National Account Manager

Alexander Steele Recruitment; Leeds; On-site; GBP 49,500 - 60,500; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Mid-Senior Sales and Business Development professional to join a successful FMCG manufacturer in Leeds. The ideal candidate will manage key accounts, negotiate with major UK retailers, and contribute to business growth through strong commercial acumen and a data-driven mindset. This full-time role offers competitive compensation up to £55k plus benefits.

Qualifications

• Strong experience negotiating with large UK retailers.
• Ability to analyze data from sources like Kantar and Nielsen.
• Proven track record in sales and managing key accounts.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day key account operations.
• Negotiate terms and conditions with retailers.
• Coordinate supply chain and forecasting processes.
• Monitor promotional activities and customer requirements.

Skills

Negotiating skills

Commercial acumen

Data analysis

Tenacity

Adaptability

Job description

Salary Range

Up to £55k + car allowance + benefits

Role Overview

Alexander Steele are working with a successful branded FMCG manufacturer. The business is in double digit growth and they are looking to expand their sales team.

Key Responsibilities

• Day-to-day management of key accounts
• Negotiating terms, cost prices, and JBPs
• Managing promotional activity & seeking new ranging opportunities
• Forecasting & supply chain coordination
• Customer activation & activity planning
• Export planning and forecasting (for those handling international accounts)
• Monitoring customer OL (Own Label) requirements including artwork, availability, and NPD
• Weekly performance reporting & budget planning

Major Accounts You Could Manage

• Discount retailers: Home Bargains, Savers, The Range, Dunelm, WHSmith, Boots
• Wholesalers & distributors: Rayburn, Pricecheck, Wilsons
• Growing export markets: USA, Nordics, and other European territories

What They’re Looking For

• Tenacity & a hunter mindset – You thrive on chasing new leads and securing deals.
• Strong commercial acumen – You understand the UK retail landscape, P&L, JBPs, and forecasting.
• Retailer expertise – Prior experience negotiating with large UK retailers and understanding critical paths and OL requirements.
• Data-driven mindset – Comfortable analyzing data (Kantar, Nielsen) to inform decisions.
• Self-sufficient & adaptable – This is a small team, so you’ll need to take ownership and be proactive.

Location

The role is office based in Leeds.

Seniority Level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment Type

• Full-time

Job Function

• Sales and Business Development