At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead field strategy and planning, driving innovation and operational excellence.
- Company: Join Acosta Europe, a dynamic team focused on growth and client success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, annual bonus, and hybrid work model.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture that values innovation and personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of FMCG sales and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strategic thinker with strong leadership and operational planning skills.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 90000 £ per year.
Office Location: Stoke on Trent (ST4 2HX)
Working Pattern: Hybrid – 3 days per week in the Stoke office, 2 days from home.
Contract: Full‑time, Permanent – 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £85,000 – £90,000 per annum (depending on experience) plus £6,000 annual car allowance and a 15% annual bonus opportunity.
About the Opportunity: Acosta Europe is searching for an exceptional Senior Director of Field Planning & Activation – a strategic, influential leader who will shape the future of field execution across the region. In this high‑impact role, you will design and deliver best‑in‑class field strategies, ensuring flawless activation for our clients while driving operational excellence, innovation, and measurable performance improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead field strategy and planning, including workforce strategy, activation design, and quarterly planning cycles.
- Drive adoption of AI‑augmented execution solutions and benchmarking.
- Ensure activation excellence across campaigns, promotions, and merchandising.
- Use insights and analytics to optimise resources and inform decision‑making.
- Lead, inspire, and develop planning and activation teams.
- Partner cross‑functionally with Sales, Marketing, Operations, Finance, and clients.
- Support new business pitches with activation strategies and resource models.
What You'll Bring:
- Strategic thinker with exceptional operational planning expertise.
- Strong communicator and influential leader.
- Highly organised, detail‑oriented, and results‑driven.
- Proven experience in field planning, activation, or retail operations.
- Strong data, planning, budgeting, and optimisation capability.
- Excellent stakeholder management at executive level.
- Experience with organisational transformation and change.
- Strong commercial acumen and client relationship experience.
- Understanding of European FMCG and retail environments.
Why Join Us:
At Acosta Europe, you will be part of a team passionate about growth, innovation, and delivering excellence for our clients. This is a unique opportunity to influence at the highest level, accelerate your career, and shape the direction of a business with big ambitions. We believe diversity and inclusion are the foundation of innovation and success. We welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences, creating a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. If you’re looking for a role where you can make a visible impact and build the future in FMCG sales, this is your moment.
Application:
We will close the role once the right candidate is found.
Senior Director of Field Planning & Activation employer: Reach Contact Limited
At Acosta Europe, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Located in Stoke on Trent, our hybrid working model allows for a balanced work-life dynamic, while our commitment to employee growth ensures that you will have ample opportunities to develop your skills and advance your career. Join us to be part of a diverse team where your contributions are valued, and you can make a significant impact in the FMCG sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director of Field Planning & Activation
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with professionals in your desired field. This isn’t just about asking for a job; it’s about gathering insights and advice. Plus, it helps you build relationships that could lead to future opportunities. Remember, we’re all about making connections!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Create content that highlights your knowledge in field planning and activation. Whether it’s a blog post, a LinkedIn article, or even a video, sharing your insights can position you as a thought leader. It’s a great way to catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone with your expertise.
✨Apply Through Our Website
When you find a role that excites you, make sure to apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Acosta Europe!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director of Field Planning & Activation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in field planning and activation, and don’t forget to showcase your strategic thinking and operational expertise. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Senior Director role. Share specific examples of your past successes in leading teams and driving results, and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a strategic leader, we’re looking for someone who can inspire and develop teams. In your application, highlight your experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing stakeholder relationships. We want to know how you’ve made an impact in previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Acosta Europe!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reach Contact Limited
✨Know Your Field Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of field planning and activation. Familiarise yourself with current trends in FMCG and retail environments, especially those relevant to Acosta Europe. This will not only show your passion but also your strategic thinking capabilities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Senior Director, your leadership approach is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight how you've inspired and developed teams in the past. Be ready to discuss your methods for driving operational excellence and fostering innovation within your teams.
✨Prepare Data-Driven Insights
Since the role involves using insights and analytics, come equipped with data-driven examples from your previous roles. Discuss how you've optimised resources and informed decision-making through analytics, showcasing your strong commercial acumen.
✨Engage with Cross-Functional Collaboration
Highlight your experience in partnering with various departments like Sales, Marketing, and Finance. Prepare to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated across functions to achieve common goals, as this is key for the role at Acosta Europe.
