Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to drive sales growth and operational excellence in the food industry.
- Company: Join a 170-year-old trusted partner in sourcing quality ingredients for food manufacturers.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative office culture and the chance to shape European operations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on market growth and product innovation in a respected company.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and 5 years of leadership experience in the food sector required.
- Other info: This is a retained recruitment assignment; more details will follow after application.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Our client is one of the largest suppliers of quality ingredients and product development expertise to food manufacturers throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific, and the U.K. & Ireland. With a legacy of 170 years, the company has established itself as a trusted partner in the food industry by exploring and sourcing the highest quality ingredients from around the globe.
The Country Manager will play a pivotal role in leading the UK, Ireland, and emerging opportunities in Scandinavia and the rest of Western Europe. Based in London, this position requires a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to managing a team of 25 professionals across various functions, including Sales, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Finance. The Country Manager will be supported by Senior Management in Australia and will be responsible for driving sales growth, business development, and operational excellence in a competitive market.
Aims
- Profitability: Drive financial performance by maximising revenue and controlling costs to ensure the UK and Ireland operations are profitable and sustainable.
- Sales Growth: Develop and implement innovative strategies to grow sales, focusing on expanding the customer base and introducing new products in each region.
- Regional Expansion: Foster new customer relationships and product introductions, ensuring a gentle and strategic entry into targeted areas of Europe and Scandinavia.
- Cultural Alignment: Maintain and promote company culture, emphasising integrity, quality, and long-term partnerships.
- Core Markets Focus: Prioritise strengthening and expanding their core markets in the UK and Ireland, while exploring opportunities in other parts of Europe and Scandinavia.
- Relationship Building: Establish and nurture strong relationships with suppliers and customers, ensuring mutual success and satisfaction.
- Work Environment: Embrace and promote the office-centric work culture, ensuring collaboration and communication within the team.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance market penetration and growth in the UK.
- Lead, inspire and manage a high-performing team, ensuring collaboration across Sales, Quality Assurance, and Supply Chain along with indirect day-to-day management of Marketing and Finance.
- Collaborate with the headquarters to align on company objectives and operational strategies.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with key clients, stakeholders, and suppliers to drive business success.
- Oversee financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting to ensure profitability.
- Monitor market trends and competitor activity to identify opportunities for innovation and product development.
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations and maintain high standards of quality and safety.
- Foster a high-performance culture that emphasises accountability, continuous improvement, and team collaboration.
Skills
- Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience in sales, business development, and operational management.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with clients and stakeholders.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to analyse market trends and develop effective business strategies.
- Comfortable with financial management, budgeting, and reporting.
- Hands-on approach with experience in product development and quality assurance.
- Capacity to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while managing multiple priorities.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role within the food industry or a related sector.
- Demonstrated experience in sales, business development, and operational management.
- Strong understanding of product development processes and quality standards.
- Proficient in financial management with a track record of delivering results.
- Willingness to travel as required to meet business needs.
Why It's Great to Work Here
This is a fantastic opportunity for the right person to take on a strategic leadership role within a well-established company that values innovation, quality, and collaboration. As a Country Manager, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of the European operations, work with a talented team of professionals, and leverage their rich heritage of excellence in the food industry. You will be at the forefront of driving market growth and delivering exciting new products that delight consumers, making a tangible impact on the success of the company and the satisfaction of partners.
Country Manager employer: Ingredient Jobs
Contact Detail:
Ingredient Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Country Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network strategically within the food industry. Attend industry events, trade shows, and conferences where you can meet key players and decision-makers. Building relationships with professionals in the sector can give you insights into potential opportunities and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company thoroughly. Understand their products, market position, and recent developments. This knowledge will not only help you tailor your approach but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven results in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team will resonate well with the expectations for the Country Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on market trends and competitor activities. Being knowledgeable about the current landscape will allow you to discuss innovative strategies and ideas that could benefit the company, showcasing your strategic thinking capabilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Country Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in leadership roles, particularly within the food industry. Emphasise your skills in sales growth, team management, and financial performance to align with the job requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic thinking and hands-on approach. Discuss specific examples of how you've driven sales growth and managed teams effectively in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your ability to enhance market penetration and profitability. Use metrics to illustrate your impact on previous employers.
Showcase Cultural Fit: Research the company's culture and values, and reflect this understanding in your application. Highlight your commitment to integrity, quality, and long-term partnerships, which are key aspects of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ingredient Jobs
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Country Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a diverse team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on collaboration and achieving results.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the food industry trends in the UK and Europe. Be ready to discuss how you would approach market penetration and growth, as well as any innovative strategies you might implement.
✨Emphasise Financial Acumen
Since financial performance is crucial for this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and reporting. Highlight any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive profitability.
✨Build Relationships
Relationship building is key in this position. Think of examples where you've established strong partnerships with clients or suppliers, and be ready to explain how you would nurture these relationships in your new role.
