Junior National Account Manager

Surya Foods; Tendring; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food products company in the UK seeks a motivated Account Manager to manage major retail accounts and drive new product development. This role requires FMCG experience, a positive attitude, and strong communication skills. You will support Business Unit Directors, handle customer data, and represent the brand at events. The position is based in Harwich, Essex, and requires some onsite presence. A driving license is essential due to the customer base location.

Qualifications

• Experience in FMCG is essential.
• Ability to work autonomously.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Support Business Unit Directors with major accounts.
• Manage customer data and New Line Forms.
• Conduct regular meetings with key account contacts.
• Identify new ranging opportunities.
• Represent the brand at trade shows.

Skills

Entrepreneurial mindset

Strong communication skills

Analytical skills

Driving license

Job description

Job Description

This isn't for the faint-hearted, as we are a fast-paced, entrepreneurial business that delivers new opportunities and NPD within weeks/months, not years.

You'll be working with top brands including Laila, Mai Thai, Humza, Sun Hee, and Kewpie in the eclectic category of World Foods. This includes developing ranges within South Asian, Afro-Caribbean, Eastern European, Mediterranean, and Far South East Asia cuisines. It's a category that isn't often explored but is the fastest-growing within grocery, gaining more space and attention from retailers. We also lead events such as Diwali, Ramadan, and Lunar New Year, where our customers expect Surya Foods to lead in value, volume, and innovation.

We work hard and celebrate success as a team. If you show desire, willingness, and aptitude, there are no limits to your career growth within Surya Foods. We are a lean team, and you will be expected to think independently. If you're accustomed to a team doing NLFs, chasing up buying/technical issues, and handling costings, this may not be the role for you. Roll up your sleeves and get involved.

Our office is based in Harwich, Essex. While we can't change that, you'll need to be able to travel to the office 1-2 days per week. If you live 'up north', this might not be suitable. Your account base is mainly southern-based, including locations like Hatfield, Holborn, and Welwyn Garden City, so a driving license is essential.

Instead of expressing interest passively, demonstrate initiative by reaching out directly to the hirer.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support Business Unit Directors & Senior National Account Managers with managing major accounts and developing the budgeted P&L within your retail customer portfolio.
• Manage and update all customer data, submit New Line Forms and contracts via retailer portals.
• Propose promotional activities aligned with customer promotional calendars.
• Conduct regular face-to-face meetings with key contacts within assigned or developing accounts.
• Identify and secure new ranging opportunities and support the launch of exciting NPD.
• Provide excellent customer service and develop mutually beneficial business plans.
• Liaise with buying, procurement, and technical teams regarding supply issues and communicate effectively with customers.
• Onboard new accounts and strengthen existing partnerships.
• Represent the brand at trade shows and industry events to increase brand awareness.
• Achieve departmental targets and KPIs as set by the company.
• Ensure food safety, quality, and legality of products, adhering to company policies and practices.
• Take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of colleagues, visitors, and contractors, following H&S policies.
• Undertake required training and any other duties deemed appropriate by your line manager.

Skills & Qualifications

• Entrepreneurial and collaborative mindset, with a passion for food and innovation.
• Ability to work autonomously.
• Positive attitude, team-oriented, ambitious.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Experience working with Top 6 accounts (Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons) – advantageous.
• Knowledge of the convenience sector – advantageous.
• Snacking/Impulse category knowledge – advantageous.
• FMCG experience is essential.
• Desire to grow and develop professionally.
• Strong communication skills.
• Analytical skills.
• Driving license.