Advocate Group that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show The Advocate Group that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with The Advocate Group’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
