National Account Manager (Foodservice) – Established Soft Drinks – London – Up to £60,000 plus package
This company an established soft drinks business in the UK, with a range of phenomenal products and listings across all of the key grocery accounts. The business has seen significant success in the past few years and is looking to grow across multiple channels.
The National Account Manager will fundamentally drive the Out of Home side of the business – building the product range into Foodservice and OOH accounts (primarily across Brakes, Bidfood, Compass, Bestway and Aramark). The National Account Manager will need to build on a pipeline of prospective stockers, work alongside buyers and build the wholesale channel for the business.
The ideal candidate will have experience working with the Foodservice sector along with a network of contacts within contract catering.
The National Account Manager Responsibilities:
1. Proactively identify, target, and secure new national and regional foodservice opportunities
2. Leverage your existing black book of contacts to open doors and accelerate growth
3. Lead negotiations and onboarding of new customers
4. Own and develop a portfolio of national and strategic accounts
5. Build strong, long-term relationships with buyers, operators, and key stakeholders
6. Deliver joint business plans that drive volume, value, and brand visibility
7. Full P&L responsibility for your accounts
8. Lead pricing, margins, promotions, and contract negotiations
9. Forecast accurately and manage budgets in line with business targets
10. Work cross-functionally with marketing, supply chain, and finance to deliver commercial plans
11. Identify channel trends, gaps, and growth opportunities within foodservice
12. Act as the voice of the customer internally, helping shape range, activation, and innovation
The ideal National Account Manager Candidate:
13. Demonstrable experience as a National Account Manager (or equivalent) within foodservice / contract catering
14. A strong black book of relevant contacts across operators, contract caterers, and/or distributors
15. Proven success in new business wins as well as growing established accounts
16. Solid commercial and financial acumen, including pricing and margin management
17. Excellent negotiation, relationship-building, and influencing skills
18. A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with a results-driven approach