Quick facts
£37,000–£43,000 | National Account Executive | Slough | Hybrid: typically 2 days in the office (sometimes 1), plus customer visits
Quick check before you read on
• Have you completed a recognised graduate scheme or hold an equivalent graduate-level qualification?
• Are you early in your FMCG commercial career (typically 1–3 years) and looking for a clear step towards National Account Manager?
• Can you work hybrid from Slough and operate confidently in a fast-paced, changing environment?
Is this you?
You’re a graduate-calibre commercial professional who wants real ownership early. You learn fast, you’re comfortable with numbers, and you don’t need everything perfectly defined before you start. You enjoy working in lean teams, take accountability seriously, and you’re motivated by progression rather than job titles. You’re not looking to coast; you want exposure, responsibility, and a role that will stretch you.
This is a genuine stepping-stone role for someone building a long-term career in FMCG sales.
The opportunity
This role sits at the centre of a fast-moving wholesale and distributor channel. You’ll work closely with senior commercial leaders and external partners, gaining early exposure to forecasting, pricing, Joint Value Plans, and customer decision-making. The environment is high-accountability and evolving, with visibility well beyond the level typically offered at this stage of a career.
Progression is real and proven. Strong performers move on to National Account Manager roles as the business grows and roles open.
What the role actually involves
You’ll support and manage day-to-day commercial execution across distributor and wholesale partners. This includes forecasting and supply planning, managing pricing and promotions through distributors, and tracking performance against commercial plans. A significant part of the role involves managing residual and excess stock, requiring you to analyse bids, build simple P&L scenarios, and recommend the most commercially effective route to market.
You’ll be expected to stay close to the numbers, keep processes tight, and follow through on actions. Internally, you’ll contribute to regular financial reviews and be accountable for forecast accuracy and issue resolution. Externally, you’ll interact with distributor partners and selected customers through calls, reviews, and periodic site visits.
This is not a purely administrative role. You’ll be expected to think commercially, ask questions, and take ownership as your confidence grows.
What you’ll need (must-have)
• Completion of a graduate scheme or equivalent graduate-level qualification
• Early-career commercial experience within FMCG, retail, or a closely related sector
• Comfort working with data, forecasts, pricing, and Excel-based analysis
• Willingness to operate in an admin-heavy, detail-critical environment
• Ability to work hybrid from Slough and travel occasionally to customers
Nice to have
• Exposure to wholesalers or distributors
• Experience supporting Joint Business or Value Plans
• Understanding of promotions, trade spend, or stock clearance mechanics
What you get
You’ll gain breadth of exposure quickly, work directly with experienced commercial leaders, and develop the foundations needed to progress into account management. The working environment is flexible in practice, collaborative, and focused on development through experience rather than hierarchy.
No sponsorship or relocation offered.