National Accounts – Aldi & Waitrose

Our client is a large Food group operating in some of the most dynamic FMCG categories across Europe.  Their UK business is investing heavily in people capability under the leadership of an exceptionally strong senior team.

The business is strengthening commercial areas at National Account level and looking to appoint  Account Execs and Managers who are looking for a real career opportunity to put down some pace and have the potential to progress. The next 3-5 years will be a very exciting journey to be a part of.

The aim of the role

To grow profitable distribution and penetration for our brands and to augment this with strategic, profitable own label volume. This role requires skills to manage our existing business and grow our relationships and accounts. Develop and build trust into existing trading relationships with Aldi for long-term commercial benefit. To positively contribute to the overall direction and success of the business. Manage branded and Retailer Own Brand portfolio

Key Accountabilities

• Lead our agenda and team within this specific area.
• Maintain customer P&Ls + identify & maximise commercial opportunities within agreed financial parameters.
• Negotiate customer terms utilising category and consumer data
• Develop long-term customer partnerships through effective business plans.
• Work with & contribute to the team in developing & implementing strategic plans and sector specific initiatives.
• Employ a leadership approach to the category when in dialogue with customers and contacts.
• Monitor and evaluate personal progress against KPIs, objectives and commercial priorities.
• Develop and maintain professional and efficient working relationships with all internal functions.
• Contribute positively towards the ongoing development, refinement and success of the channel strategy.
• Adopt a business-wide perspective when implementing the sector priorities.
• Contribute to the team’s performance, identity and culture through full commitment to business development and personal development.

Competencies

Demonstrates Self Awareness: Using a combination of feedback and reflection to gain productive insight into personal strengths and weaknesses

Communicates Effectively: Developing and delivering multi-mode communication that convey a clear understanding of unique needs of different audiences

Cultivates Innovation: Creating new and better ways for the organisation

Develops Talent: Developing people to meet both their career goals and the organisation's goals

Directs Work: Providing direction, delegating and removing obstacles to get work done

Personal Attributes

• Team player and humility
• Have a strong level of sales and account management experience supported by demonstrable success within relevant customers
• Be able to work on own initiative; 100% self-starter and fully proactive
• Retailer own brand experience
• Wants to grow and progress within the organisation
• Draw on experience and self-belief to overcome challenges
• Have the right levels of judgement, drive and influence in order to successfully deliver your business agenda.
• Be able to demonstrate good levels of emotional intelligence and build strong relationships quickly.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a positive leader of change
• Manage change positively, think creatively and deal effectively with the unpredictable
• Be open-minded and adaptable to change and new opportunities.
• Be innovative in your approach; able to think outside the box to develop new ways of winning.
• Have high levels of personal accountability in delivering and exceeding targets.

Experience and Qualifications

Ideally degree educated or evidence of strong academics

Combined with track record of success

Experience within the specific channel preferable

Experience working within an FMCG environment

P&L Management

Ability to negotiate & agree terms and secure incremental activity

Excellent forecasting skills

Prepared to travel in the UK wide for customer and Head Office meetings