At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead retail and wholesale partnerships, driving growth and strategy.
- Company: Join a fast-growing homeware brand with a strong DTC foundation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work setup and competitive salary with performance bonuses.
- Why this job: Build a retail function from scratch and work closely with passionate founders.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in partnerships with major retailers and strong commercial acumen required.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape a beloved brand's future in premium markets.
The predicted salary is between 78000 - 130000 £ per year.
Commercial Director – Retail & Wholesale Partnerships
London (Hybrid – 2-3 days/week in office)
Up to £130k base + performance bonus
Reports to: Founder
We’re supporting a fast-growing, homeware brand in the search for their first Commercial Director – a strategic and hands-on leader to drive retail and wholesale partnerships across the UK and beyond.
With £20m+ revenue and a strong DTC foundation, the brand is now entering a new phase of growth – expanding into premium retailers, digital marketplaces, and B2B channels.
The Opportunity
This is a high-impact role for a proven commercial operator who can own and execute a full go-to-market strategy across retail and wholesale. You’ll work closely with the founder to shape and scale a new revenue stream, taking a beloved DTC brand into the hands of new customers through smart, values-aligned partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead UK & international retail and wholesale expansion
- Pitch and onboard major retail accounts (e.g., John Lewis, Selfridges, Wayfair)
- Identify new marketplace and B2B opportunities (e.g., hotels, wellness & lifestyle brands)
- Build scalable commercial processes and operational structures
- Take ownership of commercial terms, pricing strategy, and inventory planning
- Act as the strategic and operational link between sales, marketing, and logistics
You’ll Have
- A track record of landing and growing partnerships with major UK/EU retailers
- Experience in premium homeware, FMCG, or lifestyle sectors
- A natural flair for deal-making and negotiation
- Strong commercial acumen – you’re as comfortable in spreadsheets as you are in a pitch
- Experience operating in fast-paced, founder-led environments
- Bonus: exposure to international expansion and/or marketplace platforms
Why This Role?
- A rare opportunity to build a retail function from scratch
- Work directly with a founder and leadership team who care deeply about product and purpose
- Join a high-growth, design-led brand with global potential
- Hybrid setup, based out of a collaborative North London office
Interested? Drop me a message or get in touch to learn more. All conversations held in confidence.
Channel Director employer: Sanderson King
Contact Detail:
Sanderson King Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Channel Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network strategically within the homeware and FMCG sectors. Attend industry events, trade shows, and networking meetups to connect with key players and potential partners. Building relationships in these circles can give you an edge when it comes to landing this role.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the brand thoroughly and understand their current market position. Familiarise yourself with their product offerings, values, and target audience. This knowledge will not only help you in discussions but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the company during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your negotiation skills through real-life examples. Think of specific instances where you've successfully landed partnerships or deals, especially with major retailers. Being able to articulate your experience in a compelling way will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on trends in the retail and wholesale landscape, particularly in the homeware sector. Understanding emerging marketplaces and B2B opportunities will allow you to speak confidently about potential growth strategies during your conversations with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Channel Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in retail and wholesale partnerships, especially with major UK/EU retailers. Use specific examples of your achievements in these areas to demonstrate your capability.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your strategic vision for the role. Discuss how your background aligns with the company's goals and your approach to building partnerships in the homeware sector.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your negotiation skills, commercial acumen, and experience in fast-paced environments. Mention any exposure to international expansion or marketplace platforms as a bonus.
Showcase Your Passion: Convey your enthusiasm for the brand and its products. Explain why you are excited about the opportunity to work directly with the founder and contribute to the company's growth.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson King
✨Research the Brand Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure to dive deep into the brand's history, values, and product offerings. Understanding their current market position and recent developments will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and align your vision with theirs.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Given the role's focus on driving retail and wholesale partnerships, be ready to discuss your past experiences in similar positions. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully landed major accounts or expanded into new markets, showcasing your strategic thinking and negotiation skills.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Since the role requires strong commercial skills, be prepared to discuss your approach to pricing strategy, inventory planning, and building scalable processes. Use data and metrics from your previous roles to illustrate your impact and decision-making abilities.
✨Engage with the Founder’s Vision
As you'll be working closely with the founder, it's crucial to understand their vision for the brand's growth. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to this vision and bring innovative ideas to the table that align with the company's purpose and values.