Commercial Director - Foodservice
Commercial Director - Foodservice

Commercial Director - Foodservice

England Full-Time 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Foodservice division, driving strategy and partnerships for growth.
  • Company: Join a fast-scaling private-label food company known for innovation and quality.
  • Benefits: Enjoy board-level visibility, career fast-tracking, and a dynamic work culture.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of Foodservice with genuine transformational impact and high-level influence.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience as a Commercial Director in Foodservice with strong leadership skills.
  • Other info: This role offers significant travel across multiple UK sites.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.

Our client is a fast-scaling force in the private-label food industry, with a growing reputation for category-leading innovation, operational agility, and deep Foodservice expertise. While best known for delivering standout quality to major UK retailers, they are now powerfully extending their reach into the Out-of-Home and Foodservice space—bringing commercial edge, culinary insight, and supply chain resilience to the evolving needs of operators across QSR, Casual Dining, and Wholesale.

Operating within a fast-paced, matrix-led structure, they thrive in complexity—navigating commodity volatility and shifting menu trends to deliver tailored, margin-enhancing solutions for customers. Backed by significant investment and an ambitious five-year growth roadmap, they are now looking to appoint a high-impact Commercial Director to lead one of their most strategically important divisions—owning total channel P&L, commercial strategy, and long-term operator partnerships across the Foodservice landscape.

This is a board-facing, enterprise-critical Commercial Director role, responsible for setting and executing the strategic direction of the Foodservice division. As the senior executive with full commercial and P&L ownership, you will lead the transformation of the company’s presence in the Out-of-Home sector—focusing on Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), Casual Dining, and National Foodservice operators. Reporting directly to the CEO and operating as a key member of the senior leadership team, you will define a market-winning growth strategy, unlock high-value partnerships, and orchestrate best-in-class commercial execution across multiple channels.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of the business from a Commercial Director seat, with genuine enterprise-level influence.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the Strategic Growth Agenda as Commercial Director
  • Set the long-range commercial vision for the Foodservice business.
  • Drive strategy across National Foodservice, Wholesale, and Out-of-Home sectors to deliver scalable, sustainable growth fully aligned with wider business objectives.
  • Own & Strengthen Key Strategic Partnerships
  • As Commercial Director, lead high-impact relationships with QSR giants, national restaurant groups, contract caterers, and buying consortia.
  • Build enduring partnerships rooted in shared commercial ambition and category value creation.
  • Champion Innovation Through Customer-Centric Solutions
  • Work cross-functionally with Culinary, NPD, Marketing, and Supply Chain to co-create solutions that are insight-led, operator-focused, and ahead of trend.
  • Translate emerging market needs into tangible commercial wins.
  • Build and lead a high-performing team that reflects your commercial vision.
  • Drive a winning culture based on accountability, pace, and continuous development.
  • Ensure the right capability is in place to support both strategic accounts and executional delivery.
  • Deliver Full P&L Accountability and Margin Optimisation
  • As Commercial Director, own every lever of commercial performance—from revenue and gross margin to investment strategy and profitability.
  • Ensure commercial rigour is embedded across the channel.
  • Drive ESG, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth
  • Work with internal stakeholders and external partners to embed sustainability into the heart of commercial decision-making.
  • Ensure Foodservice growth is aligned to long-term category evolution and brand purpose.

This is not a maintenance position—it is a Commercial Director mandate with genuine transformational scope. With ambitions to grow the Foodservice channel by c.80% over the next five years, this role will shape not just the commercial trajectory of the channel, but the overall direction of the business.

