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- 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 a competitive salary, bonuses, flexible working, and lifestyle perks.
- Why this job: This role offers a chance to shape strategy in a high-growth environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG leadership and managing major retailers like Tesco and Sainsbury’s required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career advancement to Commercial Director.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 84000 £ 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:
- Controller/Channel Director/Sales Director-level experience
- 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: £100–120k base + 33% bonus, £7k car allowance, private medical, pension, tech, 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) (United Kingdom) employer: NEW CHAPTER CONSULTING LIMITED
Contact Detail:
NEW CHAPTER CONSULTING LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Channel Director - Grocery (South UK) (United Kingdom)
✨Tip Number 1
Network strategically within the FMCG sector, especially with professionals who have experience in grocery accounts like Tesco and Sainsbury’s. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with key players and gain insights into current trends and challenges.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Prepare specific anecdotes that highlight your ability to drive performance and achieve targets in competitive environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the company’s brand portfolio and their strategic goals. This knowledge will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to their success and align your vision with theirs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to building board-level relationships. Think about how you can leverage your existing connections and what strategies you would employ to foster strong partnerships with major retailers.
We think you need these skills to ace Channel Director - Grocery (South UK) (United Kingdom)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in FMCG and grocery sales. Focus on your leadership roles, particularly any experience with major retailers like Tesco and Sainsbury’s, and quantify your achievements to demonstrate your impact.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the company. Discuss your strategic vision for leading a grocery sales team and how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Emphasise your experience in managing large teams and driving performance. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully led teams to achieve ambitious targets in competitive environments.
Showcase Commercial Acumen: Demonstrate your understanding of the grocery market and your ability to build relationships with key retail partners. Include examples of how you've used data and insights to inform strategic decisions and drive business growth.
How to prepare for a job interview at NEW CHAPTER CONSULTING LIMITED
✨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 key products, market position, and recent developments in the industry. 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'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 commercial acumen. Be ready to discuss how you would approach long-term Joint Business Plans (JBP) and execution across major retailers like Tesco and Sainsbury’s. Think about potential challenges and how you would overcome them.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working cross-functionally to shape category and brand strategy. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with other departments in the past. Emphasise your ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels, showcasing your gravitas and presence.
