At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise field operations for top FMCG brands, driving strategic growth.
- Company: Acosta Europe, a leader in retail and consumer goods.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, annual bonus, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values collaboration and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of field execution and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in planning and operations within fast-paced environments.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 £ per year.
Shape the Future of our Syndicated Field Operations at Acosta Europe.
Working Pattern: Hybrid - 3 days per week from our Stoke or Woking Office, 2 days from home.
Contract: Full‑time, Permanent (37.5 hours per week)
Salary: Circa £90,000 per annum depending on experience, plus £6,000 annual car allowance, and 15% Annual Bonus Opportunity.
At Acosta Europe, we partner with some of the world’s leading FMCG brands to deliver exceptional results across retail, convenience and emerging channels. We’re now looking for a Senior Director – Field Strategy, Planning & Activation, to take on a pivotal leadership role. You will design, evolve and optimise how our syndicated field teams operate to meet the ever‑changing needs of our clients.
This is more than leadership. It is about building the future of field execution through strategy and insight, aligning field capacity to changing demand and unlocking growth through smarter deployment of our resources.
The Opportunity
You will lead the thinking on how we use our field teams to their full potential in a business where demand is dynamic and often time critical. That means making smart, sometimes difficult calls on prioritisation, capacity and investment to ensure we deliver for clients and continue to grow.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Strategic Leadership
- Set the direction for how we plan and deploy our syndicated field teams across a complex, multi-client, multi-channel environment.
- Lead the ongoing development of our operating model, ensuring it is efficient, scalable and commercially focused.
- Identify where we need to change how we work and drive those changes through to delivery.
- Planning, Performance & Commercial Impact
- Own how we plan field activity, making sure resource is directed where it delivers the greatest commercial return.
- Ensure we have clear, meaningful performance measures that drive better decisions and accountability.
- Work closely with commercial and client teams to align field plans with business priorities and growth opportunities.
- Execution & Operational Grip
- Take accountability for the quality and consistency of delivery across grocery, convenience, wholesale and LSR.
- Ensure we execute brilliantly in the field, with a clear focus on standards, impact and client outcomes.
- Continuously strengthen planning accuracy and execution discipline to improve overall performance.
- Leadership & Capability
- Lead and develop a high‑performing leadership team, setting clear expectations and holding people to account.
- Build the capability we need across planning and field teams to support a more responsive and scalable model.
- Create a culture where people take ownership, work together and focus on delivering results.
About You
We’re looking for a commercially sharp leader who is comfortable operating in complexity and making clear, confident decisions. You will be someone who takes ownership for delivery while continuously improving how we plan, deploy and scale our field operation. You’ll bring:
- Significant leadership experience across planning, operations, field strategy or commercial roles, with clear accountability for delivery at scale.
- Strong commercial judgement, with the ability to make trade‑offs on priority, investment and resources to deliver the right outcomes.
- Experience in FMCG, retail or consumer environments where pace and demand shift quickly.
- A track record of improving performance through better planning, sharper focus and disciplined execution.
- Confidence operating in matrix environments, influencing senior stakeholders and aligning competing priorities.
- A genuine commitment to building strong teams, developing leaders and creating a culture where people take ownership and deliver.
Why Join Acosta Europe?
- Work with global, market‑leading brands across dynamic and growing sectors.
- Take ownership of a high‑impact leadership role with real strategic influence.
- Be part of a business investing in data and capability to strengthen how we deliver and scale our field operation.
- Join a collaborative, ambitious culture where your ideas and leadership will make a tangible difference.
We’re proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We believe that diverse teams drive better results, and we’re committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
Senior Director Field Planning & Activation in Woking employer: Acosta Europe
At Acosta Europe, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a hybrid working pattern that promotes work-life balance while engaging with some of the world's leading FMCG brands. Our collaborative and ambitious culture fosters innovation and personal growth, providing employees with meaningful opportunities to influence strategic decisions and drive impactful results. With a commitment to inclusivity and professional development, we ensure that every team member can thrive in their role and contribute to our success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director Field Planning & Activation in Woking
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Senior Director Field Planning & Activation at Acosta Europe!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Acosta Europe or be willing to refer you for that Senior Director Field Planning & Activation position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Acosta Europe who’s on the lookout for their next Senior Director Field Planning & Activation star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Senior Director Field Planning & Activation role at Acosta Europe!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director Field Planning & Activation in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Acosta Europe. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acosta Europe
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Acosta Europe. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
