At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve Global Integrated Business Planning for the EAA division.
- Company: Join Brown-Forman, a premium spirits company with a focus on growth and teamwork.
- Benefits: Equitable pay, premium benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal and professional growth in a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role that drives commercial effectiveness.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in CPG or alcohol beverage industry with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Meaningful Work From Day One. The Europe, Africa, Asia Pacific Operating Division represents over $1.6bn in net sales. We seek to continuously improve commercial effectiveness across the business through multifunctional integration, commercial capabilities and the tools and processes that are used to activate our brands across the markets.
The Commercial Operations Director is the business leader for the EAA division tasked with successfully leading and continuously improving the Global Integrated Business Planning process. This person will be fully accountable for the success of the IBP process. They will also lead the agenda to enhance the commercial effectiveness of the division through successfully developing, implementing and continuously improving a full commercial capability agenda at EAA level, accommodating the varied needs of the markets along their different stages of development and subsequent effectiveness. This role will partner closely with Sales, Supply Chain, Marketing, Global Production, and Finance teams to execute best in class Integrated Business Planning processes and deploy the commercial capability agenda.
What You Can Expect
- IBP ownership
- Continuous improvement of meeting and process standards, documentation, and systems for Integrated Business Planning
- Developing needed capabilities in various teams to ensure cross-functional collaboration, decision making, and shared accountability in all IBP process step meetings and pre-meetings
- Developing & championing cross-functional KPIs to build alignment at all levels in the organization
- Ensuring accountability for ALL team members to agreed process standards regardless of organizational level or role
- Implementing full PMO recommendations on IBP
- Integrating IBP with other processes in the organization to contribute to a fully integrated planning process
- Partners closely with key stakeholders to implement business strategy, consolidate data, and validate KPI alignment through the IBP
- Drives the cycle of IBP activity meetings and inputs/outputs, ensuring that functions are prepared and that there is visibility and communication on sales, demand, distribution, and supply trends to support business growth toward longer term objectives
- Steps in and steps up, actively contributing as needed to ensure the IBP activity runs smoothly
Commercial capabilities
- Developing commercial capability curriculum, through engagement with Managing Directors and Commercial Directors for use across all EAA markets
- Additional ad hoc support to reflect varying stages of development across EAA
- Deployment of commercial capability programs across markets in EAA
- Lead refresher/revamp of B‑F Commercial Way and update for current reality and market span
- Connection into global L&D function to ensure approach in alignment with global approach
Ad hoc projects
- Possibility for ad hoc projects related to process and systems infrastructure improvement within EAA
General
- Leads with a continuous improvement mindset as the process evolves across the EAA division
- Provides timely internal communication to the EAA Leadership Teams
- Partners with IT to automate reporting, scenario planning and implementation of commercial capability platforms
Additional responsibilities
- Develops key relationships within Supply Chain, Customer Service and Global Production teams
- Provides strategic direction, project leadership and hands‑on tactical support where needed of key commercial initiatives
- Distributor supply chain efficiency & improvements to partner integration
- Finding/sharing solutions on slow moving inventory concern
- New product commercialization input
What You Bring to the Table
- Experience: 10+ years of business experience in the CPG or alcohol beverage industry, including some combination of commercial and operational roles
- Successful track record building teams, supporting and guiding individual developmental, and fostering organizational influence
- Ability to set clear milestones and lead projects and structured business processes to positive results
- Demonstrated skills in facilitating cross‑functional meetings involving senior executives
- Effective communication at all levels of the organization and ability to drive accountability in a culturally appropriate manner
Who We Are
We believe great people build great brands. And we know there is Nothing Better in the Market than a career at Brown‑Forman. Being a part of Brown‑Forman means you will grow both personally and professionally. You will have the opportunity to solve problems, seize opportunities, and generate bold ideas. You will belong to a place where teamwork matters and where you are encouraged to bring your best self to work.
What We Offer
Total Rewards at Brown‑Forman is designed to engage our people to ensure sustainable and profitable growth for generations to come. As a premium spirits company, we offer equitable pay structures for individual and company performance alongside a premium employee experience. We offer a range of premium benefits that reflect our company values and meet the needs of our diverse workforce.
Commercial Operations Director - Europe, Africa, APAC employer: BROWN-FORMAN
At Brown-Forman, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work environment that champions personal and professional growth. As a Commercial Operations Director in Amsterdam, you will be at the forefront of driving commercial effectiveness across diverse markets, supported by a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Our commitment to equitable pay, premium benefits, and a strong emphasis on teamwork ensures that you will thrive in a meaningful role that contributes to our legacy of excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Operations Director - Europe, Africa, APAC
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in commercial operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You should be able to clearly articulate your value and how you can enhance their commercial effectiveness. Keep it concise and impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Operations Director - Europe, Africa, APAC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commercial Operations Director role. Highlight your experience in commercial and operational roles, especially in the CPG or alcohol beverage industry. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led cross-functional teams and improved processes in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to build and lead teams. We’re looking for someone who can drive accountability and foster collaboration across different functions. Let us know how you’ve done this before!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BROWN-FORMAN
✨Know Your IBP Inside Out
Make sure you understand the Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led similar processes in the past and how you can enhance commercial effectiveness across diverse markets.
✨Showcase Cross-Functional Collaboration
Prepare examples of how you've partnered with various teams like Sales, Supply Chain, and Marketing. Highlight your experience in facilitating cross-functional meetings and driving accountability, as this role requires strong collaboration skills.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Be ready to share specific instances where you've implemented continuous improvement initiatives. Discuss how you’ve developed capabilities within teams and how you plan to keep evolving processes to meet market needs.
✨Communicate Effectively at All Levels
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. This role involves engaging with senior executives, so demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas simply and effectively, ensuring everyone is aligned on goals and KPIs.
