Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
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 ready 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) (Watford) 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) (Watford)
✨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 the South 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 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 as a candidate who is genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Channel Director – Grocery (South UK) (Watford)
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.
Showcase Leadership Skills: This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Make sure to illustrate your experience in leading high-performing teams and building relationships with key stakeholders. Mention any relevant achievements that showcase your leadership style.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your interest in the role but also convey your understanding of the company's goals and how you can contribute to them. Be sure to align your skills with the job description and express your ambition for growth within the company.
How to prepare for a job interview at JR United Kingdom
✨Understand the Company and Its Brands
Before your interview, take the time to research the global drinks group and its brand portfolio. Familiarise yourself with their market position, key competitors, and recent developments in the grocery sector. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and ability to contribute strategically.
✨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've successfully managed teams, developed strategies, and achieved targets. Use metrics to quantify your success and illustrate your impact.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and decision-making skills. Be ready to discuss how you would approach long-term Joint Business Plans (JBP) and your methods for building relationships with major retailers like Tesco and Sainsbury’s. Think about past challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
This role requires a strong commercial edge, so be prepared to discuss how you track performance, forecast sales, and make data-driven decisions. Bring examples of how you've applied commercial excellence in previous roles, particularly in competitive categories, to show you can deliver results.
