At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategies for a major customer in the fast-paced UK retail sector.
- Company: One of the largest private-label food manufacturers in the UK, focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a high-performance culture that values creativity and accountability.
- Why this job: Shape the future of retail while working closely with executive leadership.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in UK grocery and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
The Business
Our client is one of the largest private-label food manufacturers in the UK, partnering with a broad portfolio of UK grocery retailers across mainstream channels. With deep commercial capability in chilled categories and an ambitious innovation pipeline, they are investing heavily in future growth through customer partnerships, operational scale, and long-term category leadership. Their three-year strategic ambition is bold, to lead the industry in delivering unbeatable value, operational excellence, and leading NPD. Alongside their existing strengths, they are now elevating their focus on driving further growth across the whole product portfolio. Significant group investment and a clear long-range plan are already in place. This role has been created to help lead the charge in one of the most strategically important growth areas in UK retail.
The Role
As Commercial Controller - Retail, you will take full ownership of a high-growth Customer, within a multi-category business unit. This includes a broad customer base spanning several core product areas. You will shape the end-to-end Customer commercial strategy, lead a high-performing customer team, and deliver both short-term commercial wins and long-term structural growth. This is a customer-facing and internally transformative role. You will work cross-functionally with peers across supply chain, category, operations, and innovation, embedding new ways of working, sharpening execution, and positioning the business as a partner of choice. This role offers exceptional visibility across the organisation, as well as direct influence with a senior customer who plays a central role in shaping modern retail and shopper behaviour.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and lead the total commercial agenda for one of their biggest Customers
- Develop and execute short, mid, and long-term commercial strategies that drive margin, share, and growth
- Build and inspire a first-class commercial team
- Drive change by embedding agile processes, data-led thinking, and faster, sharper execution
- Work cross-functionally to shape and deliver operational excellence across chilled categories
- Create customer-specific plans that balance short-term trading performance with long-range innovation
- Represent the Customer at board level, influencing investment decisions and shaping the overall strategic direction of the group
- Lead a mix of traded, value-driven products alongside higher-margin innovation and development ranges
- Act as the voice of the customer internally, ensuring exceptional service, responsiveness, and category alignment
Why Apply
- Lead a strategically critical Customer in one of the fastest-growing sectors in UK retail
- Work directly with the executive board to shape future investment, innovation, and commercial direction
- Join a well-resourced, future-focused group with a clear vision for long-term category leadership
- Be part of a lean, agile, and high-performance culture where pace, creativity, and accountability are rewarded
- Build a platform for further executive progression
Candidate Profile
We are seeking a senior commercial leader with a track record of delivering results in UK grocery, ideally across chilled, short shelf-life, or own-label categories. Experience in retail Grocery or Discounters is preferable. Proven experience leading large retail accounts or other high-volume customers – Discounters. Commercially astute with strong P&L ownership, pricing, and customer strategy expertise. Track record of growing customer portfolios, driving margin, and managing complex product mixes. Inspirational team leader who builds trust, develops capability, and drives high performance. Comfortable leading change in dynamic environments and embedding agile ways of working. Exceptional internal stakeholder management skills, especially within matrix structures. Ready to operate at pace with high visibility and real accountability.
Commercial Controller employer: PT Executive
Our client stands out as an exceptional employer in the UK food manufacturing sector, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and growth. With a strong focus on employee development and a culture that rewards creativity and accountability, team members are empowered to lead significant commercial strategies and influence key decisions at the executive level. The company's commitment to operational excellence and long-term category leadership ensures that employees are part of a forward-thinking organisation poised for success in one of the fastest-growing sectors of retail.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Controller
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like PT Executive. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to PT Executive.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on PT Executive's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at PT Executive
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with PT Executive.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at PT Executive will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former PT Executive employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
