National Account Controller - #1693148

This business is a leading force in the UK's fresh produce industry, delivering exceptional quality in fruits, vegetables, herbs, and specialty ingredients. This is a great opportunity for a National Account Controller to join the business, leading and growing a diverse customer portfolio across foodservice, processors, independent retail groups, and major grocery retailers.This is a pivotal role with full commercial responsibility for driving joint business plans, building customer relationships, and delivering sustained sales and margin growth. You will play a critical role in supply chain integration, forecasting, service delivery, and category development. Based on-site, you will report directly to the CEO and will have National Account Executive and National Account Manager reports.Key Responsibilities-Lead customer account management and joint business planning.-Ensure availability, quality, and service excellence through cross-functional collaboration.-Deliver against commercial KPIs including margin, cost to serve, and forecasting accuracy.-Analyse market trends, customer data, and competitor activity to identify new opportunities.-Manage customer portals and ensure up-to-date trading information.-Take ownership of sales performance, debt management, and project delivery.-Drive proactive risk management across sourcing, logistics, and market dynamics.What You'll Bring-Extensive experience in UK fresh produce or chilled food category environments. Otherwise experienced E2E within high volume, low margin supply value chain of grocery own brand UK food manufacturing of short shelf life products.-Strong commercial and strategic account management expertise.-Proven track record in negotiation, supply planning, and value chain optimisation.-Confident communicator with strong leadership and teamworking skills.-Results-driven, numerate, and highly analytical.-Degree-educated or equivalent, with excellent English communication.-Proficiency in MS Office and willingness to travel across UK sites.Owing to the nature of the fresh produce industry, you will be willing to work 1 in 3 weekends. You'll be part of a forward-thinking, values-led business that prioritises sustainability, innovation, and long-term customer partnerships. This is your chance to lead in a fast-paced, commercially-focused environment with real impact on product strategy and business success.As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)