At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and scale retail strategies while driving growth across multiple channels.
- Company: Join a global FMCG leader with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to shape a new channel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by building partnerships and driving sustainable growth.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior sales leadership and strategic business growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with full P&L responsibility and opportunities for team development.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Overview
Have you built and scaled a retail or out-of-home channel where the strategy, structure, and growth roadmap did not already exist? Can you demonstrate how you’ve converted consumer insight and brand partnerships into commercially material, multi-channel growth? Are you ready to take full ownership of a complex P&L while leading, developing, and holding teams accountable in a high-growth, evolving environment?
MB are partnering with a global FMCG business, looking for a Head of Retail and Strategic Partnerships. Permanent role. Based in St Albans.
We are seeking a high-calibre commercial leader to build and scale a high-growth retail and out-of-home portfolio across branded, private label, and wholesale partnerships. This role will define and deliver a category-leading retail strategy, unlocking new routes to market while accelerating performance across existing strategic accounts.
Operating at the intersection of retail, foodservice, and wholesale, the role has full ownership of strategy, execution, and P&L delivery, with responsibility for developing a high-performing team and deepening partnerships with some of the UK & Ireland’s most recognised consumer brands. This is a rare opportunity to shape a relatively new channel within the business, delivering sustainable growth through insight-led selling, brand collaboration, and commercial excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Create and execute an end-to-end retail and out-of-home growth strategy in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
- Identify and secure new business opportunities across Grocery, Convenience, and Out-of-Home channels.
- Drive expansion across both branded and private label propositions.
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of National Account Managers, building capability and succession.
- Set clear objectives, performance standards, and accountability across channels.
- Full P&L responsibility, delivering ambitious growth targets with strong commercial discipline.
- Own forecasting accuracy and performance tracking across all key value drivers, including Equipment and solutions, Servicing and recurring revenue, On-the-go formats and unattended retail, Ancillary and complementary products.
- Build and strengthen senior-level relationships with strategic partners.
- Work closely with Marketing to translate consumer insight into compelling customer propositions.
- Lead complex, multi-channel negotiations and long-term commercial agreements.
What We’re Looking For
- A proven senior sales leader with strong commercial and strategic acumen.
- Demonstrated success in building and scaling businesses across retail, foodservice, wholesale, or FMCG environments.
- Comfortable operating across multiple routes to market, including Grocery, Convenience, Multiples, and Out-of-Home.
- Strong track record of winning new business of scale, developing and implementing growth strategies, managing complex P&Ls, leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Highly effective influencer, able to operate at Board and senior stakeholder level.
- Data-driven, numerate, and commercially astute.
- Experienced in brand-led, category, and solution-based selling.
- Tenacious, resilient, and growth-oriented, with a strong customer and consumer mindset.
For more information, please contact Alice Redmond.
Head of Retail & Strategic Partnerships in St Albans employer: MacGregor Black
Contact Detail:
MacGregor Black Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Retail & Strategic Partnerships in St Albans
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you’re not just interested in any job, but specifically in helping them grow their retail and strategic partnerships.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your achievements and how they relate to the role of Head of Retail & Strategic Partnerships. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive growth and manage complex P&Ls. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives us a chance to see your application in the best light.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Retail & Strategic Partnerships in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Retail & Strategic Partnerships. Highlight your experience in building and scaling retail channels, and don’t forget to showcase any successful partnerships you've developed.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us about your journey in retail and how you’ve turned consumer insights into growth. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you lead and develop teams. Share examples of how you've coached others to success and set clear objectives. This is key for a role that involves managing a high-performing team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at MacGregor Black
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Head of Retail & Strategic Partnerships, you need to be comfortable with P&L statements and financial metrics. Brush up on your financial acumen and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and driven growth in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to articulate your vision for building and scaling retail channels. Think about specific strategies you've implemented in the past and how they led to measurable success. Be ready to discuss how you can apply those insights to this new role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This role requires leading a team, so come prepared with examples of how you've developed and motivated teams in the past. Highlight your coaching style and how you've set clear objectives and accountability within your teams.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves strengthening partnerships with senior stakeholders, think about your approach to relationship-building. Prepare anecdotes that illustrate your ability to influence and negotiate effectively at high levels, especially in complex, multi-channel environments.