Customer Business Manager

Suntory Beverage & Food; Coleford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Suntory Beverage & Food is seeking a Customer Business Manager to drive growth in Northern Ireland. You will develop strategic account plans, secure revenue targets and build strong partnerships with key national accounts, while leading cross-functional teams to execute commercial strategies.

You will analyse market trends, identify opportunities and translate insights into compelling customer proposals to maximise results. This is a high-visibility role within a global beverages leader.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in National Account Management within FMCG.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering growth.
• Exceptional negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Leadership capability with experience influencing teams and stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret business and market data.
• Experience managing complex customer plans and projects.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Fluent English language skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic account plans aligned with business objectives and customer needs.
• Deliver sales, revenue and profitability targets across key national accounts.
• Identify and unlock new growth opportunities through customer engagement and market analysis.
• Develop strong, trusted relationships with key customers and decision-makers.
• Negotiate commercial agreements that create mutual value and long-term success.
• Act as the voice of the customer internally and champion customer-focused solutions.
• Ensure flawless execution of commercial plans and growth initiatives.
• Drive alignment between customer priorities and business strategy.
• Support the development and direction of third-party sales teams operating within the Northern Ireland market.
• Analyse market trends, customer performance and category opportunities.
• Use data and insights to build compelling customer proposals and growth plans.
• Forecast performance and identify opportunities to maximise results.
• Partner closely with Trade Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance and Customer Service teams.
• Coordinate cross-functional activity to ensure outstanding customer service and execution.
• Lead projects and initiatives that support broader commercial objectives.

Skills

National Account Management

FMCG

Negotiation

Leadership

Analytics

Project management

Communication

Fluent English

Tools

CRM tools

Sales forecasting tools

Job description

About Suntory

At Suntory, we're passionate about creating beverages that people love.

As one of the world's leading consumer goods companies, we're home to some of the most iconic and trusted brands enjoyed by millions of consumers every day. Our entrepreneurial spirit, challenger mindset and commitment to innovation make Suntory an exciting place to build a rewarding career.

We're looking for ambitious commercial talent who are ready to make an impact, develop strategic partnerships and help drive sustainable growth across our business.

About You

As a Customer Business Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in driving Suntory's success across Northern Ireland.

You'll be responsible for developing and growing key national accounts, delivering commercial excellence and ensuring the successful execution of customer strategies that drive revenue, profitability and long-term growth.

Working closely with customers, internal stakeholders and external partners, you'll lead business planning activities, identify new opportunities and help shape the future growth of the category.

This is a highly visible role offering the opportunity to influence strategic decisions while working on some of the most loved brands in the market.

What You'll Be Doing

Drive Customer Growth

• Develop and execute strategic account plans aligned with business objectives and customer needs.
• Deliver sales, revenue and profitability targets across key national accounts.
• Identify and unlock new growth opportunities through customer engagement and market analysis.

Build Powerful Partnerships

• Develop strong, trusted relationships with key customers and decision-makers.
• Negotiate commercial agreements that create mutual value and long-term success.
• Act as the voice of the customer internally and champion customer-focused solutions.

Lead Commercial Execution

• Ensure flawless execution of commercial plans and growth initiatives.
• Drive alignment between customer priorities and business strategy.
• Support the development and direction of third-party sales teams operating within the Northern Ireland market.

Turn Insights into Action

• Analyse market trends, customer performance and category opportunities.
• Use data and insights to build compelling customer proposals and growth plans.
• Forecast performance and identify opportunities to maximise results.

Collaborate Across the Business

• Partner closely with Trade Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance and Customer Service teams.
• Coordinate cross-functional activity to ensure outstanding customer service and execution.
• Lead projects and initiatives that support broader commercial objectives.

What's In It For You?

At Suntory, you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine commercial impact while developing your career with a global beverages leader.

Here's what you can expect:

• Work with a portfolio of iconic and much-loved brands
• Influence strategic customer decisions and business growth
• Build relationships with some of the most important customers in the market
• High visibility and ownership within the commercial organisation
• Opportunities for professional growth and career progression
• Work in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial and collaborative environment
• Join a business that values diversity, inclusion and authentic leadership
• Help deliver our mission of Growing for Good while shaping the future of the beverage industry

What You Need To Be Successful

Essential

• Proven experience in National Account Management within FMCG
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering growth
• Exceptional negotiation and relationship-building skills
• Leadership capability with experience influencing teams and stakeholders
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret business and market data
• Experience managing complex customer plans and projects
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Fluent English language skills

Nice to Have

• Experience across the Island of Ireland market
• Strong knowledge of the Irish retail and customer landscape
• Experience using CRM and sales forecasting tools
• Sales management or commercial leadership qualifications
• Experience working with third-party sales partners and distributors

Our DEI Commitment

At Suntory, we recognize that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, or differing abilities, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavour to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.