At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop sales strategies while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Company: Join Nestlé, a leader in bottled water and premium beverages.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, car allowance, generous holidays, and personal development focus.
- Other info: Flexible working options and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment with a passion for healthy beverages.
- Qualifications: Experience in customer management and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Business Area: Nestlé Waters and Premium Beverages (NW&PB)
Location: Gatwick (Hybrid working – approx. 2 flexible days a week in our office)
Attractive Salary
- Car Allowance
- Potential, discretionary annual bonus
- Generous pension scheme
- 12 flexible days on top of 25 days annual holiday entitlement pro rata
- 2 paid volunteering days
- A focus on personal development and growth
Although this is a full-time permanent opportunity, please speak to us about what flexibility means to you as we are always open to discuss individual’s flexible working needs, don’t let this stop you from applying.
Position Summary: Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages is the world leader in the bottled water market and we’re committed to bottling the very best waters from the source, straight to our customers, via the most advanced and sustainable techniques currently employed. We are also proud to produce some of the UK’s best-loved brands including Buxton, SanPellegrino, Perrier and Nestlé Pure Life. We have a genuine passion for Water and Healthy Beverages, a fabulous portfolio of brands, a clear strategy and a determination to win in the marketplace of both consumers and customers.
We have a great opportunity for a Sales Operations Manager to join our Commercial Development Team (CDT) to help deliver the triple win for the needs of the retailer, the shopper and Nestlé Waters.
As Sales Operations Manager, you will coach and develop the Sales team on ‘Sophisticated Category Based Selling’ and embedding ‘Negotiation Frameworks’ into our joint business plans (JBP’s). You will also coach and develop the wider GD and End to End Team on Customer & Channel best practice and insights.
Your impact: In this fast paced, challenging environment, you will be a trusted category partner. Key responsibilities of this role will include:
- Lead the Monthly Business Planning (MBP) process & key meetings for NW&PB e.g Scenario Planning, Dynamic Forecast (DF), Commercial Reviews, Weekly Sales Meeting
- Lead the JBP sign off process ensuring mandatory compliance to process and sign off of KPI’s to be included within GD PDP’s
- Drive forecast accuracy and lead the application, and continued optimization of commercial planning tools, ensuring their effectiveness, relevance, accuracy and consistent use.
- Lead cross functionally across all GD functions, Finance and Supply Chain to coordinate the delivery of the full year commercial plan and commitments through monthly Corporate Submission
- Prepare for up-coming execution by ensuring the plans for the coming months (M+1 – 3) reflect the latest information and decisions, aligning on the projected outcome and confirm commitment for the coming month
- Orchestrate current execution & react with agility to immediate issues and opportunities, owning the R&O tracker for the business
Your ingredients for success: To be successful, you will have developed critical experiences in Customer Management across a variety of channels. You will have spent time in the Sales function and possibly CDT. In these roles, you will have shown a talent to lead without authority. With strong communication and influencing skills, you’ll have the ability to coach and lead a wide range of stakeholders both internally and externally. We’re looking for an experienced Sales / Category professional with the following skills and experience:
- Proven track record of leading, collaborating, challenging cross functionally and influencing across all organisational levels
- Deep understanding and experience of the MBP process
- Numerically experienced with an ability to understand, challenge and create opportunities within all levels of the P&L
- Strategic mindset to create value by executing the Strategic Revenue Management strategy and leading with a more sophisticated category based selling approach
- Passionate about the category and what is right for the shopper with the ability to see the bigger picture and connect dots between Internal/ External
- Experience of leading/ executing JBP/CPI process essential
- Marketing and/or Category Management experience would be beneficial
- Self-starter with strong focus on results and high integrity
- Empowers others and creates an environment encouraging diversity of thought and constructive challenge/debate
- Creative thinking outside of the box to solve problems and drive simplicity and efficiency
- Understand the importance of working towards a triple win – Customer, Shopper, Nestlé.
What you need to know:
- Advert posting date: 05/06/2026
- Advert closing date: 22/06/2026
We will be considering candidates as they apply and we will occasionally close job advertisements early in the event we receive sufficient applicants, so please don’t delay in submitting your application.
At Nestlé, our values are rooted in respect and we believe that embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment allows everyone to reach their full potential and drives innovative thinking. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all gender identities, ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities, parents, carers and members of the LGBT+ community. Please let us know if we can provide accommodations to ensure your full participation in the application process.
We take pride in championing inclusion and diversity. We proudly signed the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter, are committed to Disability Confidence, and have been recognised as a Times Top 50 Employer for gender equality for three consecutive years. Additionally, we are a headline partner of Diversity and Inclusion in grocery.
To find out more about Nestle’s commitment to DEI: Nestlé's Commitment to a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
To find out more about your recruitment journey with Nestle: Recruitment Journey | Nestlé UK & Ireland
Sales Operations Manager employer: Nestlé Global
Nestlé Waters and Premium Beverages is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Gatwick with hybrid working options that promote work-life balance. Employees benefit from a generous salary package, including a car allowance, discretionary bonuses, and extensive holiday entitlements, alongside a strong focus on personal development and growth opportunities. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Nestlé fosters a culture where every individual can thrive and contribute to the success of some of the UK's most beloved beverage brands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to be able to clearly articulate your experience and how it aligns with the role. Keep it concise but impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Sales Operations Manager role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description, especially around customer management and category-based selling.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our values at Nestlé. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of the MBP process!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead and influence across teams. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible to show your impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all candidates. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nestlé Global
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Sales Operations Manager, you'll need to be numerically savvy. Brush up on your understanding of the Monthly Business Planning (MBP) process and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to challenge and create opportunities within the P&L.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
This role involves coaching and developing teams, so be prepared to share your experiences in leading without authority. Think of instances where you've influenced stakeholders or improved team performance through effective coaching. Highlight your communication skills and how you empower others.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Nestlé is all about the triple win for customers, shoppers, and the company. Be ready to discuss how you connect the dots between internal and external factors. Show your passion for the category and how you can contribute to strategic revenue management by executing sophisticated category-based selling approaches.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility Discussions
Since Nestlé values flexibility, think about what that means for you and how it aligns with your work style. Be open to discussing your needs during the interview, and show that you're adaptable. This will demonstrate that you understand the company's commitment to individual flexibility and personal development.
