National Account Executive

National Account Executive – Reusable Bags

Join the Solent Group as a National Account Executive for our Reusable Bags division.

Solent Group works with a diverse portfolio of retailers, supplying bespoke products across categories including Health & Beauty, Household Impulse, Snacking and Reusable Bags. As a best‑in‑class company in own‑label product innovation, we bring value to retailers by leading and owning each category in a fast‑paced, trend‑driven market.

We operate globally, with offices in South Africa, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Vietnam and the UK, and we strive to create and produce amazing products and brands for our global customers.

National Account Manager

Hybrid (2 days per week) within commuting distance to Christchurch, Dorset

Build and nurture customer relationships, driving growth for the fastest growing category in the business. Plan and oversee all aspects of projects, meeting goals, and manage the organisation and scheduling of resources to deliver outstanding results for your customer.

• Bring passion and enthusiasm to grow existing clients while generating new business.
• Live the Solent Values and work with teams to drive the Vision.
• Collaborate with all departments to ensure customer strategy is met.
• Formulate customer‑specific sales plans, in line with budget, and ensure costings and pricing are accurate.
• Work independently with a pre‑set sales strategy to achieve account budgets and add your own ideas for growth.
• Understand customer KPIs and targets, reviewing performance and proposing solutions to reach category standards.
• Pioneer ambitious growth opportunities within your customer portfolio.
• Employ innovative solutions to deliver value, gross margin and volume targets.
• Contribute to the wider sales team, supporting colleagues and sharing ideas.
• Assign, monitor and coordinate project milestones and progress with internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead and plan project implementation, managing resources, relationships and allocations.
• Manage high volume SKU-level CPAs (over 200 SKUs).
• Ensure visibility and feedback are maintained.

• Desirable: 2 years' experience managing national accounts, ideally top 6 grocers.
• Strong commercial acumen.
• Desirable:
  Retail/FMCG experience, ideally top 6 grocers.
• Appetite for – ideally experience with international grocers.
• Licensing experience is an advantage but not essential.
• Detail‑oriented with ability to multi‑task and set priorities.
• Experience / awareness in critical path management.
• Resource planning & allocation, managing demanding workloads and prioritisation.
• Project risk assessment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Excel and PowerPoint.

• Competitive salary with annual reviews.
• 25 days holiday per annum, increasing to 27 days after 3 years and 30 days after 5 years.
• Extensive benefits programme including additional holiday options, medical cash plan, mental health support and more.
• Flexible hours and work‑from‑home available to all staff.
• Ample learning, development and progression opportunities, plus a yearly bonus structure based on company targets.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
• Generous company sick pay.
• Pension scheme contribution.
• Solent social events run by our in‑house social team.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Dress‑down Fridays.
• Free parking on Christchurch Quay.