Commercial Director

A premium branded and contract manufacturing, growth-focused food manufacturer is seeking a Director of Commercial to lead and expand strategically important retail, hospitality and leisure partnerships. Operating within a lean, high-impact commercial team, this role will serve as the primary in-market lead for major national retail and hospitality accounts. As the most senior commercial leadership individual, you will operate from site and remotely, acting as the day-to-day “boots on the ground” representative, building deep customer relationships and driving profitable growth.

This is a high-visibility role with direct influence on strategic account direction, category expansion and long-range planning.

The role

• You will take ownership of key retail accounts and work in close partnership with the Retail Vice President to design and execute short- and long-term growth strategies.
• Core focus areas include:

• Direct commercial leadership and profitable revenue growth
• Business growth in both new business and current business
• Development and execution of annual sales plans and spending strategies
• Category insight and data-driven decision making
• Cross-functional alignment across Demand Planning, R&D, Operations and Marketing
• Digital campaign leadership to maximise ROI
• Forecasting and volume planning

The person:

As the commercial leader, you will be:

• Degree educated or equivalent.
• Progressive blue chip experience in consumer packaged goods within retail or hospitality.
• Direct experience in strategic development of the commercial agenda with major national retail and hospitality accounts.
• Experience of driving change and growth agendas.
• Proven track record of profitable sales growth.
• Experience launching new products into large-scale retail environments.
• Strong financial acumen and commercial negotiation capability.
• Experience using CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce).
• Strong analytical capability using syndicated data platforms.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Model core values and a strong performance culture.
• Build accountability and results orientation.
• Develop team capability and succession.
• Promote collaboration across functions.
• Drive continuous improvement and operational discipline.
• Monitor performance metrics and resolve variances proactively.

We are seeking a commercially sharp, relationship-led sales professional with:

• Private Label experience would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Self-directed and capable of operating with autonomy.
• Strong relationship builder across internal and external stakeholders.
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced, evolving environments.
• Organised and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple initiatives.
• Confident addressing complex or challenging situations constructively.
• Commercially curious and passionate about the food industry.

Why Consider This Role?

• Strategic ownership of nationally significant accounts.
• High visibility within a lean leadership team.
• Direct influence on commercial growth trajectory.
• Opportunity to operate at both tactical and strategic levels.
• In-market authority with strong executive backing.

This opportunity will suit an ambitious, data-driven FMCG Commercial leader who thrives on relationship depth, strategic execution and delivering sustained profitable growth.

To apply please email your CV to #J-18808-Ljbffr