National Account Manager

Role: National Account Manager (Discounters)

Location: Home-based (England) with occasional travel

We're looking for a commercially driven and ambitious Customer Manager to take full ownership of a key national discounters account. This is a high-impact role where you'll lead the day-to-day commercial management of a strategically important customer, delivering sustainable and profitable growth across our portfolio of food brands.

You'll be responsible for achieving Net Sales Value (NSV) targets across multiple categories, leading all aspects of trading activity including promotional planning, forecasting, pricing initiatives, and annual commercial negotiations. With full P&L accountability, you'll play a pivotal role in driving performance while building strong, long-term customer relationships and delivering exceptional service.

Working cross-functionally, you'll collaborate with Category, Marketing, NPD, Supply Chain, Finance, and Demand Planning teams to develop and execute customer plans aligned with both business and customer strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of a confidential national discounter account, delivering against Sales, Profit, Distribution, and NPD objectives.
• Develop and execute Joint Business Plans (JBPs), regularly reviewing performance and identifying opportunities for growth.
• Lead forecasting, reporting, and performance analysis, providing commercially focused insights and recommendations.
• Plan and deliver promotional programmes and shopper activation initiatives aligned with brand and customer strategies.
• Manage full P&L responsibility, ensuring profitable growth and effective trade investment.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with buyers and key stakeholders across the customer organisation.
• Work collaboratively with internal cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution and best-in-class customer service.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer strategies to identify risks and commercial opportunities.

What We're Looking For

• Degree educated or equivalent commercial experience.
• Proven FMCG sales experience, ideally within a blue-chip environment.
• Experience managing major grocery or discounter accounts, including Joint Business Planning and commercial negotiations.
• Background across branded and/or own label products, ideally within food categories.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering profitable growth.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Skilled negotiator with experience applying structured negotiation frameworks.
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, dynamic commercial environment.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strong commercial planning and trading capability.
• Analytical mindset with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to identify opportunities and risks, making informed commercial decisions.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Highly motivated with a strong focus on delivering business objectives.

Role Scope

• Full P&L responsibility