National Account Manager

JR United Kingdom; Brighton; Remote; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the spirits industry is seeking a National Account Manager to build strategic commercial plans across key Cash & Carry and Travel convenience customers. This role involves developing long-term partnerships, driving sales, and achieving profitability targets. Candidates should demonstrate strong negotiation and account management skills, with experience in the FMCG or drinks industry, along with a passion for spirits.

Qualifications

• Proven track record managing key national accounts in the Cash & Carry channel.
• Strong negotiation and commercial acumen with a good understanding of the UK spirits market.
• Experience in premium spirits, FMCG, or drinks industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial relationships with major Cash & Carry customers.
• Develop and execute annual joint business plans aligned to brand strategies.
• Maximise in-depot execution and visibility through impactful activations.

Skills

Account Management

Negotiation

Analytical Skills

Communication

Relationship Building

Education

WSET qualification

Job description

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Location: UK Home Based – Ideally in the South

Reports To: National Account Controller, Sazerac UK

About Sazerac UK:

Based in London, Sazerac UK is building an extensive portfolio of exceptional spirits brands.

Our diverse portfolio of award-winning Sazerac brands includes the UK’s fastest-growing bourbon brand, Buffalo Trace, the powerhouse brand, Southern Comfort and the hottest shot brand in the UK, Fireball. We are proud to also build partner spirits brands in the UK including the number 1 sambuca, Antica Sambuca, the fastest growing shot brand, Tequila Rose and the number 1 independent super premium flavoured gin, Warner’s.

Role Overview:

As a National Account Manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing strategic commercial plans across key Cash & Carry and Travel convenience customers. You will play a critical role in building long-term partnerships, driving sales, increasing brand visibility, and achieving ambitious volume and profitability targets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Account Management: Lead the commercial relationships with major Cash & Carry customers, and key Travel Retail Route to Market operators.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and execute annual joint business plans (JBPs) and promotional calendars aligned to Sazerac brand plans, and each customer’s strategy.
• Sales & Forecasting: Deliver volume, NSV, and gross profit targets, manage accurate forecasting and demand planning in collaboration with our operations teams.
• Trade Execution: Maximise in-depot execution and visibility through impactful activations using bespoke brand POS, and digital content.
• Route to Market: Manage and enhance relationships with key partners in the Travel Retail Rout to Market channel, ensuring strong execution of promotional plans.
• Negotiation & Commercial Terms: Negotiate pricing, promotional investment, and commercial terms in line with company strategy and CPI’s.
• Internal Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with marketing, operations, and finance teams to ensure flawless executions.
• Insights & Reporting: Utilise data and insights to inform decisions, evaluate performance, and identify new growth opportunities.

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience & Skills:

• Proven track record of managing key national accounts in the Cash & Carry channel (e.g. Booker, Bestway, Unitas, or Costco).
• Experience managing Travel convenience retail and route to market customers.
• Strong negotiation and commercial acumen, with ability to manage P&L.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Self-starter with a high level of initiative and drive.
• Analytical and insight-driven, with good understanding of the UK spirit’s market
• Experience in premium spirits, FMCG, or drinks industry.
• WSET qualification or passion for spirits and drinks categories.