National Account Director

London/South East (office based), with national/international travel
Negotiable Salary

The Company

Our Client is a major importer, processor and supplier of premium fresh produce. Our client has an amazing history, growing from strength to strength since its inception in 1991 and is now a multi million pounds business supplying the major supermarkets. With its market position firmly in the premium space our client has established its name through its quality, ethical practices and integrity.

Now looking to increase its market share further we are looking for an exceptional Account Director to grow two of the major multiples / supermarket chains. This is a role which will offer significant opportunity to grow the business further due to the internal processes / procedures which have been put in place to facilitate this. This is combined with significant career opportunities for the right person – we are looking for the next members of the senior management team and the business can show extremely successful succession planning for the right people. This is of course combined with a very competitive basic salary and package (negotiable).

The Role – National Account Director

To deliver the budgeted turnover and gross margin targets across the accounts, focusing on Asda & Tesco.

• Managing the product portfolio in line with company strategy through clear customer business plans that have both internal and external buy in.
• Agreeing a full year activity plan with the customer and the factory that achieves the budgeted sales and gross margin targets.
• The delivery of profitable new business opportunities and incremental turnover wherever possible across all opportunity areas.
• Developing excellent relationships with key stakeholders across the account and with key internal contacts.
• To manage Cost Price Improvement into the account on a planned annual basis.
• To manage range rotation, de-lists and promotions ensuring minimal write off costs.
• To demonstrate excellence in sales forecasting and planning.
• To liaise with and also lead other internal functions and external agencies to ensure business excellence, including project work.
• To contribute to competitor intelligence in the business.

The Candidate – National Account Director

The candidate must have the following characteristics:

• Proven track record of success in Senior National Account Manager, Account Director Role or similar (such as Major Account Manager, Key Account Manager, Corporate Account Manager Major Account Director, Key Account Director, Corporate Account Director)
• A strong sense of customer service and sales.
• Experience selling into major accounts / key accounts in particular Tesco and/or Asda.
• Two years food manufacturing experience.
• Knowledge of the FMCG market is necessary; however perishable / fresh products (would be a distinct advantage)
• Able to work hours according to the requirements of the business and the customer (including occasional weekend ‘problem solving’ when required).
• Adopt “Role Model Behaviour” at all times.
• Driving Licence and willingness for extensive travel when required.

The Opportunity – National Account Director

This is a superb opportunity to utilise your skill set with a quality premium brand on the upward curve of rapid expansion. Offering a highly competitive basic salary with added bonus, this is a rare chance to join a professional, driven company at the top of their field. This should be viewed as a long term proposition, with aspirations of progressing into upmost echelons of senior management within the company.