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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing grocery sales team and develop long-term strategies.
- Company: Join a market-leading global drinks business with an impressive brand portfolio.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, generous leave, and lifestyle perks.
- Why this job: This role offers a clear pathway to senior leadership in a high-growth environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG, managing major retailers, and leading large teams is essential.
- Other info: Ideal for ambitious candidates looking to make a significant impact.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Strategic Leadership Role in a Global Drinks Group
We’re hiring on behalf of a market-leading global drinks business with an exceptional brand portfolio and deep commercial partnerships across the UK retail landscape. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of the company’s largest UK channel, leading strategy and delivery across Southern Grocery accounts – including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Ocado and Majestic. It’s a senior leadership role with a team of 9 (including experienced controllers), and direct accountability for nearly a third of total UK revenue.
The Role
This is not a day-to-day account manager position. It’s a strategic, high-impact leadership post reporting into the Commercial Director – ideal for someone with the commercial edge and ambition to be the next in that role.
Your focus will be to:
- Lead and develop a high-performing grocery sales team
- Own long-term JBP strategy and execution across all major Southern retailers
- Build board-level relationships with key retail partners
- Represent your channel internally, working cross-functionally to shape category and brand strategy
- Bring rigour and commercial excellence to tracking, forecasting, and decision making
The Ideal Fit
We’re looking for an experienced FMCG commercial leader with:
- Deep expertise in managing Tesco and Sainsbury’s
- A track record of leading large teams across complex grocery accounts
- Proven ability to deliver against stretching targets in competitive categories
- Gravitas, clarity, and a natural presence with internal and external stakeholders
- Experience in alcohol is a plus, but not essential – what matters most is capability, ambition, and commercial sharpness
What’s on Offer
- Flexible hybrid working (1–2 office days/month)
- Generous annual leave, birthday off, early Friday finishes
- Product allowance and lifestyle perks
- A supportive, high-trust culture where performance and potential are recognised
This is a career-defining opportunity to take the lead on the UK’s most commercially significant channel within a high-growth global brand house. If you’re ready to step into a bigger role – or want a clear pathway to Commercial Director – this is your moment.
Channel Director – Grocery (South UK) (Hounslow) employer: JR United Kingdom
Contact Detail:
JR United Kingdom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Channel Director – Grocery (South UK) (Hounslow)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, especially those who have experience with major retailers like Tesco and Sainsbury’s. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in grocery sales.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the specific challenges and opportunities facing the grocery sector in Southern UK. Understanding the market dynamics will help you articulate your strategic vision during interviews and demonstrate your commercial acumen.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed large teams in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven performance and achieved targets in complex environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the brand portfolio of the drinks company you're applying to. Being able to speak knowledgeably about their products and how they fit into the grocery landscape will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Channel Director – Grocery (South UK) (Hounslow)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Channel Director position. Tailor your application to highlight your strategic leadership experience and familiarity with grocery accounts.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in managing large teams and your track record with major retailers like Tesco and Sainsbury’s. Use specific examples to demonstrate your commercial acumen and ability to meet targets.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your interest in the role but also showcase your understanding of the company’s goals and how you can contribute to their success. Mention your ambition to grow into a Commercial Director role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a senior leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at JR United Kingdom
✨Understand the Company and Its Brands
Before your interview, make sure to research the global drinks group thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with their brand portfolio and recent developments in the UK retail landscape. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and align your answers with the company's goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As this role involves leading a high-performing sales team, be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences. Highlight specific examples where you successfully managed large teams and delivered results in complex grocery accounts, particularly with Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since the position focuses on strategic leadership, think about how you would approach long-term Joint Business Plans (JBP) and execution strategies. Be ready to share your insights on building board-level relationships and how you would represent the channel internally.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
This role requires a strong commercial edge, so prepare to discuss your experience with tracking, forecasting, and decision-making processes. Use specific metrics or achievements to illustrate your ability to deliver against stretching targets in competitive categories.
