Global Commercialization Manager in London

Want to help us bring happiness to the world? Want to join an ambitious and fast growing global biscuits and confectionery business investing heavily in iconic global brands, infrastructure and people? Then this is the place for you. As proud bakers and chocolatiers and custodians of iconic global brands, we don’t compromise on the quality of ingredients in our products or on the people we hire. We are looking for entrepreneurial spirits who share our passion for bringing happiness to our consumers and who embody our Winning Traits.

To succeed at pladis you need to be purpose-led, resilient and positive because we expect pace and agility, insist on collaboration and demand accountability. If that is your thing, then pladis offers global ambition, a clear Vision and roadmap for success, challenge, and unrivalled opportunities to learn and make an impact.

Role Title: Global Godiva Commercialization Manager

Site Introduction: In 2021, pladis proudly opened the doors to our vibrant global hub, the MIU Campus. Located in the heart of Chiswick Park, West London, just a short 5-minute walk from Gunnersbury Station, 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.

What will this role achieve? The Commercialization Manager plays a critical role in leading the end to end delivery of Godiva’s global innovation across Boutiques, Cafés and other retail-led channels, ensuring every launch enhances the brand’s premium experience and commercial performance. This role provides strategic project leadership across complex, multi-functional workstreams, connecting Brand, Retail Operations, Supply, Packaging, Design, Commercial and Regional teams. A core purpose of the role is to ensure that all innovation is planned, developed and launched with excellence specifically with gifting propositions within the expectations of a global premium retail brand. Through strong governance, proactive risk management, and deep channel understanding, the Commercialization Manager ensures clarity, alignment and momentum across all stakeholders.

Key Deliverables:

• Build structured project frameworks for various channels.
• Drive improved visibility, governance and long‑term pipeline planning.
• Lead cross‑functional project teams and manage full project lifecycle.
• Partner with Global Marketing and R&D for category strategy execution.
• Coordinate with internal and external sites to ensure manufacturing readiness.
• Lead cross‑functional alignment for complex multi‑RTM models including Direct Retail, Travel Retail, Franchise and Distributor‑led channels.
• Adapt project plans and commercialisation paths to reflect channel‑specific constraints.
• Manage risks, issues, and change control processes.
• Coordinate relevant business case inputs and monitor KPIs.

Bring your experience:

• Complex project management experience.
• Experience in premium retail, foodservice, or FMCG.
• Managing complex, cross‑functional launches involving Brand, Supply, Quality (and ideally Franchise/Regional teams).
• Ability to navigate conflicting priorities and cultural differences.
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously while maintaining high‑quality standards.
• Exceptional organisational, planning, and timeline‑management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Commercial competence.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to influence, demonstrating high standards of honesty and integrity.
• Be a confident, effective, and challenging communicator, and be able to demonstrate tenacity & resilience.
• Conflict & issue resolution.

Desirable:

• Global project management experience.
• Strong understanding of various retail channels including Cafés and boutiques.
• Managing stakeholders across multiple regions.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

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 – 90‑minutes technical interview to understand your skill set/case study or presentation interview.
• Psychometric and Aptitude tests may also be part of the process.

What do we offer you?

• Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) – this is the business’s annual bonus scheme.
• Opportunity to self‑enrol into Health Cash Plan.
• Private medical insurance (if eligible by grade).
• Enhanced parental leave and a supportive phased return‑to‑work program to help colleagues balance family and career.
• Stakeholder Pension Scheme.
• Life Assurance Cover upon enrolment to Stakeholder Pension Scheme.
• 25 days +