National Account Manager

Colgate-Palmolive; Woking; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive is seeking a strategic Customer Development Manager to lead UK & Ireland accounts from our Surrey area. You will shape joint business plans, forecast volumes, and drive growth across major retailers with cross-functional teams.

Ideal candidates are commercially astute, with proven ability to build senior-level relationships, translate data into actionable strategies, and deliver year‑on‑year category and share growth.

Qualifications

• Profile: Bright, ambitious, and results-oriented with exceptional strategic thinking and negotiation prowess.
• Skills: Adept at identifying growth levers and translating complex data into actionable commercial strategies. You thrive in a fast-paced, autonomous environment.
• Influence & Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to build trust and influence decision-making at senior levels, both internally and with external customer leadership.
• Commercial Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in P&L management, Joint Business Planning (JBP), and implementing 5P/7P framework to deliver year‑on‑year growth.

Responsibilities

• Financial & Growth Stewardship: exceed net sales, margin and profit targets with a dynamic Joint Business Plan.
• Strategic & Commercial Acumen: identify issues and opportunities, lead optimization initiatives and a 3-year retailer strategy.
• Retailer & Shopper Expertise: build external networks and align brands to maximize category growth.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: partner with Shopper Development, Category Management, Commercial Strategy and Brand teams.

Job description

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Job Number #172312 - Surrey, England, United Kingdom

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

Customer Development Manager - UK & Ireland Accounts

Location: Woking, Surrey

Reporting to: Customer Development Director

Why Join Our Team?

Join Colgate Palmolive, a global leader investing in your career, our world-renowned brands, and cutting-edge technology. We’re committed to a culture built on Caring, Inclusion, and Courage, providing a place where your decisions make a tangible impact on our business and market position.

Career Growth & Innovation:

• World-Class Brands: Partner with iconic brands and contribute to global strategies.
• Impact & Autonomy: Operate in a fast-paced environment with personal accountability to directly influence our day-to-day performance and long‑term strategy.
• Future-Ready Workplace: We are investing heavily in new tools and technology, including AI, to empower our teams, streamline processes, and make your role more strategic and fulfilling. You will be at the forefront of commercial innovation.

Job Purpose

As a pivotal member of the Customer Development Team, you will be instrumental in driving budgeted sales and profit growth, shaping a sustainable, mutually prosperous business model, and spearheading innovation within our most critical accounts.

What You Will Deliver

• Financial & Growth Stewardship: Consistently exceed net sales, margin, and profit targets. You will develop, implement, and actively manage a dynamic Joint Business Plan, taking full ownership of customer forecast volumes, sales, and investment, including meticulous management of the 5P planning process and financial accruals.
• Strategic & Commercial Acumen: Leverage sharp commercial instincts to interrogate business performance, swiftly identify critical issues and untapped opportunities, and lead effective resolution and optimization initiatives. You will develop and rigorously implement a forward‑thinking 3‑year retailer strategy.
• Retailer & Shopper Expertise: Cultivate robust external networks to gain unparalleled insights into the retailer landscape. Develop a profound understanding of the client's strategic imperatives and shopper insights, expertly aligning our brands to maximize impact and category growth.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Shopper Development, Category Management, Commercial Strategy, and Brand teams to construct high‑performing, people‑centric plans, drive Omni Demand Generation, and implement groundbreaking business solutions. You will build strong internal networks to ensure seamless cross‑functional support and actively shape the overall team strategy.

Who We Are Looking For

You are a commercially astute leader with a proven track record of building robust, influential business relationships and delivering highly creative, profitable solutions.

• Profile: Bright, ambitious, and results‑oriented with exceptional strategic thinking and negotiation prowess.
• Skills: Adept at identifying growth levers and translating complex data into actionable commercial strategies. You thrive in a fast‑paced, autonomous environment.
• Influence & Stakeholder Management: "A proven ability to build trust and influence decision‑making at senior levels, both internally and with external customer leadership."
• Commercial Expertise: "Demonstrable expertise in P&L management, Joint Business Planning (JBP), and a track record of implementing the 5P/7P framework to deliver year‑on‑year market share growth."

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaxk_eF4utznQoVHlxmL9jVFJbOkM4Oe5CAdKOg-h9EPdLfg/viewform) should you require accommodation.

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