National Account Manager (Maternity Cover)

Wren Laboratories Ltd is the company behind Optibac Probiotics, the UK’s most recommended range of friendly bacteria supplements. We believe in cultivating an environment where talent thrives, ideas flourish, and every team member plays a crucial role in our collective success.

As scientists discover more about the important role of the gut in overall health and wellbeing, the global demand for probiotic supplements is increasing dramatically and as the experts in friendly bacteria, specialising entirely in live cultures, we are committed to producing a high quality supplement range containing some of the most researched strains in the world, developed in the world’s leading laboratories.

Our award-winning range is sold in the UK, Ireland and many international markets via multiple different sales channels including pharmacies, health food stores, grocery, online retailers, marketplaces and Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners. 

Pioneers of the probiotics supplement category, Optibac has long been championing the gut health revolution, tirelessly educating professionals and consumers alike on the benefits of friendly bacteria in maintaining overall health and wellbeing.  Our continual mission is to ‘empower millions of people to change their lives with the power of probiotics’.

A highly ambitious company who believe in really making a difference to people's lives through their product range, maintaining a vibrant & inspiring workplace and to giving back to wider society through charitable giving. To date Wren Labs has donated over £2m to charitable causes.   

As a family-run business we have a strong focus on work-life balance and ensuring contributions are recognised and valued.

Main Purpose And Scope Of The Job

The Nationals sales team is highly dynamic, with strong technical and commercial aptitude.  We are on an exciting growth trajectory in the channel and have recently secured the position of the UK’s leading brand of probiotic supplements. We have a collective passion for the work we do and a curiosity into how we can accelerate ROS & deliver positive ROI. We value open communication, collaboration, a can-do attitude; and always put our consumers first in all our decisions.

We are looking for someone who has natural tenacity & curiosity to do things differently.  You will be hungry to seek out opportunities from facts and will be confident to build retailer relationships with your accounts and be a regular contributor in internal meetings with excellent stakeholder management.

Flexibility is essential at Wren Laboratories, with all teams working closely together to support and develop the ‘Optibac’ brand, so occasional additional support duties may be required in other areas of the business.

Tasks & Responsibilities

This document outlines the duties required of the post to indicate the level of responsibility. It is not a comprehensive or exhaustive list and duties may vary from time to time but these would not change the general character of the job or the level of responsibility.

The post covers these key areas:

• Manage negotiations, attend meetings, and build relationships with key 'Grow' accounts; Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsburys and Superdrug National accounts to ensure long-term success.
• Lead on winning new business opportunities for the channel.
• Use brand insights & category data to develop creative compelling selling stories.
• Plan & execute aligned shopper marketing activity within budget.
• Forecast sales, manage budgets, targets, and trade rebates with P&L responsibility.
• Manage admin tasks such as retailer portals/CRM/expenses.
• Report weekly, monthly and quarterly sales numbers.
• Proactively check instore and online presence, implementing relevant fixes where appropriate.
• Monitor competitor activity, with view to find new opportunities to win in market.
• Address any issues or concerns raised by retail partners promptly and effectively, striving for resolution and customer satisfaction.
• Become a regular collaborator cross functionally within account teams in alignment with SNAM to support day to day efforts and planning.
   

Desirable Skills & Abilities

• Strong administration skills
• Proficient within Microsoft packages Word, PowerPoint with high levels of Excel.
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally and externally well.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Excellent organisation and prioritisation skills.
• Proactive, responsive and results driven.
• Flexibility, ability and willingness to learn and pick up new processes.  
• The ability to work accurately, with attention to detail
• Demonstrate driven, hardworking and self-motivated attitude.
   

Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience

• 3+ years of working within FMCG National Accounts essential, VMS or Health & Wellness desirable.
• Good understanding of retailer JBPs & category review processes.
• Ability to create own selling story to present to buyers at range review.
• Knowledge of large retailer back-office portals.
• P&L and trade rebate responsibility and understanding.
• Good understanding of EPOS, with analytical mindset to confidently present opportunities to grow ROS.

Company Benefits

• Annual Leave – 22 days + Bank Holidays + discretionary extra 3 days between Christmas and New Year; increasing by 3 days after 3 full years’ service.
• Sickness absence – 20 paid sick days + 5 days of Special Leave – for support with unexpected life events. 
• 4% Pension contribution (after 3 months of service) 
• Health Cash Plan & Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced maternity package
• Time off for GP/Hosp/Dental appointments
• Up to £500 worth of free Optibac products per financial year and 25% discount for family and friends. 
• Mini-nutrition consultations with a fully qualified Nutritional Therapist – once a quarterSickness absence – 20 paid sick days + 5 days of Special Leave – for support with unexpected life events. 

Job Location

Hybrid – HQ minimum 2 days (Andover, Hampshire) / work from home 3 days

Position In Organisation

• Reports To: Senior National Account Manager
• Responsible For: 0 
• Budget Responsibilities: None    
• Full Time Equivalent: 1 FTE

Working Hours: 9 Month Fixed Term Contract, 40hrs/Mon-Fri 

Salary: Competitive salary, based on experience

We believe that a diverse, inclusive culture drives creativity and success.  We strive to create a workplace that values all people, where we embrace differences, and everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. 
If you are excited about the prospect of contributing to Optibac's global success and possess the skills and passion we're looking for, we invite you to apply.

For more company information visit www.optibacprobiotics.com/uk