At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the launch and growth of a new functional drinks brand in the UK.
- Company: Exciting early-stage drinks business with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape the commercial strategy and build your own team.
- Other info: Ideal for those who thrive in dynamic, entrepreneurial environments.
- Why this job: Be a key player in launching a brand and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in drinks, proven track record in winning customers.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
Rare opportunity to join a well-funded, early-stage functional drinks business ahead of its UK launch and take ownership of building the commercial operation from the ground up.
With the product developed, tested and launch planned for Q1 2027, the business is now looking for an exceptional Commercial Director to define the UK go-to-market strategy, secure initial distribution and build the commercial team as the brand scales.
This isn't an opportunity to inherit a ready-made customer base. You'll be the person who builds it.
The Role
- Own and execute the UK commercial and go-to-market strategy from launch.
- Lead initial expansion across Convenience, Forecourt, Travel and premium Impulse, before developing into wider channels.
- Personally open doors, build senior buyer relationships and secure significant new distribution.
- Use your understanding of retailer buying cycles to build the right customer pipeline ahead of launch.
- Shape pricing, customer propositions, channel prioritisation and longer-term commercial strategy.
- Build the commercial team during Year 1, adding resource as distribution and customer requirements develop.
- Remain focused on strategy, new business and senior negotiations as day-to-day account management moves into the wider team.
About You
We're looking for a builder, not simply a manager of established accounts.
You’ll bring
- Senior commercial experience within Drinks with strong exposure to Convenience, Forecourt, Impulse and/or Wholesale.
- A demonstrable track record of personally winning new customers and building distribution.
- Experience launching or scaling a challenger brand, new proposition or early-stage business.
- Strong relationships across relevant UK retailers and a detailed understanding of how and when they buy.
- The ability to operate without a large corporate infrastructure around you – comfortable moving between commercial strategy and hands‑on execution.
- The credibility and autonomy to work closely with a founder while building a commercial function around you.
Challenger, SME and scale‑up experience is essential, with candidates being confident in demonstrating what they personally built, launched or changed.
Why Join?
This is an opportunity to get involved before the first major listings are secured.
The foundations are in place: a well-funded business, a developed and tested functional drinks portfolio and significant ambitions for UK and international growth.
What isn't already built is the commercial machine.
You’ll have the mandate to decide where the brand goes first, which customers matter, how distribution is built and what the future sales organisation looks like.
Significant national customer travel should be expected.
If you’ve built brands rather than simply inherited them – and fancy doing it again with considerably more ownership – we’d love to hear from you.
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Commercial Director in England employer: Advocate Group
Joining this leading global drinks brand as an Artwork Manager offers you the chance to work in a dynamic and innovative environment, where your expertise in packaging and print will be highly valued. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative work culture, you'll have the opportunity to manage exciting projects across the EMEA region while contributing to sustainability and continuous improvement initiatives. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Director in England
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Commercial Director at Advocate Group, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Advocate Group. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Commercial Director. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Director in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Advocate Group:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Advocate Group. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advocate Group
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Advocate Group that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Advocate Group that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Advocate Group’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
