National Account Manager

• Work closely with the Head of Sales to develop and implement a commercial export strategy and then roll-out a strategic market entry plan. To include a business case and a set of strategic objectives.
• Work closely with the Trade Marketing Manager to plan in sales opportunities in the year from a content and marketing point of view; including involvement in planning sessions, NPD launch plans, PR activations, attendance at key events and meetings as well as ownership of the sales drivers of all activations across UK and relating territories.
• Negotiation of contracts and cost prices with external account managers.
• Development and maintenance of solid, professional relationships with customers to ensure long-term success.
• Continuous review of forecasting throughout the year, to establish and maintain accurate stock levels throughout the business. Proactively report any changes to the operational team to ensure the changes are considered in forward planning.
• Responsible for end-to-end ownership of purchase orders to ensure retailers expectations are met and orders confirmed are delivered on time to achieve KPIs, including initial placement of order through to invoicing.
• Production of accurate business performance reports to support the Head of Sales with relevant information for the board on a monthly basis.
• Ensure that existing National Accounts are managed at a strategic level, with the aim to gain a greater insight into their promotional calendar programmes and apply greater influence to ensure both the Company and the brand benefits from the relationship.
• Develop, negotiate and secure new National Accounts across the UK territory, working closely with the external accounts to ensure the alignment to the Company's strategy and the agreement of favourable terms; (including that of pricing, rebates, discounts, payment terms etc) with each new National Account.
• Attend periodic national account meetings to evaluate the delivery of agreed sales strategies and the meeting of KPIs set.
• Review and discuss with the finance team monthly reconciliation reports for remittances, returns, rebates, marketing discounts and promotional funding agreed with customers.
• Communicate regularly internally between relevant departments, in relation to national account matters, including across sales, marketing, accounts and warehouse.
• Continuous improvement, constantly looking at more efficient ways of working.
• Identifying new markets and business opportunities and visit potential customers for new business.
• Gather market and customer information and provide feedback of future buying trends.

• Significant experience in a retail environment with clear evidence of previous success in growing a Business from a Sales/ National Accounts perspective.
• Strong negotiation skills, with evidenced ability to negotiate contracts and cost prices with external account managers.
• Experience with a wide variety of customers, specifically large well-known retailers and also including the use of customer portals.
• Strong communication skills and ability to build relationships with customers.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Proven experience with strong sales leadership.
• Manage all budgeting requirements with a clear analytical approach.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Strong problem solver and solutions provider.
• Ability to produce and maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Excellent influencing, communication, presentation and training skills.
• Proven project delivery and process improvement implementation.
• Strong relationship builder and stakeholder management awareness.
• Keep up to date with products in the market and competitors of the Company.
• Resolve any arising problems associated with the management of the department and its activities, providing guidance, support and identifying any training needs.
• Be alert to the threat of cyber-crime and adhere to the Company’s cyber security protection guidelines.
• Keep IT skills updated to ensure effective use of technology.
• Act as an ambassador for the Company, supporting and promoting the Company's Vision, Mission and Values.
• Work as an effective team member to support and achieve departmental goals, promoting the highest standards of behaviour and attitude to the role, working environment and Company.
• Commit to own professional development, enhancing and improving skills and knowledge for the benefit of all.
• Ability to travel as needed.

MacGregor Black