Boots/Superdrug National Account Manager

This position will manage specific national accounts in line with company standards, policy, performance and strategy. You will also obtain, maintain and develop profitable business with a specific account portfolio within defined market categories.

Responsibilities:

• You will manage, lead and develop business through specific multiple and regional accounts as well as providing input to the develop brand and category plans
• You will ensure plans reflect account opportunities and account strategy reflects company objectives, maximising product brand shares
• You will provide accurate and timely sales volume and value forecasts
• You will maintain updated information and reports with account trading policies and business objectives and ensure that the most favourable trading terms on price, service & profitability are negotiated
• You will ensure promotional activity and new product listings maximise potential business in all accounts and to communicate all relevant information to the Business Controller
• You will control product promotional budgets and identify improvement opportunities, maintaining control of overheads and expenses within defined limits to ensure the most economic coverage of accounts
• You will monitor and control account development and deliver budgeted sales and KPI’s
• You will monitor competitor activity and report on any such activity, as well as making recommendations and implementing alternative business strategy in light of changing market conditions
• You will establish working relationships with marketing, client management, sales planning & finance (for logistics) and liaise with the Logistics Manager over clients’ stock to ensure sufficient stock is available to meet existing and future requirements
• You will carry out any other reasonable task or tasks in connection with the job function, as requested by your manager, including a willingness to work flexibly beyond standard operating hours when required
• You will attend client review meetings as necessary

Career Experience:

• Minimum of 1 years account management experience
• Recent exposure to the principles of category management, preferably within the health and beauty industry
• Demonstrable experience of working with customers to build multi-level relationships
• Demonstrable experience of creating and delivering successful account plans

Qualifications:

• Good general standard of education including Maths and English.

Required Skills:

• Previous Boots or Superdrug experience is essential
• The ability to negotiate in order to interface effectively with key external clients and stakeholders
• The ability to use Excel to an intermediate level in order to identify and analyse trends and create commercial recommendations
• Strong analytical skills in order to interpret sales data and forecast accordingly
• The ability to use PowerPoint to an intermediate level in order to create impactful presentation for the trade and client review meetings
• A strong understanding of the key financial measures that drive effective performance, including ROI calculations, promotional evaluation, return on capital employed and sales modelling
• Strong understanding of the core principles of category management and the ability to utilise these in trade recommendations and proposals
• A broad understanding of external economic and political factors that influence the industry and the ability to eloquently outline these both at trade and client meetings.