National Account Manager

Excellent Package & Benefits | North West / Hybrid

We’re working with a well-established, fast-moving UK fresh produce business supplying major national food manufacturing customers. They’re now looking to appoint a National Account Manager to take ownership of a significant portfolio and play a key role in driving profitable growth.

This is a hands-on, commercially serious role for someone who enjoys managing complexity, protecting relationships under pressure, and delivering results in a sector where things don’t always go to plan.

The role

You’ll be responsible for:

* Managing and growing a portfolio of national branded food manufacturing accounts (c. £20m+ turnover)

* Acting as the primary commercial contact for your customers

* Driving sales growth and margin, working cross-functionally with Operations, Technical, Finance and NPD

* Building longer-term partnerships and securing sustainable commercial agreements

* Handling issues calmly and effectively when supply, quality or timing challenges arise

* Supporting NPD, pricing, tenders, forecasting and account planning

* Identifying and developing new business opportunities aligned with the company’s growth strategy

The business operates from two sites – Preston and Leeds. You can be based at either location, with travel to the other site required at least once per week. Regular customer travel is part of the role, alongside a hybrid working model with up to two days per week from home.

What they’re looking for

This role will suit someone who:

* Has at least 5 years’ experience in an Account Manager or National Account role

* Comes from fresh produce, food manufacturing or FMCG

* Is comfortable owning commercial relationships end-to-end

* Has a relationship-first mindset, but understands margin, cost-to-serve and pricing discipline

* Can make good decisions with incomplete information

* Communicates clearly, stays calm under pressure, and follows things through

* Is confident working cross-functionally and influencing without authority

A full UK driving licence is essential. Degree-level education is desirable but not critical if experience is strong.

Package & benefits

* Salary: £55,000

* Company car with private fuel, or £6,000 car allowance

* Hybrid working (2 days per week from home)

* A business that values professionalism, teamwork and doing things properly

Why this role?

* A real commercial role, not a title-only account job

* Exposure to senior stakeholders, customers and directors

* Opportunity to make a visible impact in a growing, well-run operation