Grocery National Account Manager

Our client is a luxury wine business that pride themselves on creating the highest quality liquids.

In this newly created role as National Account Manager, you will be responsible for developing sales and distribution amongst new and existing retail customers, with a focus on National multiple retailers and online nationals.

This could be a fantastic opportunity for a Key Account Manager or National Account Executive who is looking for that next step in their career or a NAM who is looking for a sideways move.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with buyers to drive year-on-year growth in volume, value, and profit, in line with established budgets.
• Cultivate connections across key retailer departments, including marketing, demand planning, store operations, and management, to maximize opportunities for the brand and ensure compliance with retail expectations.
• In collaboration with the Head of Sales Off Trade, develop and implement channel strategy for National Retail and Online sales channels leveraging cross-selling opportunities for the wine and spirit portfolio
• Under the strategic direction of the Head of Sales Off Trade, manage the Joint Business Plan (JBP) process, ensuring alignment with financial and trade marketing objectives.
• Develop and implement a recruitment strategy to drive new brand and Own Label business.
• Conduct weekly one-on-ones with the line manager, and provide bi-monthly sales reports, including budget positions and forward forecasts.
• Perform regular store visits to ensure retail compliance and conduct competitor analysis.
• Deliver in-store training sessions, build relationships with store managers and staff, maintain product listings, and organize tastings and events for both staff and customers.
• Manage relationships with e-commerce partners such as Amazon, Ocado, and the online divisions of traditional retailers.
• Work closely with Trade Marketing and Marketing teams to execute market-leading retail activations in line with the brand’s luxury positioning.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Experience managing a grocery retail customer.
• Drinks industry preferred, or luxury/ premium FMCG
• Proven luxury brand-building expertise, with a track record of driving brand growth and recognition in high-end markets.
• Background in account management, with a strong focus on client relationships and achieving commercial targets.
• Proven negotiation skills, with experience in negotiating annual contracts, adjusting trade terms, and ensuring alignment with both business objectives and customer requirements.
• Wine-related qualifications such as WSET or equivalent are highly desirable, though not essential.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel across the UK to visit customers and stores, promoting in-person relationships and driving sales.

**LONDON BASED - willingness to spend 2-3 days in the office **