A fast growing, multi billion turnover global food group is looking for a Commercial Manager/Director to lead and grow its UK/EU retail portfolio.

Reporting to a Board level Director, you will take day to day ownership of a multi million pound chilled and frozen retail business, managing relationships with major UK and European retailers.

The role combines customer leadership, category growth, P&L ownership and close collaboration with international sourcing and manufacturing partners.

Key responsibilities

• Take full commercial responsibility for the day?to?day running of a substantial UK retail portfolio, delivering sales, margin and profit targets.

• Build deep understanding of each customer’s strategy, category agenda and ways of working to unlock sustainable growth.

• Develop an entrepreneurial, insight led sales approach to protect and grow existing business and open up new opportunities in store.

• Drive distribution, range extension and new listings across multiple categories and in new areas of the store.

• Lead the renewal and negotiation of customer contracts, tenders and bids (including online tender portals) on time and to agreed commercial objectives.

• Work closely with planning and supply chain teams to ensure continuity of supply and strong on shelf availability.

• Partner with global sourcing, technical and NPD teams to create targeted, customer specific concepts and submissions that delight consumers and grow category value.

• Visit international manufacturing sites to gain a best in class understanding of products and production capabilities.

• Own and manage full customer P&L, costings and commercials, ensuring robust pricing and long term profitability.

• Ensure all customer communication, submissions and internal reporting are accurate, timely and reflect the company’s values and culture.

• Act as a visible ambassador for the business with both customers and internal stakeholders.

Candidate profile

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar commercial role within food or drink, with direct account management of at least one of the major UK retailers.

• Proven track record in managing and growing multi million pound retail accounts, ideally with chilled or frozen added value products.

• Experience with coated/added value protein or party/snacking products is advantageous but not essential.

• Highly commercial, strategic and entrepreneurial, with strong attention to detail, energy and resilience.

• Demonstrable experience of P&L ownership, costings and scenario modelling, with strong Excel skills.

• Consultative sales style and the ability to deliver complex, value adding solutions for customers.

• Excellent relationship building, interpersonal and communication skills at all levels, internally and externally.

• Strong time management and organisational skills, comfortable juggling multiple projects and deadlines.

• Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel to customer sites and manufacturing locations as required.

Rewards and benefits

• Competitive salary package plus car allowance.

• 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 5 years and up to 30 days after 10 years’ service.

• Opportunity for hybrid working after probation (typically 3 days in the office, 2 days from home, non contractual).

• Contributory pension and group income protection.

• Wellbeing benefits including private health insurance, healthcare cash plan and employee assistance programme.

• A stable, growth focused organisation committed to developing its people and welcoming talented individuals from all backgrounds.

Senior commercial professionals with major retail experience in food or drink are invited to apply in confidence.  For more information please get in touch for a confidential chat or apply with your CV today.