National Account Manager

National Account Manager Location: Halstead, Essex Job Type: Full-time, Permanent Market 36 Recruitment are currently recruiting for a National Account Manager on behalf of our client based in Halstead. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced commercial professional to join a growing FMCG business, managing key customer relationships across Retail and Foodservice channels. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in driving sales growth, identifying new business opportunities, managing customer projects, and leading commercial negotiations. Main Purpose of the Role Reporting to the Head of Sales, you will be responsible for managing existing customer accounts, developing new business opportunities, driving profitable growth, and delivering exceptional customer service. You will work closely with internal departments and customers to successfully manage projects, negotiate pricing, and support the company's long-term commercial strategy. Roles & Responsibilities • Develop and implement customer plans aligned with business objectives and growth strategies. • Manage and grow existing customer relationships across Retail and Food service sectors. • Identify and secure new business opportunities to support company growth. • Lead commercial negotiations to maximise sales, profit, and operating income. • Manage customer pricing agreements, payment terms, and trading conditions. • Produce annual account plans to support growth and development opportunities. • Build strong multi functional and multi-level customer relationships. • Conduct regular customer visits to ensure successful delivery of agreed objectives. • Manage and support customer NPD (New Product Development) and EPD (Existing Product Development) projects. • Forecast customer demand and manage SKU planning responsibilities. • Analyse customer opportunities and market gaps to identify areas for growth. • Maintain accurate customer records, account plans, visit reports, and project documentation. • Work closely with internal departments to ensure excellent customer service and communication. • Champion key commercial projects and initiatives in line with company strategy. • Develop a strong understanding of products, manufacturing capabilities, market trends, and competitor activity. Additional Responsibilities • Support continuous improvement initiatives across the business. • Promote effective communication and collaboration across departments. • Ensure all customer interactions are conducted professionally. • Adhere to company policies, procedures, and health & safety requirements. • Carry out any other reasonable duties as required by management. Experience, Skills & Qualifications • Degree educated or equivalent qualification. • Minimum 5 years' commercial experience within an FMCG environment. • Proven experience managing large UK customer accounts. • Previous experience working across Retail and Foodservice sectors. • Strong relationship-building and account management skills. • Experience negotiating commercial agreements and achieving sales targets. • Excellent communication and presentation skills. • Highly organised with strong project management abilities. • Self-motivated, proactive, and results-driven. • Strong understanding of consumer trends and market dynamics. Working Pattern & Benefits Hours: • Monday to Friday • Full-time permanent position Benefits: • Opportunity to join a well-established and growing business • Career development opportunities • Collaborative and supportive working environment Salary: • Competitive salary dependent on experience Market 36 Recruitment Ltd cover a range of sectors including Commercial, Industrial, Engineering, HR & Finance and IT. This vacancy is being advertised by Market 36 Recruitment Ltd. We operate as an Employment Business for temporary roles and as an Employment Agency for permanent roles. Benefits: • Company car • Company pension • Free parking • On-site parking Work Location: In person