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- Tasks: Lead UK sales strategy and build strong relationships with major grocery retailers.
- Company: Join a leading food manufacturing business in the UK ambient category.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of retail.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Drive profitable growth and make a real impact in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in UK grocery sales and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
QLM Search is partnering with a leading food manufacturing business operating in the UK ambient category, supplying a broad portfolio of products to major UK grocery retailers. This is a senior commercial leadership role with full accountability for UK customer strategy, retailer relationships, and profitable growth.
The Role
- Reporting to the UK Managing Director, the Commercial Director will:
- Lead the UK commercial agenda across ambient private label categories
- Own senior relationships with major UK grocery retailers, acting as a trusted long-term partner
- Drive profitable growth, pricing discipline, and margin management
- Lead joint business planning, range discussions, and promotional strategy
- Balance customer requirements with operational capability and cost discipline
- Work cross-functionally with supply chain, operations, finance, and innovation
- Build, coach, and develop a high-performing UK sales and customer team
To be considered for this role our client requires:
- Proven senior commercial experience within UK grocery, with deep branded and private label experience
- Strong understanding of UK retailer economics and buying dynamics
- Margin defence and pricing negotiations
- Joint business planning and category strategy
- Managing complexity across SKUs, formats, and customer requirements
- A pragmatic, data-led leadership style with strong influencing capability
- Experience operating in fast-paced, performance-driven environments
UK Sales Director in Reading employer: QLM Search
Contact Detail:
QLM Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land UK Sales Director in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food manufacturing and grocery sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your achievements in sales strategy, margin management, and customer relationships. This will help you stand out when chatting with hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role of UK Sales Director. Focus on your ability to drive profitable growth and manage complex retailer dynamics.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to connect with top employers in the industry. Don’t miss out on opportunities by applying directly where it counts!
We think you need these skills to ace UK Sales Director in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the UK Sales Director role. Highlight your senior commercial experience and any specific achievements in the grocery sector that align with the job description. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your understanding of UK retailer economics and how you've successfully managed relationships in the past. Let us see your personality and passion for the industry!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior role, we need to see your leadership style in action. Share examples of how you've built and developed high-performing teams. Talk about your data-led approach and how you've influenced decisions in previous roles. We love a pragmatic leader!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen and ready to take the next step in your career with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at QLM Search
✨Know Your Numbers
As a UK Sales Director, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of margin management and pricing strategies. Brush up on key metrics related to sales performance and be ready to discuss how you've successfully driven profitable growth in previous roles.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves owning senior relationships with major UK grocery retailers, think about how you can showcase your relationship-building skills. Prepare examples of how you've acted as a trusted partner in the past and how you’ve navigated complex negotiations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This position requires a pragmatic, data-led leadership style. Be prepared to discuss your approach to building and coaching high-performing teams. Share specific instances where your leadership made a tangible impact on team performance or sales outcomes.
✨Understand the Market Dynamics
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in the UK ambient food category. Be ready to discuss how these trends affect retailer economics and buying dynamics. Showing that you’re in tune with the market will set you apart from other candidates.