National Account Manager

Overview:

My client is seeking a dynamic National Account Manager to join a leading food processing company. In this role, you'll be essential to driving revenue growth and boosting margin performance through innovative and targeted sales strategies. Working closely with the Account Director, you'll craft customer plans that deliver a "triple win" for the company, customers, and consumers alike.

Role Highlights:

As a National Account Manager, your primary mission will be to drive sustainable, competitive growth in key categories. You’ll achieve this by developing and executing joint business plans, launching consumer-focused promotions, and outperforming market competitors. Key responsibilities include managing commercial price negotiations and winning new business through annual tenders and insights-driven product innovation.

This opportunity is ideal for someone looking to advance in the food sector, leveraging previous experience in account management to make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy Execution: Implement the commercial strategy set out by the Commercial Director, aligning with broader business objectives.
• Business Development: Collaborate with internal teams, including operations and technical, to identify and develop new products and business opportunities.
• Market & Consumer Insights: Identify consumer and market trends to maximize growth potential.
• Budget Achievement: Achieve budgetary targets, analyze performance variances, and recommend corrective actions as necessary.
• Customer Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong, lasting relationships with key customer accounts through regular visits.
• Sales Forecasting: Accurately forecast sales and seasonal trends to support the planning team.
• Reporting & Analysis: Prepare detailed customer visit reports and maintain up-to-date account information.
• Commercial Reporting: Contribute to monthly commercial board packs with data-driven insights, presenting and discussing key account performance.
• Team Management: Lead direct reports, providing training, direction, and support to ensure that business objectives are met.

Skills and Experience Required

• Industry Knowledge: In-depth understanding of food manufacturing processes and the ability to uphold industry-leading standards for compliance and quality on behalf of customers.
• Leadership Abilities: Demonstrated experience in commercial leadership, especially in the protein or chilled food sectors. Specific experience in pork is welcome but not essential.
• Financial & Business Acumen: Strong financial understanding and business insight, with the ability to meet budgetary goals and develop winning account strategies.
• Customer-Centric Approach: Exceptional communication skills and a proven ability to build and sustain relationships at all levels within customer organisations.
• Team Player: Collaborative, adaptable, and committed to delivering the best outcomes for customers, aligning with their trading and strategic goals.

This role is ideal for candidates seeking a significant step forward in their career, where they can bring their expertise to bear in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment. If you’re passionate about the food industry and ready for new challenges, this could be the perfect next move.