National Account Manager

About Au Vodka

Au Vodka stands for a luxury vodka brand that emphasizes sophistication, innovation, and exceptional craftsmanship. Originating in Wales and now recognized globally, the brand aims to revolutionize the FMCG spirit segment through unique flavors and premium offerings. With rapid growth in domestic and international markets, Au Vodka aspires to become the first Welsh-founded FMCG company to achieve a $1 billion valuation.

Role Overview

The National Account Manager will take charge of nurturing and expanding partnerships with major UK national pub companies and key leisure accounts. The focus lies on securing new clients, growing current relationships, and enhancing distribution, visibility, and sales rates across managed pub estates. This role plays a critical function in reinforcing Au Vodka's footprint in the premium on-trade sector through durable commercial agreements. The position is nationwide within the UK, with occasional attendance required at the Swansea headquarters.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and sustain robust relationships with national accounts, offering superior customer service and engagement.
• Gain comprehensive insight into each account's operations, challenges, and prospects, maximizing sales and brand prominence.
• Collaborate with national pub firms and leisure partners to optimize product distribution, placement on menus, promotional opportunities, and visibility within managed estates.
• Devise and implement sales strategies targeting volume and revenue increases within the on-trade and leisure channels.
• Meet or exceed sales targets and KPIs across assigned accounts.
• Negotiate national agreements including listings, ranging terms, Joint Business Plans, and activation strategies with key accounts.
• Coordinate with marketing to deliver customized activation plans, national campaigns, and client-specific promotions across managed pub venues.
• Supply accounts with branded Point of Sale materials and other promotional tools to enhance the Au Vodka brand presence.
• Assist in designing promotional events and activations to bolster brand recognition and customer loyalty.
• Continuously monitor market trends, competitor actions, and industry changes to inform strategic decisions.
• Provide regular performance reports, forecasts, and updates to senior management to align stock levels and demand.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, logistics, and customer service teams to ensure seamless order and delivery processes.
• Share insights and best practices with the wider sales team to explore cross-selling opportunities.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and conditions to establish mutually advantageous contracts that support brand positioning and profit margins.
• Manage contract renewals and promotional support to cultivate long-lasting partnerships.
• Resolve customer queries promptly and professionally to maintain high satisfaction standards.
• Proactively address challenges ensuring consistent service excellence.

Required Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated success in national account management, particularly within premium drinks, hospitality, or FMCG sectors.
• Strong knowledge of the on-trade landscape, including national and managed pub companies plus leisure operators.
• Exceptional negotiation capabilities focused on achieving sales goals.
• Passion for luxury brands and affinity with premium spirits.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively engage stakeholders across organizational levels.
• Self-driven with the ability to manage multiple priorities across diverse accounts.
• Analytical approach emphasizing data-informed decision making.
• Possession of a valid UK driving licence is mandatory.

Benefits and Company Culture

• Dynamic, high-growth FMCG company with international ambitions.
• Chance to contribute to building a brand destined for billion-dollar valuation.
• Fast-moving, creative workplace allowing meaningful impact without bureaucratic constraints.
• Early finish on Fridays at 4pm.
• Daily freshly prepared lunches by an on-site chef.
• Modern office environment equipped with on-site parking.
• Company-wide bonus scheme designed to reward collective success.
• Birthday leave day.
• Exciting launch parties and team-building events.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave entitlements.

Additional Information

This position is based across the UK with occasional travel to the Swansea headquarters. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK; unfortunately, visa sponsorship is not provided.