At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the UK foodservice channel and drive growth with premium branded products.
- Company: Fast-growing, family-owned food manufacturer with a strong market reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, commission on sales, and additional benefits.
- Other info: Home-based role with autonomy and opportunities for significant impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of foodservice in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in foodservice sales and strong relationships with key wholesalers.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of the UK foodservice channel for a fast-growing, family-owned food manufacturer with a premium branded product range and a strong reputation across the UK market.
The business has built its success around high-quality, great-tasting products that sit in a growing “better-for-you” convenience category. With strong existing foundations already in place, this is a role where you can genuinely shape the future of foodservice growth in the UK.
You’ll inherit established relationships, but the real opportunity is to open new doors, build national partnerships, grow distribution, and put your own stamp on the channel.
This is a privately owned, entrepreneurial food business with a turnover of c.£50m and a strong heritage in premium branded food. The culture is agile, ambitious and family-led, ideal for someone who enjoys ownership, accountability and being close to decision-making.
As Head of UK Foodservice, you will be responsible for accelerating growth across the English foodservice market. You will build on existing relationships with national and regional wholesalers, while opening and developing new business with major foodservice accounts and end-user customers.
Key focus areas will include:
- National and regional wholesalers
- Bidfood, Brakes, Booker and similar major accounts
- Restaurant groups and QSR
- Contract catering
- Education and healthcare
Working with a strong, differentiated branded proposition, you’ll be responsible for growing distribution, increasing brand presence and shaping the commercial strategy for foodservice.
We’re looking for an experienced foodservice sales professional who combines strong relationships with real commercial drive. You will ideally have:
- Experience as a NAM, SNAM, Head of Foodservice or similar
- Strong understanding of UK foodservice wholesale
- Existing relationships across Bidfood, Brakes, Booker or similar
- A proven track record of winning and developing new business
- Experience working with branded food products
- A proactive, entrepreneurial approach
- Confidence working in a home-based, autonomous role
- Experience across chilled, frozen, poultry or value-added food would be advantageous
The package includes a basic salary of £65,000 – £70,000, car allowance, pension and benefits. There is also a highly attractive commission structure of 1% of sales, paid quarterly, up to £10,000 per quarter.
This is a field based role - you will spend your time with customers, working from home with 1 day at head office per month for the monthly sales meeting.
This is a genuine opportunity to join a family-owned business with excellent products, a growing market position and the freedom to make a real impact. You’ll have the backing, autonomy and product quality needed to grow the UK foodservice channel, while working in a business where your contribution will be visible and valued.
Head of Foodservice in Manchester employer: FMCG Selection
Join a dynamic, family-owned food manufacturer that prioritises quality and innovation in the premium branded food sector. With a culture that fosters agility and accountability, you will have the autonomy to drive growth in the UK foodservice market while being supported by a strong heritage and established relationships. This role offers not only competitive compensation but also the chance to make a tangible impact in a thriving business environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Foodservice in Manchester
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the foodservice industry! Attend trade shows, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or industry peers, make sure to highlight your experience and successes. Share specific examples of how you've grown business or built partnerships in the past. This will help you stand out as a candidate who knows their stuff!
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your professional journey. Post about your insights on the foodservice market, share articles, or even write your own content. This not only positions you as a thought leader but also attracts attention from recruiters looking for someone just like you.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for job openings! Applying directly through us can give you an edge, as we’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates who fit our culture. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Foodservice in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Head of Foodservice role. Highlight your foodservice sales experience and any existing relationships with major wholesalers like Bidfood or Brakes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the foodservice industry and how you can contribute to our growth. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Showcase Your Entrepreneurial Spirit:We love candidates who take initiative! In your application, share examples of how you've opened new doors or built partnerships in previous roles. This will show us you're the proactive type we’re looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get you on our radar!
How to prepare for a job interview at FMCG Selection
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the company’s premium branded products. Understand their unique selling points and how they fit into the 'better-for-you' convenience category. This will help you demonstrate your passion for the brand and show that you can effectively communicate its value to potential clients.
✨Leverage Your Network
Since existing relationships are key for this role, come prepared with examples of your connections within the UK foodservice sector. Highlight any previous collaborations with major accounts like Bidfood or Brakes. This not only shows your credibility but also your ability to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your track record in developing new business and growing distribution. Prepare specific examples of strategies you’ve implemented in past roles that led to measurable success. This will illustrate your commercial drive and entrepreneurial spirit, which are crucial for this position.
✨Emphasise Your Autonomy and Adaptability
As this is a home-based role, it’s important to convey your ability to work independently. Share experiences where you successfully managed projects or initiatives without direct supervision. This will reassure them that you can thrive in an agile, family-led environment while still achieving results.