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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 flexible hybrid working, generous leave, 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 is essential.
- Other info: This is a career-defining opportunity with a clear pathway to Commercial Director.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ 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.
- 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.
Contact Detail:
New Chapter Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Channel Director – Grocery (South UK)
✨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 more about the current trends in grocery sales.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the specific challenges and opportunities facing the grocery sector in the South UK. Being well-informed will allow you to speak confidently about how you can lead a high-performing team and drive strategic initiatives during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed large teams in the past. Highlight specific examples where you've driven performance and achieved targets, as this role requires a strong commercial edge and team development skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the brand portfolio of the drinks company and their market positioning. Understanding their products and how they fit into the grocery landscape will help you articulate your vision for the channel and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Channel Director – Grocery (South UK)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Channel Director position. Make sure you understand the strategic leadership expectations and the specific responsibilities associated with managing Southern Grocery accounts.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in FMCG, particularly any roles that involved managing large teams or complex grocery accounts. Emphasise your achievements in delivering against targets and your ability to build relationships with key retail partners.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your commercial acumen and leadership skills. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your capability to lead a high-performing sales team and execute long-term strategies.
Showcase Your Ambition: In your application, convey your ambition to grow within the company and your interest in progressing to a Commercial Director role. This will resonate well with the hiring team looking for candidates who are eager to take on greater responsibilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at New Chapter Consulting
✨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 and recent developments in the market. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and align your answers with the company's values and 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, driven performance, and achieved targets. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Given the strategic nature of this position, expect questions that assess your ability to develop and execute long-term strategies. Think about your experience with Joint Business Plans (JBP) and how you've built relationships with major retailers like Tesco and Sainsbury’s. Be ready to share insights on how you would approach these partnerships.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
This role requires a strong commercial edge, so be prepared to discuss how you've used data and analytics to drive decision-making in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've tracked performance, forecasted sales, and made strategic decisions that positively impacted revenue. This will showcase your capability and ambition for the role.
