Co-op Controller (beer & soft) in Hemel Hempstead

Location: Field based (able to travel to Hemel Hempstead)

Job Length: Permanent

Working Hours: Full time (Mon - Fri 37.5 hours per week)

Competitive Salary with extensive benefits:

• Monthly product allowance – alcoholic & non‑alcoholic options available
• Private Medical options
• Life Assurance
• Company bonus scheme
• Access to 24/7 GP services
• Enhanced pension contribution
• Generous holiday (inc bank holidays)
• Access to a range of high street discounts

About the role:

You will have ownership for the external relationship with Co‑op for Carlsberg Britvic – softs and beer portfolio. Responsible for leading and inspiring X‑functional team to achieve financial targets and deliver industry‑leading customer partnership with Co‑op. You will lead the business internally amongst peers and central teams, bringing the voice of the customer in and role‑modeling best practice in a high‑profile controller role in Carlsberg Britvic UK business. The role reports into our Managed Convenience Director and has 5 direct reports, 2 indirect reports and 12 multi‑functional selling team reports.

Role Responsibilities:

• Passionate about growing the Co‑op business through our brands using a range of consumer, shopper and category‑based insights to develop compelling category and commercial growth strategies.
• Develop & deliver robust commercial terms with Co‑op based on aligning business strategies and designing investment structures that optimise the P&L and accelerate growth behind the big rocks both Carlsberg Britvic and Co‑op.
• Build account plan and customer growth strategy for the next 1‑3 years that aligns to Carlsberg Britvic and Co‑op priorities and positions our portfolio for volume and share growth across all Coop channels including Co‑op Wholesale, Societies, Franchise and Q Comm.
• Work closely with Brand Teams, Category Management & Shopper Marketing to identify business growth opportunities and drive through to execution across all Co‑op channels.
• Support team with business building strategies and tactics to win, including bottom‑up promotional programmes and maximising distribution and landing key innovation to deliver volume & profit objectives.
• Position Carlsberg Britvic as the partner of choice for Co‑op across softs and beer trading teams.
• Ensure plans are aligned to Co‑op strategic goals and customer‑centric to unlock new missions and consumption occasions.
• Build a robust and reliable Sales & Operational Plan (S&OP forecast) and own ongoing performance management through the account manager team.
• Support and develop the Co‑op / Co‑op wholesale customer account team, setting high standards and best in class commercial excellence.
• Work closely with Channel Director to develop and foster a future‑fit culture and ways of working across newly integrated drinks team.

Experience and Key Attributes:

• Ability to build trust and influence Co‑op from a leadership position with strong persuasive skills.
• Strong people leader with a proven ability to foster an inclusive and high‑performing team.
• Ability to set clear objectives for the team, working to exceptionally high standards and leading by example.
• Coaching and supporting throughout.
• Track record of excellent performance over some years in FMCG manufacturer and/or retailer.
• Experience of developing trusted relationships across functions to enable plans that deliver for both Carlsberg Britvic and Co‑op.
• Exceptional understanding and experience of managing financial risk and opportunity.
• Applying judgement and trade‑offs with incomplete information.
• Possess the tenacity to have the tough conversations that make things happen.
• Comfortable with holding tension and ability to demonstrate assertiveness in key situations.
• Understanding of all significant processes that underpin from planning through to invoice receipt.
• Obsession about growing brands and channels, providing high service levels to customers.
• High levels of accountability for plans, action, delivery and outcome.
• Able to develop accountability down the structure and enable teams to drive their part of the business without unnecessary interference.
• Results‑oriented with a passion for driving initiatives to completion and delivering on all commitments.

Application Process:

We read applications continuously, and vacancies may be filled anytime, so please apply as early as possible. We look forward to receiving your application.

Our commitment to diversity equity & inclusion:

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences – including those of different races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, religions, and socioeconomic statuses. We actively seek to create a safe and inclusive environment for all of our colleagues, where diverse perspectives are welcomed, and inclusive practices are embedded in everything we do. We are happy to support accessibility needs, to ensure a fair and equitable experience for all candidates, so please do let us know if you require any adjustments during the recruitment process.