At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead field strategy and planning, driving innovation and operational excellence.
- Company: Join Acosta Europe, a passionate team focused on growth and client success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, annual bonus, and hybrid working model.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture that values every individual's contribution.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in FMCG sales and shape the future of the industry.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in field planning and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 £ per year.
Salary From: £90,000
Salary To: £90,000
Location: Woking
Category: Head Office
Contract Type: Permanent Full Time
Working Pattern: Hybrid - 3 days per week from Woking / Stoke 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.
About The Opportunity
Acosta Europe is searching for an exceptional Senior Director of Field Planning & Activation — a strategic, influential leader who will shape the future of field execution across the region. In this high‑impact role, you will design and deliver best‑in‑class field strategies, ensuring flawless activation for our clients while driving operational excellence, innovation, and measurable performance improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead field strategy & planning including workforce strategy, activation design, and quarterly planning cycles.
- Drive adoption of AI‑augmented execution solutions and benchmarking.
- Ensure activation excellence across campaigns, promotions, and merchandising.
- Use insights and analytics to optimise resources and inform decision‑making.
- Lead, inspire, and develop planning and activation teams.
- Partner cross‑functionally with Sales, Marketing, Operations, Finance, and clients.
- Support new business pitches with activation strategies and resource models.
What You'll Bring
- Strategic thinker with exceptional operational planning expertise.
- Strong communicator and influential leader.
- Highly organised, detail‑oriented, and results‑driven.
- Proven experience in field planning, activation, or retail operations.
- Strong data, planning, budgeting, and optimisation capability.
- Excellent stakeholder management at executive level.
- Experience with organisational transformation and change.
- Strong commercial acumen and client relationship experience.
- Understanding of European FMCG and retail environments.
Why Join Us at Acosta Europe
At Acosta Europe, you'll be joining a team that is passionate about growth, innovation, and delivering excellence for our clients. This is a unique opportunity to influence at the highest level, accelerate your career, and shape the direction of a business with big ambitions. We believe diversity and inclusion are the foundation of innovation and success. We welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences, creating a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive.
If you're looking for a role where you can make a visible impact and build the future in FMCG sales—this is your moment.
Ready to Apply?
If you're a strategic leader who thrives on driving impact and connecting people, priorities, and performance — we'd love to hear from you. Once the right candidate is found, the role will close.
Senior Director of Field Planning & Activation in Woking employer: Acosta
At Acosta Europe, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of growth, innovation, and inclusivity. As a Senior Director of Field Planning & Activation, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative strategies in a dynamic hybrid work environment, balancing time between our Woking office and home. With competitive compensation, a strong focus on employee development, and a commitment to diversity, we empower our team members to make a meaningful impact in the FMCG sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director of 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 of Field Planning & Activation at Acosta!
✨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 or be willing to refer you for that Senior Director of 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 who’s on the lookout for their next Senior Director of 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 of Field Planning & Activation role at Acosta!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director of 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. 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
✨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. 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!