National Account Manager

Overview The Healthcare Business Unit has delivered significant growth over recent years and, following a number of internal promotions, we are seeking to appoint a new National Account Manager. This role will be responsible for driving the contractor business in alignment with the Healthcare Business Unit's strategic objectives. The successful candidate will be accountable for delivering new business sales targets, developing retention strategies for existing national accounts, and ensuring consistent commercial performance across their portfolio. The National Account Manager will take full ownership of their area of responsibility, delivering against clearly defined objectives, key performance indicators and growth plans. Working collaboratively with other National Account Managers and key internal stakeholders, they will contribute to the delivery of a market-leading National Accounts proposition and support the wider ambitions of the Healthcare team. Reporting to the Sales Manager, the National Account Manager will play an integral role in shaping and executing the healthcare growth strategy. This is a high-profile position that requires a balance of strategic account management, business development and commercial leadership, while maintaining a strong focus on customer outcomes and long-term partnership development. The successful candidate will work closely with the other National Account Managers and the Sales Manager to identify opportunities, strengthen customer relationships and drive sustainable growth across the contractor market. We are seeking an ambitious, commercially minded individual with a growth mindset, strong relationship-building skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, from operational teams through to senior executives and board-level decision makers. Within the agreed Healthcare Business Unit strategy, they will establish clear priorities and action plans to deliver industry-leading account retention, profitable growth and exceptional customer service. The role requires a proactive and resilient individual who can operate effectively within a fast-paced environment, demonstrating strategic thinking, commercial acumen and the ability to act with pace and agility to capitalise on opportunities and deliver results. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity for a high-performing individual looking to make a significant contribution to the continued growth and success of the Healthcare Business Unit. Who we are apetito is the UK’s leading food supplier to the health and social care sectors serving more than 1,300 care homes, healthcare and education settings. Our meals are expertly crafted by our dieticians and chefs, and then frozen to lock in the goodness. Wiltshire Farm Foods, our sister company, is the UK’s largest ready meal supplier cooking and delivering over 330 different delicious frozen ready meals across the UK Responsibilities Manage and develop a portfolio of major National Accounts, driving sales growth, profitability, contract retention and long-term partnerships. Deliver strong account performance within contractual agreements and KPI requirements. Ensure excellent customer service and support through collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Catering Consultants, Operations, Training and Marketing. Lead Strategic Review Meetings with contractor head office teams and support engagement across operational sites. Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, customers and contractor partners. Identify and deliver joint business initiatives that strengthen partnerships and create mutual growth opportunities. Achieve agreed account profitability through price reviews, menu optimisation, commercial reviews and value-added projects. Support tenders, business development activities and strategic growth initiatives to meet sales and profit targets. Promote and enhance apetito's value proposition, reinforcing its position as a market leader within healthcare. Develop and deliver projects that create competitive advantage and strengthen market position. Manage multiple stakeholders and priorities in a fast-paced, commercially driven environment. Protect and grow existing revenue streams while supporting contract renewals and long-term customer retention. Contribute to wider business improvement projects and strategic Healthcare Business Unit initiatives. Qualifications/Personal Qualities Essential Significant commercial experience managing large, complex national business accounts and customer portfolios. Demonstrated ability to think strategically and translate plans into successful outcomes. Strong alignment with apetito's purpose and understanding of our culture of ‘making a real difference’. Passion for food Proven track record of achieving and exceeding challenging sales, growth and retention targets. Experience of working effectively within cross-functional teams to deliver shared objectives. Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to establish trust and credibility at all levels. Formal sales training Excellent communication and presentation skills. Experience of negotiating at senior leadership and board level. Strong networking and business development capabilities. Full UK driving licence Desirable Experience within a healthcare environment. Advanced Food Hygiene qualification or training. Experience in food industry DBS Requirements As this role may involve working with elderly and vulnerable individuals, the successful applicant will be required to undertake a Basic DBS check Please note that this is a home-based role with extensive travel across the UK. A company car is provided so you must have a Full UK Driving Licence. Company Benefits Competitive salary – accredited Living Wage employer Company car 25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays Option to purchase up to 5 additional days holiday per year Generous annual bonus scheme Pension scheme - employer matched contributions up to 5% Life assurance scheme worth 2x annual salary Subsidised canteen Free turkey or voucher at Christmas Access to employee benefits including Perkbox with salary sacrifice options and retail discounts Our Values As a family-owned business, we take great pride in being a company that makes a real difference and is dedicated to creating outstanding meals to be proud of. We develop a range of products designed to enhance health and well-being for all our customers. We are driven by a passion for service and dedicated to feeding some of the UK’s most vulnerable people. We proudly support British food and farming, focusing on using the best ethical and sustainable produce in alignment with our goal to reach Net Zero by 2040. Our ethical standards are recognised by the ETI and we are an accredited Living Wage employer.Learn more about apetito’s commitment to a more sustainable future. We embrace inclusion, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds. Our commitment to making a real difference extends to customers, communities, and staff and we're on a mission to build an inclusive workplace where everyone reaches their full potential.