National Account Executive

ABOUT US: We are a fast-paced food manufacturing business, specialising in producing ready meals for a wide range of customers. Operating from a large-scale factory environment, we are committed to delivering high-quality, safe, and delicious products. The successful candidate will predominantly support low care production areas but also support other area within training, ensuring compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health and safety standards. Job Purpose The National Account Executive (NAE) supports the commercial delivery of sales, profit, and growth across key UK grocery retail accounts. Working within both branded and private label portfolios, this role helps manage customer relationships, execute promotional and innovation plans, and ensure operational excellence in partnership with major retailers. Key Responsibilities Support the Commercial Manager in achieving sales, profit, and distribution targets across multiple grocery customers (Multiples and Discounters). Assist in developing and executing Joint Business Plans (JBPs) for both branded and own-label accounts, ensuring alignment with company strategy and customer goals. Manage day-to-day account administration , including promotional submissions, new line forms, pricing files, initiating cost prices, forecasting, and product lifecycle updates. Track and report on sales performance, promotional effectiveness, and category trends using data from Nielsen, Kantar, and retailer EPOS systems. Coordinate new product development (NPD) projects, from concept to launch, across both branded and retailer-exclusive product ranges. Support the negotiation and setup of own-label tenders , costings, and margin proposals, ensuring commercial viability and compliance with customer requirements. Collaborate cross-functionally with brand, category, supply chain, finance, operations, development and technical teams to deliver excellent execution. Monitor competitor activity, pricing, and promotional mechanics to identify opportunities for growth and improvement. Prepare and deliver presentations, performance reviews, and promotional evaluations for internal and external stakeholders. Maintain accurate forecasts, manage budgets, and support financial reporting for each account. Key Skills & Experience Previous experience in FMCG, food manufacturing, or grocery retail sales , ideally across both branded and private label categories. Strong understanding of UK grocery retail commercial structures, including category management, promotional planning, and own-label tender processes. Excellent analytical and reporting skills; confident using Excel , PowerPoint , and ability to be able to use retailer portals . Ability to balance multiple priorities, with strong organisation, accuracy, and attention to detail. Effective communicator with strong relationship-building and negotiation skills. Commercially astute, proactive, and able to interpret data into actionable insights. Passionate about food, innovation, and delivering customer success. Qualifications Ideally Degree in Business, Marketing, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience). Experience in a commercial or sales role within FMCG or food manufacturing. KPIs / Measures of Success Delivery of sales, profit, and distribution targets across branded and private label ranges. On-time and accurate execution of customer plans, promotions, and NPD launches. Achievement of budget accuracy and forecast reliability. Customer satisfaction and relationship strength. Growth in category share, shelf presence, and brand visibility.