National Account Controller - Convenience

Asahi UK (AUK), part of Asahi Europe & International Ltd, aims to enrich consumer experiences through innovation, high-quality service and an exceptional portfolio of premium beer, ale and cider brands including, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Asahi Super Dry, Meantime, Fuller’s London Pride and Cornish Orchards. Our aim is to be the leading super premium beer business in the UK, through a brand mix that creates a compelling proposition. At AUK we operate as an end to end business unit responsible for sales, marketing, customer operations, production, supply chain and wholesale operations in the UK & Ireland. For further information, visit www.asahibeer.co.uk

Asahi Europe & International is a subsidiary of Asahi Group Holdings Ltd, a global beverage and food company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Japan. Employing > 12,000 people, Asahi Europe & International is the custodian for leading super premium lager brands Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Grolsch, Asahi Super Dry, plus international Czech lager brands, Pilsner Urquell and Kozel. The business has world-class brewing and production facilities in 8 markets – UK, NL, ITL, PL, CZ, SK, HU, RO. In most of these markets, we are the leading brewer with full portfolio of famous brands. Commercial operations in other parts of Europe, USA, Canada, LatAm, Africa and Asia are served through our global distribution network. With state-of-the-art facilities, some of the best brewers in the world, quality ingredients, and a culture based on innovation and collaboration, Asahi offers the best quality of beer to beer lovers worldwide. More information can be found at www.asahiinternational.com

National Account Controller - Convenience (9 month FTC)

Asahi UK are looking for a National Account Controller to support our Convenience channel on a 9 month Fixed Term Contract.

Key Purpose Statement

To develop, implement and lead one of AUK’s business unit strategies in order to meet the company’s strategic 3 year sales and business plan.

Focussing on the continued development of key business unit through existing customer bases and the exploration of new consumption moments and growth markets. Translating and implementing strategy into new consumption occasions. 

Uphold, safeguard and promote the organisation's Purpose, mission and beliefs relating particularly to ethics, integrity and corporate (social and alcohol) responsibility.

To support the channel Director of Sales and Marketing teams on strategic projects including driving disproportionate channel growth, Revenue management strategies, new product launches and innovation seeding and trial.

Key Accountabilities

The National Account Controller is responsible for the following key outputs and accountabilities:

• Creation and implementation of a business unit strategy as part of the core 3 year business plan.
• Commercial ownership of the 3 year growth plan including volume, NPR and GM delivery and full P&L management. 
• Responsible for the development and negotiation of customer Joint Business Plans which drive profitable volume and revenue growth
• To effectively track performance of the business unit through in depth weekly analysis, and develop plans to course correct where necessary
• Ensure structured pricing architecture across all customers remains in place, as per the convenience pack and price strategy
• Develop and drive a multi function customer contact strategy across the business unit
• Accurately forecast volume, value and margin contribution for the business unit in line with S&OP processes
• Strong business acumen, understanding & analysing trade & customer data to create compelling sales propositions and business recommendations
• Expectation to use insight tools to a high level to track business unit performance vs the market and our competitors, to constantly assess share performance and opportunities for growth
• Management and maintenance of trade investment budget.
• Management of both key external and internal customer stakeholder relationships 
• Strong leadership, development and coaching of line reports and embed a high-performance, high engagement culture.
• Lead and project manage strategic initiatives on an ad hoc basis as required.
• Cross channel collaboration and aligned customer approach.
• Cross functional collaboration with brand marketing and trade marketing.
• Development and Implementation of Integrated Brand Plans (ATL and BTL) with planning teams.
• Manage complexity through efficient planning, resource allocation and project management.
• Seek and identify new opportunities for growth, brand building and opportunities across all categories, with the specific purpose of presenting proposals on how and where AUK can continue to break category codes and grow within the Super Premium space.

Experience Required

• Experience of working with premium brands, protecting brand equity and delivering brand execution within strict brand guidelines (within alcohol beneficial)
• A track record of building superior customer relationships & building a strategic customer contact strategy and network
• Structured selling skills combined with strong drive and energy
• Negotiating contracts & marketing spend to deliver company & brand goals
• Relevant commercial sales responsibility in a successful FMCG business at AM level
• Ability to take the initiative, explore and deliver new business opportunities
• Manages & scrutinises budgets for account base, demonstrates ability to target spend within customer portfolio to maximise ROI
• Great communication skills coupled with a willingness to engage and deliver a super premium agenda 
• Experience in working with internal colleagues across different functions 

• Key Attributes of the Successful Person

• Dynamic and passionate
• Resilient and with confidence to uphold strategic decisions
• Proactively engaged team player 
• Accountable for actions and commitments 
• Strong drive & ambition to grow and develop within the business
• Innovative with solutions & challenging of the status quo

What We Offer

• Car Allowance
• Private Pension
• Medical and Dental Insurance
• Life Assurance
• Annual Bonus
• Beer Allowance

We are committed to nurturing a workplace where we celebrate and respect difference, and support everyone to be true to who they are! At Asahi Europe and International we believe you can SHINE AS YOU ARE - no matter your age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs.  We want to support you to be courageous in your individuality and to know that whoever you are and whatever your circumstances, you can belong with us without having to conform.