Food & Beverage Distribution | London, UK (Hybrid/Field-based, national travel)
About Our Client
Our client is a London-based food distributor specialising in health-focused products — including oils, protein bars, and yogurts — sourced from over 85 countries worldwide. They supply an extensive network of retailers across the UK, with a strong presence in independent and value-focused shops, backed by 5 warehouses and a 350,000m² manufacturing and packaging facility. They are solely focused on food distribution, giving them deep expertise and a sharp focus on quality, reliability, and value across their supply chain.
The Role
Our client is looking for a commercially astute National Account Manager to own and grow a portfolio of key accounts across the UK — including retail groups, wholesalers, and buying groups within the independent and value retail sector. The successful candidate will be responsible for the full commercial relationship: negotiating terms, securing listings, driving volume, and acting as the senior point of contact for these accounts.
This is a target-driven, relationship-led role suited to an experienced account manager who is comfortable negotiating at a senior level, managing a national patch, and working cross-functionally with warehousing, buying, and supply chain teams to keep customers supplied and satisfied.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and develop a portfolio of national accounts (retail groups, wholesalers, buying groups) across the UK independent and value retail sector
- Lead commercial negotiations on pricing, terms, listings, and promotional activity
- Build and maintain senior-level relationships with buyers and decision-makers at account level
- Develop and deliver account growth plans, identifying opportunities to expand range and volume
- Manage a morning call round and regular account reviews to track performance, resolve issues, and plan activity
- Work closely with warehouse, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to ensure product availability and smooth order fulfilment across the company’s UK warehouses
- Monitor competitor activity and market trends, feeding insight back into commercial strategy
- Accurately forecast account performance and report against sales targets
- Travel to customer sites and head offices across the UK as required
What Our Client Is Looking For
- Proven experience as a National/Key Account Manager, ideally within FMCG, food, or drink distribution
- Strong track record of negotiating commercial terms and growing account revenue
- Full, valid UK driving licence with no more than 3 points
- Comfortable with regular national travel
- Confident, senior-level communicator, able to build trust and influence at buyer/decision-maker level
- Commercially sharp, numerate, and analytical, with strong forecasting and reporting skills
- Self-motivated and able to manage a national account portfolio with minimal oversight
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