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 while building strong customer relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK grocery national account management and a passion for brand building.
- Other info: Work closely with the CEO and be part of an ambitious, innovative 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.
- New Business Development: 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.
- Trade Marketing: 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.
National Account Manager - Grocery (London Area) employer: YF
Contact Detail:
YF Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land National Account Manager - Grocery (London Area)
✨Tip Number 1
Network within the FMCG sector, 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 health-focused drinks brand you’re applying to. Understand their product range, target audience, and recent marketing campaigns. This knowledge will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous successes in winning and growing national retail accounts. Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve driven new business opportunities and managed key accounts effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your entrepreneurial spirit by discussing any innovative strategies or initiatives you've implemented in past roles. Highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in fast-paced environments, which is crucial for a high-growth start-up.
We think you need these skills to ace National Account Manager - Grocery (London Area)
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 growing accounts or securing new listings, 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 work with a health-focused drinks brand.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, emphasise your experience in managing major retail accounts and any successful promotional planning you've led. Use metrics to quantify your success, such as turnover growth or new business wins.
Prepare for Interviews: If invited for an interview, be ready to discuss your strategic planning and relationship-building skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully negotiated listings with major grocers and how you've contributed to trade marketing strategies.
How to prepare for a job interview at YF
✨Showcase Your Account Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing national retail accounts. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully driven sales and built strong relationships with key stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
This role requires a proactive approach, so share instances where you've taken initiative in previous positions. Discuss how you've identified new business opportunities and contributed to growth in a fast-paced environment.
✨Understand the Brand and Market
Research the company’s products and their position in the market. Be ready to discuss how you can align your strategies with their brand vision and how you would approach promotional planning and marketing activities.
✨Prepare for Relationship-Building Questions
Expect questions about your relationship-building skills. Prepare to talk about how you've successfully negotiated with buyers and collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.