Senior National Account Manager – Sainsbury’s

 (7 month FTC, from 1^st Dec 25’)

How you could help us to Enchant the World with Chocolate

In this role you will report directly to the Head Of Sales, you will be a key member of the Grocery Business Unit. The successful candidate will take responsibility for the Bars and Easter categories in Sainsbury’s.

This role requires that customer needs, company sales objectives and profitability goals are achieved through building customer plans that enable a framework of growth over the next 1-3 years.

The individual will also be a key member of the seasonal Easter cross-functional team, as part of this team you will help shape the strategy for the long-term growth of our seasonal business.

Where you’ll be based
This role will be based in Feltham during December 2025 then Richmond Upon Thames, London from January 2026 (Hybrid Working: in the office 60% and WFH 40%).

Key Responsibilities

Develop Key Accounts

• Develop credible and strong relationships across the customer base and with key internal influencers to agree and execute Joint Business Plans in line with agreed Sainsbury’s sales plans
• Develop deep understanding of Sainsbury’s and networks within the account to develop Lindt’s business
• Drive effective Lindt customer relationships through high professionalism in account management at the appropriate levels
• Understand customer timelines and requirements and proactively and constructively work these back within the Lindt organisation
• Short to midterm focus on account development (1 -3 years)

Deliver Sales Controllables

• Deliver in year plan & budget linked to the Company strategy
• Build and deliver robust Joint Business & Account Plan
• Implement AYR, seasonal plans and NPD – through correct distribution, merchandising, feature and logistical phasing
• Deliver growth and strategic plans by portfolio to deliver NTS requirements, RSV, Profit and market share objectives
• Optimise commercial spend investments and sustainable growth of Lindt NNP
• Develop interdependent & collaborative relationships with Lindt cross functional teams
• Deliver pace to the accounts development and meet agreed account requirements within agreed deadlines

Working Relationships

This role will demand strong interpersonal and influencing skills to build and maintain relationships with key internal and external contacts:

External

• Account Commercial Team – AYR & Seasonal Buyers, Range planners, Activation manager, Customer & Trading team – constant contact to influence and deliver plans
• Account Logistics Team – Key contact at appropriate times to agree ways of working and collaborate effectively
• Account Marketing Team – In store and media – critical in delivering large seasonal events and AYR events such as NPD launches

Internal

• Sales Leaders to ensure clear communication, understanding and alignment
• Marketing to ensure that products and promotions run in line with marketing strategy in particular the large NPDs and exclusive launches
• Logistics to ensure strong forecasting performance and delivery to customers
• Finance to ensure P&Ls are understood and used in commercial decision making
• Customer Services – Daily contact to ensure smooth delivery of orders
• Category Management – to ensure interrogation and utilisation of account, market and category data to deliver account objectives
• BDT (Field Team) – Key contacts with monthly updates on account activity to ensure correct in store implementation. Supply insights/analytics to optimise stock pressure and availability

Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience Preferred

• Have proven and substantial sales experience within a major FMCG organization – Preferred experience in Sainsbury’s
• Have a record of consistent success in the management and execution of Joint Business Plan’s
• Show capability to implement AYR and seasonal plans, both commercially and logistically
• Demonstrate strong leadership qualities – able to enlist, energise and develop others
• Have strong communication and networking skills
• Be performance driven, tenacious and goal orientated
• Be able to work cross functionally both internally and externally
• Excellence analytical skills with an ability to manage considerable budgets and investments

How you will be rewarded financially

For the position of Senior National Account Manager – 7mth FTC, the salary range is equivalent of £58,000 - £68,000 p/a plus car allowance. In addition, you will receive a benefits package including; bonus, pension, life cover, chocolate allowance; chocolate give-aways, chocolate discount, £100 personal incentive, birthday day off and so much more!

Being yourself every day

We want everyone at Lindt feel safe to be themselves, ensuring they are empowered, represented, celebrated and included in our workplace. You’ll notice this throughout the recruitment process; in our ‘dress for your day’ policy and through our proactive DE&I strategy.

Living our values everyday

At Lindt UK, our values guide us in everything we do. Being Passionately Lindt, Always Evolving, Building Real Relationships, Acting Responsibly and Making An Impact are an integral part of life here at Lindt.

What you can expect from us

In return for everything that you’ll bring, we can offer you an exciting role in a fast-growing organisation, where we’ll provide an environment where you will thrive, feel supported and fulfil your career aspirations, all while supporting your physical and mental wellbeing.

Requirements