Key Account Executive - Grocery & Convenience

The British American Tobacco Group; Chiswick; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A global multi-category business in Chiswick seeks an Account Manager to oversee key account portfolios and deliver against commercial objectives. The ideal candidate has experience in account management and a strong grasp of UK retail dynamics. This role fosters personal development and offers a market-leading annual performance bonus alongside diverse health plans and flexible work options.

Benefits

Market leading annual performance bonus

Diverse health plans

Flexible holiday plan

Online learning platforms

Qualifications

• Strong grasp of UK retail dynamics and consumer behavior.
• Ability to operate in a challenging environment balancing account demands.
• High-level written, verbal, and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee key account portfolios and track budgets.
• Develop SMART objectives for new and existing accounts.
• Deliver against agreed KPIs for account execution.
• Monitor account performance and market trends.
• Build relationships with trade partners and stakeholders.
• Conduct regular account reviews to optimize results.
• Ensure alignment with BAT’s CSR principles.

Skills

Account/Category Management Experience

Commercial Acumen

Communication & Negotiation

Strategic Thinking

Goal-Oriented & Vision-Aligned

Retail & Supply Chain Insight

Technical Proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow by Building a Smokeless World.
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!

To work with the grocery Channel Manager through the management of an account portfolio and the generation and execution of Account Plans which deliver volume, market share and other commercial objectives aligned with the TM&D / Brand strategies through the achievement of Availability, Visibility, Dialogue & Activation. Effectively manage Key Account budgets, support pricing & own / drive further improvement in Key Account processes. Actively engage / support Finance team and other cross functional teams to deliver optimal level of results for the business. Ensuring optimal deployment of both human and financial resources.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Account Portfolio Management: Oversee key account portfolios, tracking budgets, forecasts, and actuals, ensuring efficient financial resource use and timely reporting with Finance.
• Strategic Account Planning: Develop and manage SMART objectives for new and existing accounts aligned with company, function, and departmental strategies.
• Commercial Execution: Deliver against agreed KPIs (Availability, Visibility, Dialogue, Activation, Market Share & Volume) and ensure adherence to BAT/account systems for execution excellence.
• Performance & Market Analysis: Monitor account performance and market trends through data and consumer insights to identify growth opportunities and address challenges.
• Stakeholder & Relationship Management: Build strong relationships with trade partners and internal stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and alignment.
• Performance Reviews & Strategy Realignment: Conduct regular account reviews, adjusting contact and engagement strategies to optimize results.
• Compliance & Governance: Ensure alignment with BAT’s CSR principles, marketing standards, pricing communication protocols, and development planning processes.
• Continuous Improvement & Development: Support Key Account Managers in BAU processes while focusing on personal skill and leadership development through identified training needs.

What are we looking for?

• Account/Category Management Experience: Previous experience in account or category management with a strong grasp of UK retail dynamics and consumer behavior.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong analytical skills, commercial awareness, and ability to operate in a challenging environment balancing account demands with business objectives.
• Communication & Negotiation: High-level written, verbal, and negotiation skills, with the ability to create adaptive solutions based on evolving market conditions.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to understand and contribute to brand and trade marketing strategies, customer structures, KPIs, and strategic goals.
• Goal-Oriented & Vision-Aligned: Demonstrates commitment to company vision and strategy, setting and pursuing ambitious targets for self and stakeholders.
• Retail & Supply Chain Insight: Deep understanding of retail channels, account roles, routes to market, and internal/external supply chain functions.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office with high attention to detail; full driving license required.
• Education (Preferred): Bachelor’s degree preferred but not essential for the role.

What we offer you?
• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes

WHY JOIN BAT?
We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

At BAT, we champion collaboration, inclusion, and partnership as the bedrock of our values. We wish to foster an environment where every individual can thrive, irrespective of factors such as gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, as well as diverse perspectives and thinking styles. We recognise that our strength lies in embracing talent from all walks of life, empowering us to develop our culture of inclusivity and better achieve our business objectives.

We view career breaks not as obstacles but as opportunities and encourage everyone, without hesitation, to apply. Through our Global Returners program, we provide support to professionals seeking to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence, be it for family care, parental leave, national service, sabbatical, or starting their own venture.
Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.

We take pride in being a Disability Confident Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process to support you performing at your best, please inform the recruitment partner who will be in touch should your profile be selected for the role you applied for. We are wholeheartedly committed to optimising your prospects of success by making suitable arrangements so that you may showcase your full potential.