National Account Manager – Buying Groups & Key Accounts
Location: UK (National role)
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity to join a well-renowned and highly respected brand within the plumbing and bathroom sector. We are looking to appoint a National Account Manager with proven buying group experience to take ownership of developing and growing relationships across key UK buying groups and national accounts.
This role is specifically focused on the independent merchant buying-group landscape, and experience working with groups such as NBG, IPG, PHG, H&B or UKPS is essential.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Head of Sales, you will be responsible for building and maintaining long-term, strategic relationships with buying groups and their member businesses. You will drive growth through structured account management, promotional planning, and collaborative development, while managing commercial performance across volume, value, margin and profitability.
This is a highly visible, national role that requires strong commercial judgement, excellent stakeholder management and a deep understanding of how buying groups and independent merchant networks operate.
Key Responsibilities
Account Management
* Deliver agreed sales targets across volume, value, margin and EBIT
* Maintain strong, regular contact with buying groups and relevant departments
* Visit accounts and member branches to understand operations and identify growth opportunities
* Maintain accurate account records and internal reporting
Business Development
* Identify and develop new business opportunities, including branded and own-label ranges
* Introduce new products aligned with business strategy and manage account expectations
* Recommend POS, merchandising and display solutions to improve conversion and visibility
Marketing & Promotions
* Communicate marketing and PR activity clearly to accounts
* Plan, execute and evaluate promotional activity and advertising spend
* Work closely with marketing to ensure campaigns are effective, targeted and ROI-driven
Stakeholder Engagement
* Build strong relationships with key stakeholders across buying groups and accounts
* Lead quarterly performance reviews with customers and internal teams
* Agree, monitor and deliver against annual KPIs
Operational Excellence
* Ensure timely execution of promotions, pricing, invoicing and queries
* Identify cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies
* Manage and track approved promotional and advertising budgets
The Person
* Proven experience in a National or Key Account Manager role, ideally within plumbing, bathrooms or building materials
* Demonstrable buying group experience and understanding of independent merchant networks
* Strong commercial acumen with the ability to analyse data and drive strategic decisions
* Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills
* Comfortable operating nationally and managing multiple senior stakeholders
If you would like more information and a confidential chat, please don't hesitate to get in touch below.
T: 07900 684 888
E: Colin@asr-international.co.uk
W: www.asr-international.co.uk
ASR International specialises in Commercial, Operational and Sales-based roles throughout GB; our expertise lies with manufacturers and distributors within the bathroom, brassware, sanitaryware and interiors sectors for senior-level appointments and Directors.