At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the commercial strategy for a global spirits brand across UK and EU markets.
- Company: Join a fast-growing, purpose-led challenger brand in the Drinks FMCG space.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, car allowance, shares, and equity options.
- Why this job: Be part of a pivotal growth journey and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in Commercial/Sales leadership within Drinks FMCG required.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for autonomy and influence.
The predicted salary is between 84000 - 120000 ÂŁ per year.
We are excited to be partnered with this global spirits company that is not only showing huge growth, but is a brand most will be familiar with. This business has an exceptional portfolio of products along with a brilliant culture globally – you will be integral in the UK and EU operation! This is a unique opportunity to join this brand at a pivot point in its growth journey. They are now seeking a commercially brilliant and entrepreneurial Commercial Director to lead the UK & EU commercial strategy across On Trade, Out of Home, and Off Trade channels – while also launching further into international key global markets.
This role requires candidates with a proven track record in growth across the UK and EU, managing distribution partners and a strong network of contacts.
Company Benefits- Be part of a fast‑growing, purpose‑led challenger brand shaking up the Drinks FMCG space
- A competitive package including Bonus, Car Allowance and Shares & Equity options.
- Enjoy autonomy, influence and ownership in a high‑impact role
- Join a collaborative, ambitious and values‑driven culture
- Define and deliver the commercial strategy across the UK and EU On Trade (hospitality, premium bars and restaurants), Off Trade (retail and grocery), and Out of Home channels
- Set clear KPIs, objectives and growth strategies aligned with business goals
- Build robust commercial plans to strengthen market share, revenue growth and brand awareness
- Lead, coach and grow a high‑performing commercial team, fostering a strong performance and values‑led culture. Design the structure of the commercial team to scale with business growth, including recruitment of new talent
- Work cross‑functionally with Marketing, Operations and Finance to ensure alignment and commercial excellence
- Own and lead top‑to‑top relationships with national accounts, wholesalers, buying groups and key customers. Identify and develop new channel opportunities to diversify revenue streams
- Ensure excellence in customer engagement, contract negotiation, promotional execution and account planning
- Lead the development and execution of the international go‑to‑market strategy
- Open new distribution markets abroad through strategic partnerships, importers and direct‑to‑retail routes
- Build long‑term relationships with international distributors and retail partners
- Full responsibility for commercial forecasting, budgeting, pricing strategy and promotional ROI. Track and analyse performance to drive data‑led decisions and optimise margin performance
- Provide regular reporting and commercial insight to the executive leadership team
- 10+ years’ experience in Commercial / Sales leadership roles within Drinks FMCG
- Strong understanding of the category across UK and Europe
- Proven track record of scaling SME / challenger brands in competitive markets
- Extensive experience across On Trade, Off Trade and Out of Home channels across Europe. Success in launching brands into international markets – within Europe specifically.
- Excellent leadership and team development capabilities
- Strategic thinker with a strong commercial instinct and hands‑on execution ability
- Confident communicator and credible at senior level with customers and stakeholders
- Experience managing P&L, forecasting, trade terms, and complex negotiations
If you are interested in having a chat about this role, please forward updated CV’s to Mark at COREcruitment.
Commercial Director in England employer: COREcruitment
Contact Detail:
COREcruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Director in England
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or at networking events, make sure to highlight your achievements and how they relate to the role. We want to see your passion for the spirits industry and how your experience aligns with their growth journey!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework on the company and its products before any interview. We recommend crafting a few insightful questions that show you’re genuinely interested in their commercial strategy and culture. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s ready to take on the challenge.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals who can contribute to our mission in the drinks FMCG space.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Director in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commercial Director role. Highlight your experience in the Drinks FMCG sector and any relevant achievements that showcase your ability to drive growth across On Trade, Off Trade, and Out of Home channels.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell your story! Explain why you're passionate about this opportunity and how your background aligns with the company's goals. Don’t forget to mention your experience in launching brands into international markets!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Commercial Director, leadership is key. Use your application to demonstrate your team development capabilities and how you've successfully led high-performing teams in the past. Share specific examples that highlight your strategic thinking and hands-on execution.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at COREcruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial Director, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of financial metrics. Brush up on your P&L management, forecasting, and trade terms. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Network
This role requires a strong network across the UK and EU markets. Prepare examples of how you've leveraged your contacts to build partnerships or drive growth. Highlight any key relationships with national accounts or wholesalers that could be beneficial.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to discuss your approach to developing commercial strategies. Think about how you would define KPIs and objectives for the role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully launched brands into new markets or channels.
✨Cultural Fit is Key
This company values a collaborative and ambitious culture. Research their values and think about how your leadership style aligns with theirs. Be ready to share how you've fostered a high-performing team and contributed to a positive workplace culture.