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National Account Controller - Sainsbury's (Own Label) - FMCG Food
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An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced National Account Controller to join a well-established, market-leading food manufacturer with a significant and growing presence across UK and international retail.
This business operates at scale across fresh, chilled, and frozen categories, supplying some of the most recognisable own label propositions on UK supermarket shelves. With a reputation for quality, innovation, and strong retailer partnerships, this is a business that takes commercial leadership seriously.
The National Account Controller role sits at the heart of the commercial function, leading Sainsbury's - one of the company's most strategically important grocery relationships. This is a high-visibility position with real P&L accountability, a team to lead, and the opportunity to shape the long-term direction of a major own label customer partnership.
The Role
As National Account Controller, you will take full ownership of the commercial relationship with a top-tier UK grocery multiple, driving revenue, volume, and contribution across a broad own label portfolio. You will lead a team of experienced commercial managers, set strategic direction, and act as the senior point of contact both internally and externally.
This is not a role for someone looking to manage the status quo. The business is ambitious, the customer is demanding, and the National Account Controller will be expected to bring energy, rigour, and genuine commercial leadership to the position.
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- Lead the development and execution of annual and long-term Joint Business Plans, aligned to the strategic objectives of both the business and the customer across all routes to market and product categories
- Take full P&L responsibility for the own label proposition within the defined account, managing trade investment carefully and collaborating closely with Commercial Finance to maintain financial governance
- Build and manage senior-level relationships across the customer's buying, category, and leadership functions, ensuring the company is well-positioned as a trusted, strategic partner
- Lead, develop, and inspire a team of commercial managers, setting clear KPIs, supporting progression, and building a high-performing, accountable culture
- Work cross-functionally with Category, Marketing, Innovation, Technical, and Supply Chain teams to deliver customer-specific category development plans and NPD programmes
- Own forecast accuracy and the management of risks and opportunities, ensuring commercial plans are delivered with precision and pace
- Champion the voice of the customer internally, ensuring plans, priorities, and investment decisions are aligned to customer strategy and long-term partnership objectives
The Ideal Candidate
The successful National Account Controller will bring a strong track record in senior commercial roles within a major FMCG or food manufacturing environment. Specific experience managing a top UK grocery multiple at a senior level is essential, as is a genuine understanding of the own label landscape.
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- Demonstrable experience operating at National Account Controller or Senior Commercial Manager level, ideally within food or FMCG
- A proven track record of building and sustaining long-term strategic partnerships with major UK grocery retailers
- Strong own label commercial experience, with a solid understanding of both retailer and consumer dynamics
- Full P&L ownership experience, with confidence in financial governance, forecasting, and trade investment management
- Experienced people leader, with a history of developing and motivating high-performing commercial teams
- Highly analytical, commercially astute, and an exceptional communicator and negotiator at a senior level
- A degree qualification is advantageous but not essential; a full UK driving licence is required
Location
West London
Package
Competitive senior-level salary, plus bonus, car allowance, and a comprehensive benefits package. Full details available upon application.
If you are an established National Account Controller with a passion for own label FMCG and the ambition to lead a strategically critical customer relationship, we would welcome a confidential conversation.
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