Senior National Account Manager, Grocery - Fresh Foods

Job description

Senior National Account Manager, Grocery

Fresh Food Global FMCG

West Sussex x 3 days per week

A leading UK & global food business is seeking an experienced Senior National Account Manager to lead a strategically critical grocery retail account. This is a high-profile role with full P&L ownership, responsibility for long-term category growth, and the opportunity to shape a multi-year customer strategy within a fast-paced, values-led organisation.

The Role

Reporting into the Customer Director, you will be accountable for delivering a three-year customer strategy that drives sustainable category growth, market share gains, and improved profitability. Success in this role will be underpinned by strong senior-level customer relationships, commercial rigour, and the ability to mobilise cross-functional teams at pace.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute a long-term customer and category strategy aligned to growth and profitability objectives
• Own the end-to-end customer P&L, proactively identifying risks and opportunities
• Lead commercial negotiations including pricing, promotions, and range reviews
• Drive margin improvement through mix optimisation, pricing, cost management, and efficiency initiatives
• Set clear priorities across Category, Development, Technical, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations
• Build and maintain trusted, influential relationships across the customer network
• Shape category strategy using insight, data, shopper understanding, and market trends
• Anticipate future customer needs and develop proactive, value-adding solutions
• Deliver budget, forecast accuracy, and joint quality plans
• Act as a senior ambassador for the business, role-modelling pace, accountability, and commercial leadership

About You

• Proven experience managing a major UK Top 4 Grocery account
• Background in own label product / fresh food and/or seasonal categories is strongly preferred
• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrable P&L ownership
• Excellent influencing, negotiation, and relationship-building skills
• Compelling storyteller with clear, confident communication style
• Resilient, driven, and able to execute plans with speed and discipline
• Deep understanding of shoppers, missions, and category dynamics

The business has an eniviable, collaborative working culture which is highly supportive and progressive. A great place to work, there are plenty of examples of employee's rising up the ranks and realising their career aspirations!

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

West Sussex

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

09-02-2026

Profession type

Retail

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