National Account Manager

Position: National Account Manager

Reports To: Head of Sales

Location: Hybrid (Richmond Office/Field Based)

Travel: Regular UK travel required

Bandai Namco exists to share Dreams, Fun and Inspiration with people around the world. Connecting people and societies in the enjoyment of uniquely entertaining products and services, we’re working to create a brighter future for everyone.

Bandai Toys and Hobby division is a part of the Bandai Namco group, a global leader in entertainment-related products and services in a wide range of fields, including toys, amusement facilities, and video game software. Bandai works with some of the most iconic consumer goods properties, including notable anime series Dragon Ball, One Piece and Gundam alongside our own Tamagotchi brand. The Toys & Hobby team are responsible for placing IP product at retail and marketing our brands to consumers in exciting and engaging ways.

We are looking for a driven National Account Manager who will be responsible for developing and delivering profitable sales growth across a portfolio of key retail accounts. Working closely with internal stakeholders and customer buying teams, the role will focus on maximising sales performance, identifying new opportunities, and executing these strategies that strengthen Bandai's position across the UK Toy, Collectibles and Hobby landscape.

The successful candidate will build strong customer relationships, drive category growth, and ensure Bandai products achieve best-in-class visibility, distribution, and commercial performance.

Key Responsibilities:

Account Management

• Develop and manage strategic relationships with key retail accounts.
• Create and deliver annual Joint Business Plans aligned to company objectives.
• Lead all customer negotiations, including pricing, promotions, ranging, investment and trading terms.
• Conduct regular business reviews with customers to identify opportunities and manage risks.
• Ensure excellent day-to-day account management and customer service.

Sales Growth & Delivery

• Deliver annual turnover, profit and market share targets.
• Identify opportunities to expand product distribution and customer penetration.
• Drive growth within our established distribution network
• Execute promotional plans to maximise key seasonal opportunities.
• Develop account-specific growth initiatives and activation plans.

Forecasting & Planning

• Produce accurate sales forecasts and demand plans.
• Monitor account performance against budget and forecast.
• Work closely with Supply Chain to optimise stock availability.
• Analyse sales trends and provide recommendations to improve performance.

Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with Brand, marketing, Supply Chain and Finance to ensure successful execution of customer plans.
• Support product launches and marketing activations.
• Ensure clear communication of customer requirements across the business.
• Contribute to wider sales team initiatives and projects.
• Attend Trade Fairs and Exhibitions as required

Skills & Experience

Specific requirements considered essential for the role:

• Proven experience in a National Account Manager or Senior Account Manager role.
• Experience managing major retail accounts.
• Strong commercial and negotiation skills.
• Proven track record of delivering sales growth and profit targets.
• Strong analytical and forecasting capability.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships both internally and externally.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable Personal Qualities:

• Experience within UK Toys, Collectibles and / or Hobby products
• A passion for Anime & Japanese culture
• Recent experience with solicitation sales processes

Personal Attributes:

• Commercially driven with a growth mindset.
• Highly organised and results focused.
• Strong relationship builder.
• Proactive and entrepreneurial approach.
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences.
• Enthusiastic about brands, entertainment and consumer product

Fun for All into the Future

Bandai Namco is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As firm believers in diverse thinking, we strive to build a workforce that is representative of our audiences, society and the world around us. We are committed to an employment process that respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates based on merit, regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, neurodiversity, disability or any other category protected by law.