Country Manager

Country Manager UK, London, United Kingdom

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.

Job Overview

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

The Country Manager role is designed with clear goals that align with the company\’s strategic priorities:

• 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.

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This is a retained recruitment assignment – More job details, including the company name and salary information will be provided following your job application.