National Account Exec - Contract Catering

Job Title: National Account Executive - Contract Catering 

Level: Level 5 

Location: Field-based (UK wide)

Reports to: National Account Manager

What we’re looking for…

As a National Account Executive you will be responsible and accountable for new customer acquisition and the development of their business within a designated OOH business channel.

With full responsibility for customers within your sector, you will be responsible for targeting and onboarding of new customers, and the day to day execution of Company and Business Unit strategic priorities to deliver objectives within agreed budgets.

This is a National role and through new customer acquisition you will develop an account portfolio that is typically made up of national accounts to complement the existing account base.

Your aim is to use and build upon an extension list of new business targets, support and develop the new business strategy to successfully win and onboard new customers. Onboarded customers will enhance the current portfolio of accounts that the NAE is responsible for and the pipeline of new business will continue to fuel growth of the portfolio. You will negotiate JBP’s within agreed budgets to deliver annual growth within their developing customer base and will have full budget and term responsibility.

You will also play an active role in improving forecasting accuracy for the full business unit by regularly updating the wider account team with potential new business wins and any activity linked to changes in volumes. 

Your responsibilities will include...

• Account management - Within ‘nominated’ sectors i.e. Hospitality and Foodservice the NAE will work within a specified area to achieve all agreed Key Performance Indicators (to include but not exhaustive – New Business, IR, Contribution, NPD, Distribution, promotional loading and management. 
• Joint Business Plans -The NAE is responsible where applicable for developing, agreeing & delivering a joint business plan within their key customer base to drive mutual business benefit, alongside targeted business growth through development of sales fundamentals and value for money from A. G. Barr promotional investment. 
• Forecasting – Working with the wider account team and Demand Planning the NAE will be responsible for all forecasts KPIs linked to their key accounts delivering availability within their customer from “A.G. Barr to Depot”, “Depot to Store” and then “Store to Shelf”.
• Budget Investment- Agree, manage and adhere to authorised CI budgets (RI & PI) and trading terms with customers to maintain a profitable business model for AG Barr.
• Promotional activity - Working in conjunction with the HO account team, the NAE will be responsible for the creation, execution and compliance of customer promotional activity, delivering profitable growth for AG Barr, in line with business priorities.
• Insight & Data - Responsible for developing and sharing insights on their business e.g. learnings which will assist colleagues in the development of their business plans.  Use of IRI/Kantar/Category data to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the marketplace
• Relationships - Responsible for developing strong personal relationships with key customers, from CEO to warehouse operatives, using these relationships to help deliver all plans and initiatives.  Internal relationships and building a network of strong business contacts is equally as important
• Communication - Responsible for developing and agreeing with individual NAE’s, NAM’s, Head of Foodservice & BUD, the necessary level of internal communication and process to be followed to ensure clear and concise business decisions are made between parties.  Strong external communication skills required to ensure the customer is always clear on decisions which may impact on their business
• Management of Work - Responsible for completing all required administration (internal & external) in line with agreed process, procedure &  deadline’s. 

What you’ll bring...

• Proven track record in new customer acquisition and business development within a designated OOH business channel (Contract Catering/Foodservice preferred).
• High level of numeracy and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to negotiate and manage Joint Business Plans (JBPs), maintaining full budget and term responsibility.
• Proficiency in developing and sharing insights, leveraging data sources like IRI/Kantar/Category data to demonstrate marketplace knowledge.
• Good IT skills, including Google Suite, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• An understanding of professional selling techniques
• Developed ability to develop and maintain robust personal relationships with key external customers and internal stakeholders across all levels
• Excellent communication skills (both internal and external), ensuring clarity on all business decisions.
• A highly motivated self-starter who is driven to succeed.
• Highly organised and effective at setting clearly defined objectives and monitoring performance.
• Demonstrates resilience and is able to work productively within a high-pressure environment.

We are an equal opportunities employer and happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that may be needed for successful candidates with a disability, health or mental health condition.

Latest closing date for applications is 8th December at 12pm.