At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead key retail accounts, driving sales growth and strategic planning.
- Company: Dynamic FMCG company focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Free food, discounts, financial wellbeing support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a commitment to sustainability and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while building valuable relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing FMCG accounts and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role will be responsible for leading commercial relationships with our key national retail customers. You will be responsible for driving sales growth, profitability, and category performance through strategic account planning, negotiation, and execution. You will ensure that the brand and commercial strategies are effectively delivered while maximizing distribution, visibility, and promotional impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and grow strategic relationships with our national retail accounts.
- Develop and execute joint business plans (JBPs), including annual negotiations, pricing, and trade terms.
- Ensure that all data, information, and admin required to support the customer relationship is rigorously and robustly managed.
- Lead business reviews with your customers to track performance and identify new opportunities.
- Grow your network and engagement across retail customer teams.
- P&L management – deliver sales, volume and margin targets for your customers.
- Ownership of the commercial P&L for your customer, ensure budgets are met and we are investing in the right areas to drive business growth.
- Manage investment budgets (shopper, trade spend, promo, ORD) ensuring maximum ROI.
- Drive distribution gains, shelf visibility, and compliance with agreed plans.
- Identify and action growth opportunities and risk mitigation strategies.
Forecasting & Planning
- Undertake sales analysis & reporting for your accounts using internal systems, customer data, and category insight tools.
- Build accurate bottom‑up customer forecasts for review in internal S&OP process – Lead and present M2 meets (customer demand meet) as part of S&OP process.
- Align customer plans with internal commercial and brand strategies.
- Field sales – planning, managing budget for most effective ROI, implementing, and reporting for your account.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with marketing, category, supply chain, and finance teams to ensure strong customer execution.
- Partner with demand planning to maintain high service levels and in-store availability and forecast accuracy.
- Share insights on customer needs, competitor activity, and category trends.
- Be the commercial lead on ad hoc assigned projects (eg. NPD, EPD, new categories, new customers).
- Support in the evolution and improvement of key business processes and control documents.
- Embed Seiyaku ESG commitments (Net Zero, Sustainable Sourcing, Reduce Waste, Socially Responsible) into customer joint business plans, identifying and delivering initiatives that support both commercial growth and ESG targets.
Category & Insight‑Led Selling
- Use sales, insight and category data (IRI, Kantar etc.) to build compelling stories for customers.
- Monitor market performance, promotional activity, and category dynamics.
- Recommend improvements to product mix, pricing, and promotional strategy.
Our Requirements
- Proven experience managing branded FMCG grocery accounts.
- Commercially astute.
- Good understanding & appreciation of supporting functions (supply chain, food, procurement etc.).
- Ability to build strong business relationships and mutually profitable business solutions.
- Adaptable and agile with excellent organisation and project management skills.
- Ability to use data and insights to solve problems and identify opportunities.
- Pro‑active with growth orientated mindset.
- Experience in short shelf life chilled highly desirable.
- Experience and confidence using Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
Benefits
- A great working environment.
- Refer A Friend Scheme.
- Free Sushi or hot food (vegan options available).
- 50% discount in our Branches.
- Employee Assistant Programme – a service providing health and wellbeing support.
- Long Service Awards.
- Wagestream – a financial wellbeing benefit that lets you access your pay as you earn it in real time and manage savings.
- Life Assurance.
- Electric Vehicle Scheme through Octopus.
- Cycle To Work.
- Free on‑site parking.
- A variety of discounts (shopping, food & drink, entertainment and health & fitness) through Perkbox.
- The opportunity to develop your skills within a growing company.
(*please note that certain benefits may not apply to fixed term contracts)
National Account Manager (FTC) in London employer: Wasabi Sushi & Bento
As a National Account Manager at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With benefits like flexible working options, a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, and opportunities for skill development, we foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying unique perks such as free meals and discounts, all within a company committed to sustainability and social responsibility.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Account Manager (FTC) in London
✨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 (FTC) at Wasabi Sushi & Bento, 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 Wasabi Sushi & Bento. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a National Account Manager (FTC). Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace National Account Manager (FTC) in London
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 Wasabi Sushi & Bento:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Wasabi Sushi & Bento. 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 Wasabi Sushi & Bento
✨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 Wasabi Sushi & Bento 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 Wasabi Sushi & Bento 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 Wasabi Sushi & Bento’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.