Key Account Controller

LT Foods UK; Harlow; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG company in the UK is seeking a Key Account Controller to manage relationships with major supermarkets. The role requires over 10 years of FMCG account management experience, strong negotiation skills, and a proven track record with top retailers. Responsibilities include driving sales growth, securing new listings, and executing joint business plans. The ideal candidate will be strategic and results-driven. The company offers competitive salary and benefits, fostering a collaborative workplace culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays

Career development opportunities

Comprehensive training programs

Employee benefits such as car and product discounts

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in FMCG account management.
• Proven track record with major UK supermarkets.
• Strong commercial acumen and excellent negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and expand relationships with major UK supermarkets.
• Drive sales growth and secure new listings.
• Lead promotional planning and trade spend management.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Relationship building

Analytical ability

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, or related field

MBA desirable

Job description

About LT Foods UK

LT Foods UK is a leading supplier of premium rice and rice-based products, including the renowned Daawat brand. As part of LT Foods Global, we are committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable food solutions to our customers. Our culture is built on integrity, innovation, and inclusiveness, with a strong focus on employee development, customer satisfaction, and environmental responsibility. We foster a collaborative and respectful workplace where every team member is empowered to contribute and grow.

Role Overview

The Key Account Controller (KAC) will be responsible for managing and expanding LT Foods’ relationships with major UK supermarkets. With at least 10 years of experience in FMCG account management (Especially Private Label Management), the KAC will drive sales growth, secure new listings, and execute joint business plans that maximise category performance and strengthen LT Foods’ market position.

This is a senior commercial role requiring exceptional negotiation skills, a proven track record of working with top retailers, and the ability to deliver both short-term wins and long-term strategic growth.

Working Hours

40 hours per week.
Monday – Friday, core hours of 9am – 5:30pm

Key Responsibilities

Account Management & Business Growth

• Develop and lead joint business plans with the big 4 grocers and other key retail partners.
• Drive sales, distribution, and market share across rice and other LT Foods product categories.
• Negotiate annual trading terms, promotional support, and category growth opportunities.
• Identify and secure new opportunities for listings, range extensions, and shelf space.

Customer Relationship Management

• Build and maintain senior-level relationships within supermarket buying, category, and supply chain teams.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all commercial matters, ensuring alignment with customer needs.
• Resolve escalations and manage account profitability effectively.

Commercial Planning & Execution

• Lead promotional planning and trade spend management to maximise ROI.
• Deliver accurate sales forecasts and work with supply chain to ensure high service levels.
• Monitor competitor activity and market trends to inform strategy.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with marketing to activate campaigns in-store and online.
• Partner with finance on pricing strategy, margins, and profitability analysis.
• Liaise with NPD and product teams to introduce innovations tailored to retailer needs.

Leadership & Mentorship

• Share best practices with wider sales team and mentor junior account managers.
• Contribute to overall commercial strategy for LT Foods UK & Europe.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Sales growth and revenue delivery per account.
• New listings secured across major supermarkets.
• Market share gains within rice and ethnic food categories.
• ROI on promotional spend and trade marketing.
• Customer satisfaction and strength of retailer relationships.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in FMCG account management.
• Proven track record of managing the big 4 UK supermarkets.
• Strong commercial acumen with excellent negotiation skills.
• Experience in food categories (rice, ethnic foods, or wider ambient FMCG preferred).
• Total management of private label contracts.
• Degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, or related field (MBA desirable).

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills at senior buyer level.
• Strong analytical ability to interpret data, category insights, and performance metrics.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term vision and short-term delivery.
• Resilient, results-driven, and highly organised.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Health & Safety Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with LT Foods UK’s health & safety, food safety, and quality assurance standards.
• Report any hazards, incidents, and near misses promptly to the appropriate Manager or Shift Supervisor.
• Support the implementation of safety protocols and contribute to maintaining a safe working environment.
• Participate in health and safety briefings and training sessions as required.

Company Culture

At LT Foods UK, we believe in nurturing goodness through our products and our people. Our culture is rooted in respect, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We encourage innovation, support professional growth, and celebrate diversity. Employees are empowered to take initiative and contribute to our shared success.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays.
• Career development opportunities within a growing global FMCG company.
• Comprehensive training and upskilling programs.
• Inclusive and supportive company culture.
• Employee benefits such as Car, product discounts, pension scheme, and wellness initiatives.

If you are interested in applying for this role, please forward your current CV and a brief expression of interest to [e-mail]

Closing Date: 9am on Friday 2 January 2026

Interviews: w / c Monday 5 January 2026