Head of Commercial

This role is based in our Chiswick office on a hybrid basis. In 2021, pladis proudly opened the doors to our vibrant global hub, the MIU Campus. Located in the heart of Chiswick Park, West London, our campus is nestled within 33 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, offering a welcoming and inspiring environment for all. Chiswick Park is home to both our UK and Global Corporate teams, bringing together diverse teams across the business.

As a member of the Cake Leadership Team, this role will own the commercial strategy and go-to-market execution for a new business function across all channels (Grocery, Discounters, C&I). We are seeking an influential leader who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment and is comfortable shaping a new function from the ground up.

Key Deliverables:

• Financials: Deliver pladis UK&I Cake P&L with Budget targets of NSV, volume, TGC/TGC% and GP.
• Customer management: Build a strong and strategic relationship with customers, directly but also across multiple cross‑functional functions.
• Strategy: Design and implement plans for 1–3 year strategic JBP for Cake, dovetailing both pladis and customer’s business strategies to drive mutual, category growth.
• Cake plans: Execute margin‑creation initiatives whilst maintaining customer support and growth.
• Collaboration: Build a strong relationship with pladis UK&I commercial teams, nurturing fruitful collaboration to prioritise Cake.
• Stakeholder management: Influence broad cross‑functional internal network of stakeholders across Commercial, Marketing, Commercial Excellence, Supply and Manufacturing.
• Line management: Coach and develop a team of 2 direct reports.

Experience Required:

• Experience in Convenience or Grocery, or similar sectors, at Controller level or equivalent senior commercial roles (Head of Sales / Sales Controller / Commercial Controller).
• Experience in owning the customer agenda and internal P&L for a scale customer or Channel, with proven track record of developing and executing customer growth plans.
• Strategic thinker.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and build consensus.
• Developed knowledge of category data and fact‑based selling.

Interview Process:

• Initial Telephone call with Talent Acquisition.
• 1st stage interview – 45 minutes competency‑based interview based on our company values and your experiences.
• 2nd stage interview – 60 minutes – a technical interview to understand your skill set/case study or presentation interview.
• pladis does also use both Psychometric and Aptitude tests to support our processes so you may be asked to complete these as part of your process.

What does pladis offer you?

• Annual Car allowance, paid monthly, with optional Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) – this is the business’s annual bonus scheme.
• Opportunity to self‑enrol into Health Cash Plan.
• Private medical Insurance.
• Enhanced parental leave and a supportive phased return‑to‑work program to help colleagues balance family and career.
• Life Assurance Cover ~ upon enrolment to Stakeholder Pension Scheme.
• 25 days + bank holidays.
• 1 Volunteering Day per year.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Discounted gym membership – Carlisle and Chiswick only.
• Access to great training and development opportunities.

Pladis Values:

• Purpose led: We’re energised and guided by our purpose to bring happiness with every bite.
• Agile: We’re ever evolving, we never stand still, always improving for our customers and our consumers.
• Positive: We’re highly motivated, optimistic, courageous, and we inspire each other to be better.
• Resilient: We’re persistent in the face of setbacks, quick to adapt, learn and move forward.
• Collaborative: We gain strength from operating as one pladis, winning and succeeding together.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform key job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. pladis and Godiva are Equal Opportunity Employers, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.