At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth and manage key retail partnerships in the premium food sector.
- Company: Fast-growing premium food business known for artisanal products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and great benefits.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities with a focus on innovative product launches.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in a thriving industry.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in sales or account management, preferably in food or FMCG.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 48000 £ per year.
Role: NAM - M&S / Waitrose
Sector: High End Food
Location: Sevenoaks area (3 days PW, WFO 2 days)
Salary: c.£48,000 + Car + Bonus + Benefits
The Business
Our client is a fast-growing, premium food business renowned for exceptional artisanal and speciality products across the UK market. Supplying both retail and foodservice, they combine heritage, quality and provenance across a portfolio of branded and Own Label ranges, building long-term partnerships with leading customers.
Following continued growth, they are looking for an ambitious National Account Manager to take ownership of one of their most strategic retail partnerships and help drive the next phase of commercial success.
The Opportunity
This is a high-impact role with full responsibility for delivering profitable growth across branded and Own Label products within a key retail account. Working cross-functionally, you’ll shape customer strategy, lead commercial planning and drive performance across volume, value and margin targets. You’ll be central to launching exciting new products, strengthening customer relationships and unlocking new opportunities for growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive volume, revenue and margin performance across a major retail customer.
- Lead forecasting in partnership with Supply Chain and Finance to deliver accurate, commercially robust plans.
- Identify risks and opportunities to maximise growth and deliver budget.
- Deliver successful NPD launches, creating incremental growth across the portfolio.
- Build deep customer insight and translate strategy into clear internal action plans.
- Act as the key link between customer and internal teams to ensure seamless execution.
- Develop strong relationships across multiple customer touchpoints and functions.
- Lead pricing strategies and commercial negotiations while maintaining trusted partnerships.
- Support annual budgeting and collaborate with Finance on claims management.
What We’re Looking For
- At least 3 years Sales or Account Management, ideally within premium food or FMCG but open to other areas if candidates are passionate foodies!
- Strong commercial acumen with P&L and budget management experience.
- Proven forecasting capability and a track record of delivering growth.
- Analytical, highly organised and confident turning insight into action.
- Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong Microsoft Office capability, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
Why Join?
This is an exciting opportunity to join a respected premium food business at a pivotal stage of growth, working with exceptional products and a highly strategic customer base.
Locations
Junior NAM - M&S / Waitrose in Kent, Sevenoaks employer: Vertical Advantage
Contact Detail:
Vertical Advantage Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior NAM - M&S / Waitrose in Kent, Sevenoaks
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the food industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their values and what makes them stand out in the premium food market. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of National Account Manager. Highlight your commercial acumen and any successful projects you've led. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get your application in and let’s make things happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior NAM - M&S / Waitrose in Kent, Sevenoaks
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Junior NAM role. Highlight your sales or account management experience, especially in premium food or FMCG, to show us you’re a great fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about food and how your background makes you the perfect candidate for this exciting opportunity. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen and ability to drive growth. Numbers speak volumes, so don’t shy away from sharing metrics that highlight your success!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Advantage
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the company’s product range, especially their artisanal and speciality items. Being able to discuss specific products and how they fit into the market will show your passion for food and understanding of the brand.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples from your past experience that highlight your ability to drive revenue and manage budgets. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully forecasted sales or launched new products, as this role requires strong commercial skills.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since relationship-building is key in this role, practice engaging with your interviewers. Show genuine interest in their experiences and insights about the company. This will not only help you stand out but also demonstrate your interpersonal skills.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
Think of thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about their customer strategy or how they measure success in new product launches. This shows you’re not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to the company's growth.