National Account Manager

A young, energetic and award winning housewares company seeks a highly organised and motivated National Account Manager to join the new team in their new office location.

Supplying leading retailers such as John Lewis, Selfridges, House of Fraser, Debenhams and Harrods, this company has aggressive growth plans for 2015 and finding the right people is at the heart of the company strategy.

You must have experience of working with large retailers and have an understanding of the sell in process from start to finish. Ideally you will come from a fashion or design-led product background and understand how products should be positioned across various retail channels. You will be aware of the behind-the-scenes administration involved when working with retailers from margin management to distribution and delivery requirements.

The National Account Manager role:

This role will be working directly with the Managing Director, ensuring that the growing customer portfolio receives excellent service. You will have full responsibility for the accounts that you manage so the confidence to work autonomously and remain focused on achieving targets is essential. The company isn’t looking for “run of the mill” but a person who can find better ways to do things ensuring the brands that are represented lead their category.

The successful National Account Manager candidate will be responsible for the below tasks:

• Achieving annual targets by account
• Ensuring margin KPI’s are achieved
• Providing price quotes and negotiating customer terms
• Align customer plans with overall brand strategy
• Changing the product offering and portfolio to drive sales
• Implementation of agreed trade marketing plans (demonstrations etc.)
• Providing the Merchandise Controller with customer forecasts
• Monthly/Quarterly meetings with all customers
• Developing bespoke brand presentations for all accounts
• Liaising with the warehouse team on specific customer requirements
• Managing the “cost of doing business” and providing new ways to improve this
• Generate the maximum ROI for the company

The ideal person for this National Account Manager role:

They are looking for a National Account Manager who can hit the ground running and is ready to work in a sometimes fast and changing commercial environment. There will be pressure so don’t expect to sit back but the company is prepared to reward for this work ethic.

Coming from a homewares background is not essential, as long as you have supplied consumer goods to key/national accounts and you have a thorough understand the retail sales process then this is enough. This role is just as much about attitude as it is about experience; the company wants to see an entrepreneurial spirit and a person who is prepared to make suggestions.

You may currently be in a National Account Manager role or you’re a super National Account Executive looking to take on the next challenge.

Qualifications/Experience/Skills:

• Good organisational skills - able to manage priorities under pressure
• Able to demonstrate a keen passion to work in a Sales environment
• Technical skills; Able to demonstrate excellent numeracy and analytical skills
• Excellent knowledge of MS Excel
• Sound knowledge of Word, Outlook and PowerPoint
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Able to demonstrate good attention to detail and level of accuracy
• Strong team player with ability to effectively listen, contribute and influence
• Able to demonstrate a pro-active attitude and flexible approach

For a confidential conversation about the position please contact Louisa Mordaunt on 07920 474 272 or e-mail your CV to louisa@ilovemyjob.co.uk