Senior National Account Manager

Sainsbury’s Group; City Of London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading branded FMCG business in the UK is seeking a Senior National Account Manager to manage key accounts and drive profitable growth across diverse product ranges. The ideal candidate will have experience in P&L management and strong sales and negotiation skills. This role offers exposure to high-profile accounts and opportunities to develop leadership skills within a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' full P&L responsibility, ideally with experience managing a UK grocer.
• Proven sales, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Experience managing and developing direct reports is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver profitable joint business plans with key accounts.
• Manage forecasting and delivery of commercial KPIs.
• Lead customer projects and collaborate cross-functionally.

Skills

Sales negotiation

Commercial acumen

Analytical thinking

Customer engagement

Leadership skills

Job description

We're working with a leading branded and own-label FMCG business within the chilled food category, looking to appoint a Senior National Account Manager to take ownership of the Sainsbury's and Waitrose accounts. This is a pivotal role within the commercial team, offering the opportunity to shape and deliver joint business plans across a diverse branded and own-label portfolio. You'll be responsible for driving profitable growth, managing key customer relationships, and leading account planning and execution across multiple product ranges.

Responsibilities

• Develop, negotiate, and deliver profitable joint business plans with Sainsbury's and Waitrose.
• Manage forecasting, financial planning, and delivery of commercial KPIs across branded and own-label ranges.
• Lead customer projects, building relationships to secure sales, distribution, and NPD opportunities.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance, and Category teams to deliver customer‑focused solutions.
• Provide coaching and development to a direct report (NAE).
• Monitor customer performance across sales, promotions, forecasting, and investment spend.
• Delivery of volume, net sales, profit, and distribution targets.
• Accurate forecasting, promotional planning, and financial administration.
• Development and execution of effective joint business plans.
• Strong customer engagement and category leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years’ full P&L responsibility, ideally with experience managing at least one of the Top 4 UK grocers.
• Strong commercial acumen with proven sales, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to balance detail with wider strategic thinking.
• Experience managing and developing direct reports is highly advantageous.
• FMCG experience within chilled or short shelf‑life categories preferred.
• Highly motivated, results‑focused, and comfortable working both independently and within cross‑functional teams.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing, fast‑paced FMCG business with a strong branded and own‑label presence in the UK retail market. You'll gain exposure to high‑profile accounts, play a key role in shaping customer strategy, and develop your leadership skills in a collaborative and supportive environment.