At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and scale the UK sales team for a high-growth FMCG food brand.
- Company: Dynamic, founder-led FMCG brand with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 20% bonus, private health insurance, and unlimited holiday after one year.
- Why this job: Own the sales strategy and drive international expansion in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Proven FMCG sales leadership experience and strong relationships with top UK grocery customers.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and growth.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 Β£ per year.
Role: Head of Sales - High-Growth FMCG Food Brand
Package: Β£90,000 β Β£100,000 + 20% bonus
Location: Buckinghamshire, Hybrid (3 days per week in office/2 at home)
Are you ready to scale a category-disrupting FMCG food brand and then take it international? This founder-led, PE-backed business has cracked a crowded category, secured national listings across all major UK grocers, and is now accelerating into its next phase of growth. The foundations are built. The brand is known. The ambition is serious. Now they need a commercial leader to turn momentum into market dominance.
This is a high-growth FMCG Food brand delivering year on year growth. The business has re-engineered an established category with a clear consumer proposition, standout quality, and strong repeat purchase earning national distribution and rapid brand recognition.
Your job? Use that brand heat to win more space, more distribution, and more profitable growth, in the UK first, then across Europe.
The Role (What You'll Be Doing)
- Run the UK Sales Engine
- Lead, mentor, and scale the UK sales team (currently a lean, high-impact group).
- Build the structure and capability needed for the next phase of growth.
- Personally manage relationships with the Top 4 UK grocery multiples.
- Lead JBPs, range reviews, NPD launches, and long-term commercial strategy.
Take It International
- Spearhead expansion into selected European markets (initially Western Europe).
- Shape distributor strategy and early-stage market entry plans.
Think Like an Owner
This is not a "just sell more" role. You'll own the sales strategy and be accountable for revenue, margin, and EBITDA growth over the next 3 years.
The Fit (What You'll Bring)
- Proven FMCG sales leadership background (food or drink preferred).
- Deep experience managing Top 4 UK grocery customers.
- Clear examples of growth: scaling brands, unlocking listings, expanding ranges, or transforming underperforming accounts.
- Commercial, entrepreneurial, and hands-on.
- Equally comfortable in a boardroom session with founders as you are jumping into execution when needed.
- International experience and/or exposure to chilled or short shelf-life categories.
The Reward
- A genuine seat at the table in a founder-led, investor-backed growth story
- Full ownership of a critical growth lever in the business
- Clear runway to build a team, shape strategy, and grow with the brand
- Competitive salary + 20% bonus and private health insurance, plus unlimited holiday after 1st year.
The Process
- Initial conversation with Emma from ELK SEARCH
- Two-stage interview process with senior leadership
Diversity & Inclusion
This business is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. All applications are welcomed and considered fairly.
Head of Sales in Milton Keynes employer: ELK SEARCH
Contact Detail:
ELK SEARCH Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Head of Sales in Milton Keynes
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. A personal connection can often get your foot in the door faster than a CV.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company inside out, know their products, and be ready to discuss how you can drive their sales strategy forward.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've scaled brands or transformed accounts. Numbers speak volumes!
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the FMCG sector shine through. We want to see that youβre genuinely excited about the brand and its potential for growth!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in FMCG sales leadership. Weβre looking for clear examples of how you've scaled brands or transformed accounts, so donβt hold back on those success stories!
Be Authentic: We appreciate authenticity! Use your own voice in your application. Share your unique perspective on what it means to think like an owner and how you can contribute to our ambitious goals.
Apply Through Our Website: Donβt forget to submit your application through our website. Itβs the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at ELK SEARCH
β¨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on your sales metrics and achievements. Be ready to discuss specific figures that demonstrate your success in scaling brands and unlocking listings, especially with the Top 4 UK grocery customers.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've led and mentored sales teams in the past. Highlight your hands-on approach and how youβve built structures for growth, as this role requires a strong leader who can inspire a lean team.
β¨Understand the Brand's Positioning
Research the FMCG food brand thoroughly. Understand their consumer proposition and what sets them apart in the market. This will help you articulate how you can leverage their brand heat to drive distribution and profitable growth.
β¨Think Internationally
Since the role involves spearheading expansion into European markets, be prepared to discuss your international experience. Share insights on market entry strategies and how you would approach building relationships with distributors in new territories.