Senior National Account Manager – Retail and Retail Cafe (Maternity Cover 12 Month FTC)

UCC Coffee UK Ltd; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG company in Milton Keynes seeks an Account Manager to oversee P&L for retail accounts. The role involves developing business strategies, leading negotiations, and collaborating across functions. Ideal candidates have experience in national account management within FMCG, strong commercial acumen, and excellent communication skills. Competitive salary offers are available.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in national account management within FMCG, ideally with Top 4 Grocery retailers.
• Dynamic, self-motivated, and resilient with a solutions-focused mindset.

Responsibilities

• Own and deliver the full P&L for designated accounts.
• Develop and execute compelling Joint Business Plans (JBPs).
• Identify new business opportunities leveraging market insights.
• Lead commercial negotiations with senior stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Finance on market dynamics and pricing.

Skills

National account management experience

Commercial acumen

Business development skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Maternity Cover-12 Month Fixed Term Contract

The Role

• Own and deliver the full P&L for designated retail & retail café accounts, ensuring delivery of annual targets and contribution to the three-year strategic plan.
• Develop and execute compelling Joint Business Plans (JBPs) that align with customer and UCC Coffee objectives across product, price, promotion, and placement.
• Identify and unlock new business opportunities, leveraging insights from Category, Insight, and external data sources to stay ahead of market trends.
• Lead commercial negotiations, trading terms, and promotional planning with senior customer stakeholders.
• Collaborate closely with Finance to understand market dynamics, exchange rates, and pricing strategies.
• Build and maintain strong cross-functional relationships across Marketing, Supply Chain, Export, Technical, and European buying teams.
• Champion continuous improvement by reviewing and optimising account management processes, systems, and ways of working.
• Represent UCC Coffee at senior customer meetings, trade events, and industry forums.

The Person

• Proven experience in national account management within FMCG, ideally with Top 4 Grocery retailers.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering growth and managing complex P&Ls.
• Excellent business development and account management skills.
• Highly analytical with the ability to interpret data and translate into actionable strategies.
• Strong negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills at senior levels.
• Dynamic, self-motivated, and resilient with a solutions-focused mindset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present strategies clearly and persuasively.
• Experience in coffee, beverages, or foodservice categories, with knowledge of coffee machines.
• Exposure to category management and marketing collaboration.
• Degree-level education or equivalent.

Salary: Competitive