Senior National Account Manager

Perfetti Van Melle; Windsor; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading confectionery company based in the UK is looking for a Senior National Account Manager to oversee key accounts such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s. The role requires extensive experience in the FMCG sector, proven leadership skills, and a strong background in negotiation and management. Flexible working options and a supportive culture are offered, along with a competitive benefits package.

Benefits

Company bonus scheme participation

8% company-paid pension plan

Private medical insurance

27 days annual leave

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in leading National Accounts.
• Experience in Impulse categories is advantageous.
• Growth mindset and commitment to personal development.

Responsibilities

• Full leadership and P&L ownership of major retailers.
• Develop and implement strategic account plans.
• Lead forecasting and manage customer trade spend.

Skills

Knowledge of UK FMCG Industry

Negotiation skills

Leadership experience

Excel skills

Ability to inspire and coach

Education

Degree level qualification or relevant experience

Tools

Circana

Kantar

Job description

Senior National Account Manager

Contract: Fixed-term, 12 months, Full-time

About Perfetti Van Melle

At Perfetti Van Melle we’re all about creating sweeter moments for all! We are the world's second largest Sugar Confectionery company – an Italian family-owned business formed over 120 years ago. It has continuously grown and innovated to be the company it is today, with over 18,000 people across 38 operating companies, and products enjoyed in over 150 countries.

Perfetti Van Melle’s aim is to create innovative treats for a better future. In the UK, Perfetti Van Melle is best known for delicious confectionery brands including the exceptionally fresh, chewy sweet Mentos and Mentos Gum; family favourite Fruit-tella; the refreshing on-the-go mint Smint; and the world’s first lollipop, Chupa Chups.

Where we need you:

As a Senior National Account Manager at Perfetti Van Melle, you’ll be at the forefront of driving our brilliant Brands with your customer base, focusing on landing collaborative business plans & winning through new distribution and excellence in execution. You will also be responsible for line managing a National Account Executive, as well as part of a wider extended leadership network through your peer group. You’ll be part of a brilliant cross-functional UK team, and a company culture that endeavors to win together, drive capability and continuous development.

Your core responsibilities at a glance:

• Full leadership and P&L ownership of Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Ocado.
• Develop and implement strategic account plans to deliver win-win outcomes.
• Delivery of the annual budget, focusing on Volume, Net Sales, and Market Share growth.
• Lead forecasting and S&OP process for your customers and team.
• Rigorous Net Sales and product mix management.
• Managing of customer trade spend and continuously looking at ROI.
• Partnering with cross-functional teams – Finance, Supply Chain, Commercial, Trade & Brand Marketing.
• Building relationships with key external commercial and cross-functional teams with regular meeting cadence, at Buyer and Senior Buyer level.
• Be the voice of the customer within Perfetti Van Melle.
• Deliver brilliant customer relationships, measured by Advantage Survey outputs.
• Continually demonstrate the Perfetti Van Melle company values and role model these for others in the team.

The ideal recipe for our new Senior National Account Manager:

• An in-depth knowledge of the UK FMCG Industry, ideally across the Grocery Channel.
• Proven track record in leading on National Accounts and delivering results (minimum 5 years).
• Previous experience in Impulse categories would be an advantage.
• Line management & leadership experience, and the ability to inspire, coach, and deliver through others.
• Skilled at bringing category data to life through compelling insights and great customer stories.
• Expert negotiation skills, in-depth knowledge of persuasive selling format, and ability to influence at all levels externally and internally.
• Resilience and tenacity – always looking to find the “yes”.
• Growth mindset – always learning & focusing on your own development.
• High level of knowledge on Excel, and platforms such as Circana and Kantar.
• Degree level qualification desirable or relevant industry experience related to the role requirements.
• Availability to start ideally in December 2025, and no later than w/c 5th January 2026

The ingredients of Perfetti Van Melle – is this your flavour?

• Empowering – Growth and development opportunities tailored to you.
• Fun – A family-like culture, team events, and yes… a candy factory!
• Innovation – Active engagement in topics like health, sustainability, and food safety.
• Dynamic – With operations in 30+ countries and exciting new acquisitions, we’re constantly evolving.

We offer:

• Company bonus scheme participation
• 8% company-paid pension plan
• Private medical insurance, dental cover, life assurance, and income protection
• Travel insurance
• 27 days annual leave (based on full-time contract)
• Flexible working and an inspiring Old Windsor office overlooking the River Thames
• A supportive, inclusive environment where your ideas and growth matter

Want a taste of more?

As part of our mission, we aim to create a fulfilling workplace for all team members; this is built on trust, mutual respect, and an appreciation of everyone’s individuality and diversity.

If this role sounds like a sweet next step and you’re ready to elevate our Sales team, we’d love to meet you!

Ready to shape the future of sweets?

Apply now and help us create even more sweet moments!