National Account Manager

Overview of the Business

Our client is a premium, high-quality food business with a strong reputation in the UK market, specialising in artisanal and speciality products. Supplying both retail and foodservice channels, the company operates across a portfolio of branded and Own Label ranges, with a focus on quality, provenance and long-term customer partnerships.

With continued growth across key accounts, the business is looking to strengthen its commercial team with a National Account Manager to drive performance across one of their most strategic customers.

Overview of the Role

This role is responsible for managing a key retail customer, with full accountability for delivering profitable growth across both branded and Own Label ranges. The account is established and also has a high growth potential so will need an ambitious individual looking to drive growth!

You will play a central role in developing customer relationships, leading commercial planning and ensuring delivery against volume, value and margin targets. The position requires a highly organised and commercially astute individual who can operate cross-functionally and influence both internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Deliver against agreed targets for volume, revenue and commercial margin.
• Own the forecasting process, working cross-functionally with Supply Chain and Finance to ensure accurate and robust projections.
• Identify and manage risks and opportunities to ensure delivery of budget.
• Lead and deliver successful NPD launches, driving incremental growth across the portfolio.
• Develop a deep understanding of customer strategy and translate this into clear internal plans.
• Act as the key interface between the customer and internal teams, facilitating alignment and execution.
• Build and execute a structured customer contact strategy across all levels and functions.
• Lead customer projects internally, ensuring delivery of both branded and Own Label propositions.
• Implement pricing strategies, including cost price increases, while maintaining strong customer relationships.
• Contribute to the annual budgeting process for assigned customers.
• Manage and resolve credit and debit claims in collaboration with Finance teams.

Qualifications

• Experience within a Sales or Account Management role, ideally within food or FMCG.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing budgets and P&L performance.
• Proven experience managing complex forecasting and delivering against targets.
• Excellent analytical and numerical capability with strong attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to interpret data and translate into actionable commercial plans.
• Highly organised with strong project management capability.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).