At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key retail accounts and drive growth for a fast-growing drinks brand.
- Company: Join a dynamic scale-up redefining functional beverages in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity, 25 days holiday, and free XOXO sodas!
- Other info: Be part of a team that values adaptability, ownership, and speed.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-growth environment with a culture-led brand.
- Qualifications: Experience managing national grocery accounts and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
We're one of the UK’s fast-growing drinks brand on a mission to redefine functional beverages.
As a scale-up, we operate in a dynamic, high-growth environment where adaptability, ownership, and speed matter.
The Role
XOXO is seeking an experienced Senior National Account Manager to own and grow our relationships with major UK grocery retail partners, including Sainsbury's, Co-op, Boots and Ocado (and many new listings!).
This role is critical in driving listings, distribution and rate of sale across our retail estate.
You will work closely with the founders to shape XOXO's commercial strategy and act as the key point of contact for our national retail accounts.
- What you'll be doing
- Account Management & Growth
- Own and manage relationships with key national retail accounts, including Sainsbury's, Co-op and Boots
- Develop and execute account plans that deliver distribution growth, new listings and increased rate of sale
- Act as the primary point of contact for buyers, category managers and retailer stakeholders
- Build long-term, trusted partnerships that support XOXO's growth ambitions across the UK
- Lead commercial negotiations on pricing, promotions, trading terms and listing agreements
- Develop and manage account budgets, forecasts and P&L for each retail partner
- Identify opportunities for new listings, range extensions and additional points of distribution
- Monitor competitor activity and market trends to inform commercial strategy
- Category & Retail Marketing
- Build category selling stories using market and sales data to support listing and space negotiations
- Partner with the marketing team to plan retailer-specific campaigns and in-store activations
- Support new product launches and market entry into additional retail accounts
- Track and report on sales performance, rate of sale and category ranking across accounts
- Supply Chain & Operations
- Work closely with supply chain to ensure forecast accuracy and service levels across accounts
- Support the resolution of any operational or fulfilment issues with retail partners
- Ensure compliance with retailer-specific requirements, including packaging, labelling and reporting
- Represent XOXO at retailer meetings, trade shows and industry events
- Work cross-functionally with marketing, finance and operations to align on commercial priorities
- Contribute to the wider commercial strategy and support the founders in setting sales targets
- As the team grows, support the recruitment and development of future account management hires
Who you are
- Confident, commercially-minded and able to build credibility with senior retailer stakeholders
- Entrepreneurial and hands-on, comfortable operating in a fast-moving scale-up environment
- Highly organised, data-driven and able to manage multiple accounts simultaneously
- Strong negotiator with excellent relationship-building skills
- Passionate about the better-for-you drinks category and building challenger brands
- Proven track record managing national grocery accounts within FMCG, ideally food and beverage
- Strong commercial acumen with experience in negotiation and P&L management
- Experience working directly with major UK grocery retailers
- Preferred Experience
- Experience in the soft drinks category
- Background in scaling challenger brands within retail
- Experience working closely with founders or senior leadership in a scale-up environment
- Be part of a fast-moving, culture-led brand that's changing the drinks game
- Competitive salary + equity
- 25 days holiday + UK bank holidays
- Make a real impact in a high-growth environment
• Free XOXO sodas in the office!
If you're excited about joining a culture-led brand with real momentum and ready to take ownership of our national retail relationships, we'd love to hear from you.
- Reporting to: Rory Paterson, Co-Founder & CEO
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior National Account Manager employer: XOXO SODA
At XOXO SODA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture in the heart of London. Our team is dedicated to innovation and growth, offering ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement while making a tangible impact in the drinks industry. Join us to be part of a dynamic environment where your contributions are valued and celebrated.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior National Account Manager
✨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 Senior National Account Manager at XOXO SODA, 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 XOXO SODA. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Senior National Account Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior National Account Manager
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 XOXO SODA:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for XOXO SODA. 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 XOXO SODA
✨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 XOXO SODA 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 XOXO SODA 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 XOXO SODA’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.