National Account Manager – Co-op & High Street

The Opportunity

We’re looking for an experienced National Account Manager to take ownership of key grocery and high street retail accounts within a fast-paced FMCG environment.

This role will play a key part in delivering ambitious growth plans, building strong customer relationships and driving commercially effective Joint Business Plans across a branded portfolio.

You’ll work cross-functionally with internal teams including Category, Demand Planning, Finance and Marketing, while acting as a trusted commercial partner to your customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver against sales, profitability and market share targets across key retail accounts
• Effectively manage trade investment, making commercially sound recommendations to improve ROI
• Support the launch and ongoing management of new products, brands and categories
• Lead cost price increase discussions in line with business requirements
• Build and deliver customer Joint Business Plans aligned to wider company objectives
• Create commercially viable, insight-led plans that drive growth and strengthen customer partnerships
• Analyse performance and adapt plans where required to maximise results
• Build detailed bottom-up forecasts at SKU level and manage full account P&Ls
• Ensure plans are delivered within retailer timelines and internal sign-off processes
• Deliver distribution targets for new product launches and support wider category growth initiatives
• Partner closely with Category teams to deliver insight-led recommendations and become a trusted category partner
• Ensure promotional activity aligns with wider commercial strategy while challenging where appropriate
• Maintain strong forecasting accuracy and effectively manage risks and opportunities
• Lead regular forecasting and demand planning reviews with internal stakeholders
• Build strong relationships across buying, finance, supply chain and shopper marketing functions
• Develop and manage effective customer contact strategies
• Establish trusted partnerships with key commercial stakeholders
• Challenge constructively while maintaining strong working relationships
• Respond quickly and effectively to customer needs and issues
• Share best practice internally and contribute positively to wider team success

About You

• Proven experience operating at National Account Manager level within FMCG
• Strong experience developing and managing Joint Business Plans
• Excellent commercial and numerical capability
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• Proactive, organised and solutions-focused
• Comfortable influencing cross-functionally across multiple teams
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• Resilient mindset with a strong focus on delivering results
• Passionate about brands, customers and driving growth

Apply now or email (url removed)

The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner, based in the UK, to the FMCG and consumer product sectors. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation. By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website. Please note that The Advocate Group is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.