We are recruiting on behalf of a long-established family-run business supplying thousands of major retail partners across the UK. After several conversations with their senior leadership and HR team, we have learned about what a great opportunity this is and we hope that it's one for you.
Our client is seeking a commercially driven and ambitious Key Account Manager to manage and grow strategic customer relationships within the retail sector. This role will take ownership of key accounts, leading commercial negotiations, developing joint business plans, and ensuring high-quality execution of agreed strategies through close collaboration with internal field teams.
Key Responsibilities
Account Management & Growth
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers
- Develop and deliver joint business plans aligned to both customer and company objectives
- Identify opportunities to drive revenue, distribution, and category growth within accounts
Negotiation & Commercial Planning
- Lead negotiations on trading terms, pricing, and promotional investments
- Agree annual and periodic promotional plans that deliver mutual value
- Manage account P&L performance, ensuring profitability targets are achieved
Execution & Implementation
- Translate agreed account plans into clear execution briefs for field sales teams
- Work closely with field teams to ensure consistent, high-quality in-store execution
- Monitor execution performance, resolve issues quickly, and drive continuous improvement
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with marketing, supply chain, and category teams to deliver aligned plans
- Provide customer insight to support wider commercial strategy
- Ensure strong availability and delivery of promotional activity
Performance Monitoring
- Analyse sales data, promotional performance, and return on investment
- Report on account performance, risks, and growth opportunities
- Adjust plans based on performance insights and market dynamics
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Experience in a Key Account Manager or Account Manager role
- Background within the retail sector
- Strong track record of negotiating trading terms and managing customer P&L
- Experience developing and delivering promotional plans
- Strong focus on execution and ability to drive performance through field teams
- Excellent commercial acumen and analytical capability
Desirable
- Experience working with symbol groups or independent retailers
- Understanding of route-to-market models within convenience
- Experience managing multiple internal and external stakeholders
Personal Attributes
- Results-driven with a strong sense of ownership
- Confident negotiator with strong influencing skills
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail
- Collaborative approach with the ability to work cross-functionally
- Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
Success Measures
- Delivery of revenue and profit targets
- Achievement of agreed promotional ROI
- Quality and consistency of in-store execution
- Strength and longevity of customer relationships
Why Apply?
High-Impact Role. Take ownership of key accounts and play a direct role in driving business growth within a fast-moving sector.
Opportunity to Grow. Join a growing business where strong performance is recognised, with clear opportunities to develop and progress.
Collaborative Environment. Work closely with a hands-on leadership team in a business focused on execution, accountability, and results.
Commercial Exposure. Gain end-to-end exposure across negotiations, customer strategy, and execution.
Package & Benefits
- £30,000 base salary
- Performance related bonus
- Company pension scheme
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Flexible working, including the option to work from home where appropriate
- Free on-site parking
- Staff discount across the product range
- Company events and team socials
- Health and wellbeing support, including free flu jabs
- Referral bonus scheme
How The Process Works
If successful, you will be invited to a one-to-one screening call with Aneal Birdi via Microsoft Teams. We want to know more about who you are, your motivations and overall fit for the role. From there, we will have two rounds, once with the HR and hiring manager and an opportunity to meet the wider leadership team.
About CareerVive
CareerVive is a people and performance partner. We hire for character, then coach for performance. Every candidate we place is supported through their first 90 days under our ROC™ framework, ensuring you land, integrate and perform.
We are committed to inclusive hiring. All candidates will be assessed on role-related criteria only, in compliance with the Equality Act 2010.