Why Apply?
  • Operate as Commercial Director for a high-growth, strategically critical Business Unit.
  • Take full P&L and strategic ownership of a channel with board-level visibility.
  • Join a progressive, ambitious SLT focused on innovation, pace, and value creation.
  • Fast-track your career with a clear pathway to broader executive leadership or General Management.
Candidate Profile
  • Proven track record as a Commercial Director or senior commercial leader within Foodservice, ideally with full strategic and P&L responsibility.
  • Demonstrated success in developing and leading major national accounts across QSR, Casual Dining, and Wholesale sectors.
  • Strong commercial intellect, with experience in complex negotiations, pricing strategy, and multi-channel go-to-market planning.
  • Inspirational leadership qualities with a history of building and sustaining high-performance teams in demanding, fast-paced environments.
  • Sector experience in chilled food preferred, though outstanding candidates from adjacent FMCG food categories will be considered.
  • Deep commercial understanding of the operational, culinary, and consumer dynamics that shape success in modern Foodservice.
Seniority level Director
Employment type Full-time
Job function Sales and Business Development
Industries Food and Beverage Manufacturing, Accommodation and Food Services, and Wholesale Food and Beverage.

Commercial Director - Foodservice employer: PT Executive

Join a dynamic and fast-scaling leader in the private-label food industry, where innovation and operational agility are at the forefront of our mission. As a Commercial Director, you will thrive in a collaborative culture that prioritises accountability and continuous development, while enjoying significant career growth opportunities within a progressive senior leadership team. With a commitment to sustainability and a clear pathway to executive leadership, this role offers a unique chance to shape the future of Foodservice across the UK.
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Contact Detail:

PT Executive Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Commercial Director - Foodservice

✨Tip Number 1

Network with industry professionals who have experience in the Foodservice sector. Attend relevant trade shows, conferences, or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and leaders in the field. This can help you gain insights into the latest trends and establish valuable relationships.

✨Tip Number 2

Research the company’s recent projects and partnerships within the Foodservice landscape. Understanding their strategic direction and current challenges will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate how your expertise aligns with their goals during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with P&L management and strategic growth initiatives in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven revenue and margin improvements in previous roles, as this will be crucial for a Commercial Director position.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your leadership style and ability to build high-performing teams. Be prepared to discuss how you've fostered a culture of accountability and innovation in past roles, as this is essential for leading a division in a fast-paced environment.

We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Director - Foodservice

Strategic Planning
Commercial Acumen
P&L Management
Negotiation Skills
Partnership Development
Team Leadership
Market Analysis
Foodservice Industry Knowledge
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Customer-Centric Innovation
Operational Agility
Supply Chain Management
Change Management
Financial Analysis
ESG Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the Foodservice sector, particularly any roles where you've had P&L responsibility or led strategic initiatives. Use specific metrics to demonstrate your impact.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the food industry and detail how your background aligns with the company's goals. Mention your experience with QSR and Casual Dining, and how you can contribute to their growth strategy.

Showcase Leadership Skills: Emphasise your leadership qualities and experience in building high-performance teams. Provide examples of how you've driven innovation and accountability in previous roles, as these are key aspects of the Commercial Director position.

Highlight Strategic Partnerships: Discuss your experience in developing and maintaining strategic partnerships within the Foodservice landscape. Highlight any successful negotiations or collaborations that resulted in significant business growth.

How to prepare for a job interview at PT Executive

✨Understand the Business Landscape

Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the private-label food industry and the specific challenges it faces. Familiarise yourself with current trends in Foodservice, especially in QSR and Casual Dining, as this will demonstrate your industry knowledge and strategic thinking.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience

As a Commercial Director, you'll need to lead high-performing teams. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership roles, focusing on how you've built and sustained teams in fast-paced environments. Highlight specific examples where your leadership directly contributed to commercial success.

✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions

Expect to engage in conversations about setting long-term commercial visions and strategies. Prepare to articulate your approach to developing partnerships and driving innovation. Think about how you can align your vision with the company's ambitious growth roadmap.

✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen

Since this role involves full P&L accountability, be ready to discuss your experience with financial performance metrics. Bring examples of how you've optimised margins and driven profitability in previous roles, showcasing your ability to manage complex financial landscapes.

Commercial Director - Foodservice
PT Executive
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