Senior National Account Manager

Job description

About

Gilbertson & Page Ltd is a privately owned pet food manufacturer based in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. With over 150 years of heritage, the business produces around 30,000 tonnes of dry dog food annually, focusing on large-format bags for multi-dog households and value-conscious consumers. The company operates a highly automated factory and maintains a lean, efficient structure. It is part of a wider group that includes a sister company in aerosols, contributing additional group revenue.

This newly created Senior National Account Manager (SNAM) role marks a strategic step forward for Gilbertson & Page. The SNAM will help shape and lead the development of national account relationships, with a remit that may include ownership of key accounts such as Pets at Home, Bestway, and Jollyes. The balance between new business development and existing account management will be influenced by the strengths and experience of the successful candidate.

This is a rare opportunity to join a respected British manufacturer at a pivotal moment, with the autonomy to shape commercial strategy and contribute to long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

Sales & Commercial Leadership

• Develop and execute national sales strategies to drive revenue and margin growth.
• Build joint business plans with key accounts and identify opportunities for deeper engagement.
• Evaluate and shape direct vs. Wholesale account strategies, including discount and specialist channels.
• Lead promotional planning, pricing strategy, and commercial input into marketing initiatives.
• Identify and develop new national account opportunities to broaden distribution, whether through grocery, discount, wholesale, or other relevant channels.

Customer & Channel Development

• Build relationships with national retailers, wholesalers, and multi-site independents.
• Assess and prioritise opportunities across pet specialty, discount, and regional chains.
• Influence brand positioning and product visibility in-store and online.
• Collaborate with sister company contacts to leverage group relationships where appropriate.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, and Product teams.
• Provide market insights to guide innovation and go-to-market planning.
• Influence marketing campaigns and asset development to support account growth.

Performance & Reporting

• Lead sales reporting and provide actionable insights to senior leadership, ensuring visibility of performance across key accounts and initiatives.
• Track progress against targets and optimise plans in real-time.
• Drive continuous improvement across pricing, margin, and promotional effectiveness.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Significant experience in sales leadership, ideally within pet food or FMCG, with a proven ability to manage national accounts and drive commercial growth.
• Proven track record in national account management and/or new business development.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Experience working with wholesalers, retailers, and discount channels.
• Clear and confident communication, with credibility in front of senior stakeholders.
• Comfortable with travel and ideally located within reach of Welwyn for regular office presence.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience in a lean or family-owned business environment.
• Familiarity with pet food, nutrition trends, and consumer segmentation.
• Background in marketing collaboration and campaign development.
• Understanding of D2C and e-commerce dynamics.
• Existing relationships with key pet specialty and discount retailers.

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking with a pragmatic, hands-on approach.
• Emotional intelligence and adaptability to different working styles.
• Collaborative leadership and stakeholder management.
• Resilience, initiative, and long-term mindset.
• Ability to build structure and process in a lean organisation

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Milton Keynes

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

09-02-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English