Alastair White – Sales

National Account Executive - Tesco

I’m responsible for the upkeep of all admin on the Tesco account, ensuring all promotions are correctly loaded and that we’re fully aware of all activities over the coming months. As well as taking on any ad-hoc projects the National Account Manager wants me to run, I nominate promotions, check prices on a weekly basis and provide an effective link between the Sales and Marketing Teams.

I joined Kellogg’s as a graduate and was promoted recently from the role of Territory Development Manager in London/Surrey where I was responsible for 60 stores. In this role I checked that the promotions were correct and that what was on the shelf was supposed to be on the shelf.

Prior to joining Kellogg’s I had worked in a couple of office roles. But this is a really different environment to work in. It’s very friendly with lots of support and you never wake up not wanting to go to work. There’s always a good atmosphere around the office, which is as equally important as the competitive salary.

Kellogg’s have quite a structured routine. I meet once a week with my Line Manager to talk about how things are going and to discuss any issues and projects that I may want to be involved with. It’s quite a general chat, an open forum, which allows your Line Manager to remain aware of your progression on a weekly basis.

Tesco is Kellogg’s biggest account, so my role has a lot of responsibility and pressure - but it’s always enjoyable. Working on such a large account gives me great exposure and good opportunities to go after lots of little projects. There are also lots of people on this account so we enjoy plenty of interaction.

The role is a really important development role and I’m learning about National Account Management. I’m also enjoying being involved in Category Management and Customer Marketing. I’m learning all the time and I can see many available paths to future progression – it’s not limited at all.

The people are really good here and won’t let you down. I’d say it’s the people that make Kellogg’s so different. Their values are excellent and I’ve been treated very well. So, if I move up I’ll take those values with me. You’re also encouraged to have a healthy work/life balance. For instance through May to September you can go home about 12noon on Friday - if you’ve done all your work of course!