National Account Manager- Convenience

Thatchers Cider; Sandford-on-Thames; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cider producer in Sandford-on-Thames is seeking a National Account Manager to drive sustainable growth across convenience retailers. The ideal candidate will have proven national account management experience, exceptional negotiation skills, and a passion for the cider brand. This role offers a competitive salary, enhanced bonuses, and comprehensive benefits, including a company car and discounts in the cider shop.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Enhanced bonus structure

Company car

Discounts in cider shop

Qualifications

• Proven experience in national account management, preferably within FMCG or retail.
• Strong commercial acumen and results-oriented mindset.
• Exceptional negotiation, analytical, and strategic planning skills.
• Confident communicator with the ability to lead and resolve complex issues.
• Skilled in building rapport and fostering relationships.

Responsibilities

• Build and nurture high-value relationships across convenience customers.
• Manage and influence a broad team of stakeholders.
• Develop and execute Joint Business Plans that align with customer objectives.
• Lead negotiations on commercial terms and pricing.
• Oversee account P&L and make informed decisions.

Skills

National account management experience

Strong commercial acumen

Exceptional negotiation skills

Analytical ability

Strategic planning

Confident communicator

Relationship building

Organizational skills

Time management

Resilience

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a National Account Manager to join our dynamic Off-Trade Team, on a full-time permanent basis. Our home is where our heart is, here at Myrtle Farm in Somerset. You'll be spending time here regularly, alongside out meeting customers. The ability to travel to us is essential and as part of your role, you will occasionally need to undertake overnight stays. As a National Account Manager, you will be responsible for driving sustainable growth and commercial success of the Thatchers portfolio across convenience retailers, fostering long‑term partnerships and delivering exceptional brand performance.

• Build, nurture and extend high‑value relationships across convenience customers, acting as a trusted partner to drive mutual growth and deliver outstanding commercial results.
• Manage and influence a broad team of internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment and collaboration to achieve shared objectives.
• Develop and execute robust Joint Business Plans (JBPs) that align Thatchers strategic goals with customer objectives, leveraging data‑driven insights and market trends.
• Lead negotiations on commercial terms, promotional plans, and pricing to achieve sales, volume, and profit targets while ensuring effective investment decisions and account profitability.
• Oversee account P&L, analyse financial metrics, and make informed decisions to maximise profitability and sustainable growth.
• Demonstrate the ability to influence at all levels, both internally and externally, and communicate the progress of initiatives to key stakeholders.
• Translate Thatchers brand and category strategies into actionable customer plans, driving innovation and category leadership.
• Identify and capitalize on opportunities to expand distribution, increase share of shelf, and accelerate rate of sale.
• Deliver compelling presentations that showcase Thatchers innovation, heritage, and category insights, positioning the brand as a leader in the market.
• Work closely with marketing, category, and supply chain teams to ensure excellence in execution and seamless delivery of customer solutions.
  Our team are action‑oriented, adaptable, and resourceful and we have delivered success after success in a highly competitive marketplace. We have a thirst for knowledge, a passion for quality cider and a commitment to delighting our customers.
• Confident Communicator: Demonstrates strong communication skills, able to address conflict constructively and engage in challenging conversations with professionalism and empathy.
• Leadership by Example: Sets high standards for self and others, consistently modelling integrity, accountability, and a commitment to excellence.
• Relationship & Rapport Building: Excels at building trust and rapport with colleagues, customers, and stakeholders, fostering collaborative and productive working relationships.
• Organisational & Time Management: Highly organized, with exceptional time‑management skills; able to prioritise effectively and deliver results in a fast‑paced environment.
• Analytical & Numerate: Applies analytical thinking and numerical skills to solve problems, make data‑driven decisions, and drive commercial success.
• Proactive & Resilient: Takes initiative, anticipates challenges, and adapts quickly to changing circumstances; remains resilient under pressure.
• Flexible & Business‑Focused: Demonstrates flexibility to meet evolving business needs, embracing change and seeking opportunities for continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Proven experience in national account management, preferably within FMCG or retail sectors.
• Strong commercial acumen and results oriented mindset.
• Exceptional negotiation, analytical, and strategic planning skills.
• Confident communicator with the ability to lead, influence, and resolve complex issues.
• Skilled in building rapport and fostering collaborative relationships.
• Highly organised, resilient, and adaptable to changing business needs.
• Passionate about cider and the Thatchers brand story; authentic, collaborative, and values‑driven.
• Experience with digital marketing, category management, and joint business planning.
• Proficient in financial analysis.
• Demonstrated success in driving account growth and leading cross‑functional teams.

Established in 1904 by William John Thatcher, we have grown into one of the top cider‑making businesses in the world. Now in our fifth generation of family cider makers, we’re exceptionally proud of our Somerset roots.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Enhanced bonus structure
• Comprehensive benefits including company car, IT equipment & pension
• Discounts in our cider shop (after all, you'll need to know just how good our cider is!)
• This is an amazing opportunity to become part of the Thatchers success story and take on an exciting role where no two days are the same.