At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy for a fast-growing healthy snacking brand and drive retail growth.
- Company: Dynamic FMCG challenger brand with a focus on healthy eating.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, share options, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Fast-paced, collaborative culture with opportunities for international expansion.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and shape the future of a brand making waves in the market.
- Qualifications: Experience managing UK grocery accounts in a startup or FMCG environment.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 90000 £ per year.
A fast-growing healthy snacking brand is looking for a Head of Commercial to help lead the next phase of its journey as it scales across UK retail and prepares for European expansion. This is a role with real weight to it. You will work directly with the founders, sit close to decision-making, and help shape how the business grows commercially. Not from the sidelines. Right in the thick of it.
The brand has already built strong traction across UK grocery and wholesale channels with its range of all-natural, clean eating products. Listings are in place. Momentum is building. Now the focus shifts to acceleration, sharper execution, and smarter retail growth.
Day to day, you will be balancing strategy with execution. One hour you might be reviewing performance across key national retail accounts such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, or Waitrose, digging into rate of sale and promotional effectiveness. The next, you are working with the founders on forecasting, pricing strategy, or planning the next wave of retail activation.
You will own key retailer relationships, develop joint business plans, push for better visibility, stronger activation, and improved commercial returns. You will also support field sales activity, shape in-store execution, and help build the materials that bring campaigns and launches to life at retail level. When something is not working, you will spot it early and fix it quickly.
Over the next 12 to 18 months, you will help open doors with European wholesalers and distribution partners, supporting the early stages of international expansion.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing key national grocery/retail/OOH accounts
- Driving rate of sale through improved activation, visibility, and in-store execution
- Building joint business plans with retail and wholesale partners
- Owning forecasting, pricing discussions, and commercial planning with the founders
- Supporting field sales activity and retail activation plans
- Developing retailer-facing materials to support launches and campaigns
- Identifying and securing new commercial opportunities across retail, wholesale, and partnerships
- Supporting European expansion through relationships with wholesalers and distributors
The culture is fast, direct, and highly collaborative. Decisions happen quickly. Ideas are expected to become action. And the founders remain closely involved in the day-to-day direction of the business.
We are looking for someone with experience managing major UK grocery accounts within a start up, scale up or FMCG Challenger Brand environment. You will understand retailer dynamics, rate of sale drivers, forecasting, and commercial planning. You will be just as comfortable in a boardroom conversation as you are in a retail performance review.
This is a brand in the early stages of growth, so you need to be ready to work within a small team with a challenger brand mentality and all of the fun (and chaos) that comes with that.
The recruitment process: Initial screening call with Andrew Baker of 1485 Ltd (Exclusive recruiter), followed by a teams call then in person meeting with the founders (including a presentation). We aim to have the role offered and accepted by the first week of August. If you meet the criteria but do not have an up to date CV, please feel free to DM Andrew. Every applicant will receive a response.
Locations
Head of Commercial - FMCG Challenger Brand - HYBRID in City of London, London employer: 1485 Ltd
Join a dynamic and fast-growing healthy snacking brand as the Head of Commercial, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the company's future. With a collaborative culture that values quick decision-making and innovative ideas, you'll work closely with the founders and have the opportunity to drive significant growth both in the UK and across Europe. Enjoy competitive compensation, including a bonus and share options, while being part of a passionate team dedicated to making a positive impact in the FMCG sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial - FMCG Challenger Brand - HYBRID in City of London, London
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for 1485 Ltd and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like 1485 Ltd are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with 1485 Ltd on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at 1485 Ltd. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial - FMCG Challenger Brand - HYBRID in City of London, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit 1485 Ltd. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of 1485 Ltd:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about 1485 Ltd’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1485 Ltd
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at 1485 Ltd will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At 1485 Ltd, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
