National Account Manager - Wholesale

Co-op; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 58,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail organization is seeking a National Account Manager to manage key partner accounts. This role involves building strong relationships with independent retailers, ensuring operational standards, and identifying growth opportunities. The ideal candidate will have experience in managing large client accounts, a strong background in sales, and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels. This position offers competitive compensation and great benefits including a company car, private healthcare, and performance bonuses.

Benefits

Company car

Private healthcare

Annual bonus

28 days holiday plus bank holidays

Pension with 10% employer contributions

30% discount on Co-op products

Early access to pay

Virtual healthcare

24/7 support service

Training and career development

Cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in managing partner accounts is essential.
• Strong sales background and ability to drive growth is necessary.
• Knowledge of market dynamics and product categories is important.

Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with independent retail partners.
• Ensure operational and brand standards are met.
• Analyse account performance and improve results.
• Plan account management activity per engagement strategy.
• Resolve partner issues quickly and effectively.
• Identify growth opportunities with partners.

Skills

Experience managing large client accounts

Sales and strategy development

Ability to develop team capabilities

Knowledge of wholesale/retail industry

Confidence in presenting

Commercial acumen

Job description

National Account Manager

£58,000 to £68,000 plus great benefits including a company car (Work Level 5).

Location: Manchester/Scunthorpe (hybrid working – typically two to three days per week spent across our Manchester and Scunthorpe offices, with at least one day each week based in Scunthorpe). You’ll also travel to our partner locations nationwide.

Co‑op Wholesale is growing, and we’re looking for people who want to shape what comes next. As a National Account Manager, you’ll take the lead on managing some of our most important partner accounts. You’ll build strong relationships, keep things running smoothly, and help us deliver great products to more than 4,000 independent retailers across the UK.

Why this role matters

We’re building something big at Co‑op Wholesale. With a refreshed structure and exciting plans ahead, we’re creating new opportunities to strengthen our proposition for our independent retailers, key accounts, and a growing corporate client base. To make that happen, we need to make sure our partners have access to the products and support they need, and can get the most out of everything our wholesale offer has to give, That’s where you come in. This is your chance to bring new ideas to life and make a real impact across Co‑op Wholesale. Be part of it.

What you’ll do

• Build strong, meaningful relationships with our independent retail partners
• Make sure operational and brand standards are met across your account
• Analyse account performance and use insights to improve results
• Plan and prioritise account management activity in line with our partner engagement strategy
• Resolve partner issues and complaints quickly and effectively
• Spot opportunities for growth and work with partners to make them happen

What you’ll bring

• Experience managing large client accounts and driving sales growth
• A strong background in sales and strategy development
• The ability to develop team capabilities and deliver best‑in‑class service
• Good knowledge of the wholesale/retail industry, product categories, and market dynamics
• Confidence in presenting and communicating with colleagues and partners at all levels
• Commercial acumen and the ability to spot growth opportunities within challenging markets

Why Co‑op?

At Co‑op, we’re owned by our members. And because we’re owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you’re not just taking a job, you’re joining a movement. We’re an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we’re powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you’ll also receive:

• A company car
• Private healthcare
• An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays
• A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
• 30% discount on Co‑op products and 10% off other brands
• Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
• Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice
• 24/7 colleague support service
• Training and support for your development and career progression
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme

A place you’ll belong

We’re building diverse and inclusive teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to creating a workplace where colleagues can feel like they belong, supported by our inclusive policies and the ways we work. We’re proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme and offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for a job. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we’ll support you.

Learn more about our recruitment process and our inclusion commitments.

As part of your application, you'll need to complete an online assessment. This assessment typically takes up to 50 minutes. If you're a current Co‑op colleague, this does not need to be completed.