At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage key national retail accounts and drive new business opportunities.
- Company: Join a fast-growing, health-focused drinks brand transforming the FMCG market.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a competitive salary, and a monthly wellness allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic start-up and build strong customer relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK grocery national account management and a strong commercial background required.
- Other info: Work directly with the CEO and be part of an ambitious team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 66000 £ per year.
High-Growth FMCG Start-up (Grocery & Health Channels)
Location: Flexible hybrid working, Central London
Essential: UK grocery national account management experience
Looking to make a real impact in a high-growth FMCG start-up? We are partnered with a fast-moving, health-focused drinks brand on a mission to transform the market — and we’re looking for a commercially sharp, entrepreneurial National Account Manager to join their growing team at a VERY exciting time.
Reporting directly to the CEO, you’ll take full ownership of key accounts and play a leading role in driving new business opportunities as the business scales. If you’re passionate about building brands from the ground up, love the thrill of winning new business, and have experience scaling national accounts (ideally from first wins through to £3M+ turnover), this could be the role for you.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Account Management
- Day-to-day management of a major national retail account (e.g Holland & Barrett and more)
- Lead all promotional planning, marketing activities, and performance reporting
- Build strong relationships with buyers, supply chain teams, and marketing contacts
- Oversee wholesaler relationships, managing promotional plans and demand forecasting
- Ensure retailer marketing activity is fully aligned with brand strategies
- Work closely with the founder to support and drive new business wins
- Target and secure listings with major grocers (e.g., Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Ocado)
- Develop new opportunities in contract catering and travel sectors
- Manage outreach and negotiation from first contact to listing
- Shape and implement a strong trade marketing strategy in collaboration with the leadership team
- Brief creative agencies to develop high-impact, on-brand materials
- Represent the brand at key trade shows and build relationships with industry stakeholders
What We’re Looking For:
- A strong commercial leader with full P&L management experience
- A proven track record of winning and growing national retail accounts
- Deep understanding of the grocery channel and/or health sector
- Excellent relationship-building, negotiation, and strategic planning skills
- Highly organised with a proactive, entrepreneurial spirit
- Experience in an FMCG start-up, challenger brand, or fast-growth environment is highly desirable
What’s On Offer:
- £45,000 - £55,000 base salary + performance related bonus
- Flexible working — mix of home, co-working spaces, and office meetups
- Company pension scheme (3% employer contribution)
- 25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays
- Monthly healthy living allowance towards gym memberships, wellness initiatives, or health insurance
- Leadership development and continuous learning opportunities
Excited to join a passionate, ambitious team creating something genuinely different? If you’re motivated by making a real impact, building strong customer relationships, and helping grow an exciting FMCG challenger brand, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact Detail:
YF Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land National Account Manager - Grocery
✨Tip Number 1
Network within the FMCG industry, especially with professionals who have experience in grocery national account management. Attend industry events and trade shows to meet potential contacts and learn about the latest trends in the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the specific grocery retailers mentioned in the job description, such as Sainsbury’s and Waitrose. Understand their business models, recent news, and how your skills can help them achieve their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous successes in managing national accounts, particularly any experience that led to significant turnover growth. Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve built relationships and secured listings.
✨Tip Number 4
Show your passion for health-focused products and the FMCG sector during conversations. Highlight any relevant experience or personal interests that align with the company’s mission to transform the market.
We think you need these skills to ace National Account Manager - Grocery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your UK grocery national account management experience. Focus on specific achievements, such as successful account growth or new business wins, to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the FMCG sector and your entrepreneurial spirit. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities of the National Account Manager role and why you want to join this high-growth start-up.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, emphasise your experience in managing major retail accounts and any successful promotional planning or marketing activities you've led. Use metrics to quantify your success, such as turnover figures or growth percentages.
Highlight Relationship-Building Skills: Since the role requires excellent relationship-building skills, provide examples of how you've successfully built and maintained relationships with buyers and other stakeholders in your previous positions. This will show your ability to thrive in a collaborative environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at YF
✨Showcase Your Grocery Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous experience in UK grocery national account management. Be prepared to discuss specific accounts you've managed and the strategies you employed to grow those relationships.
✨Demonstrate Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
This role requires a proactive and entrepreneurial mindset. Share examples of how you've taken initiative in past roles, particularly in fast-paced or start-up environments, to drive new business opportunities.
✨Prepare for Relationship Building
Since building strong relationships is key, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your ability to connect with buyers and other stakeholders effectively.
✨Understand the Brand's Vision
Research the health-focused drinks brand thoroughly. Understand their mission and values, and be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. This will show your genuine interest in the company and its goals.