At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team in developing market strategies and managing distributor sales performance.
- Company: Join SC Johnson, a family company with over 130 years of creating iconic brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, a 4.5-day work week, and a competitive salary with bonuses.
- Why this job: Be part of a purpose-driven team making a positive impact on the planet and future generations.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in senior account management or market strategy, ideally in FMCG.
- Other info: This role is based in Frimley, Surrey, and offers a vibrant workplace culture.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Here at SC Johnson Ltd, we have an opportunity for a Market Strategy & Planning Controller to join the team based in Frimley, Surrey. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis in return for a competitive salary.
SC Johnson is a fifth-generation family company built on a spirit of adventure and winning the right way. We have been leading with purpose for over 130 years, building iconic brands that win the hearts and minds of consumers – such as Raid®, Glade®, Ziploc® and more, in virtually every country around the world. Together, we are creating a better future – for the planet, for future generations and for every SCJ team member. Join our winning team of Wave Makers and Go Getters and help us write the next chapter in the SCJ story.
About the Market Strategy & Planning Controller role:
Reporting into the Sales Director, this is a key senior sales management position in the UK consumer sales team. The remit of the role is to lead a team of Associate Managers with either Account Management or Market Strategy and Planning (MS&P) responsibilities. Foundational to this role is establishing and embedding a new MS&P function. Additionally, whilst initially responsible for the UK&I Distributor AM, the position could include different sales responsibilities in future. The role has significant P&L and line management responsibility and is a key role in the UK&I business.
Key responsibilities of our Market Strategy & Planning Controller:
- Lead Distributor Sales Strategy: Own the commercial performance of distributor partners across the UK and Ireland. Deliver key metrics including Gross Sales, Net Sales, Trade Investment ROI, and Market Share growth.
- Market Strategy & Planning Functional Head: Establish and lead a new function focused on long-term market strategy, commercial planning, and performance tracking. Build frameworks to support strategic decision-making across Sales, Marketing, and Finance.
- Drive Strategic Planning: Develop and execute integrated commercial strategies across pricing, distribution, and promotional planning. Ensure alignment with company objectives and market intelligence.
- Customer & Channel Development: Build and maintain senior-level relationships with partners and key accounts. Ensure customer plans reflect brand priorities and market dynamics.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Marketing, Category, Finance, and Supply Chain to deliver seamless execution of commercial plans. Lead internal forecasting and planning processes, ensuring alignment across functions.
- Commercial Communication: Represent the commercial strategy externally at Brand Days and key customer meetings. Support the creation of compelling narratives for brand and category growth.
- Team Leadership & Development: Coach and develop a high-performing team. Ensure robust development plans are in place and foster a culture of accountability and growth.
- Performance Evaluation & Optimisation: Monitor market activity, evaluate promotional effectiveness, and adjust strategies accordingly. Lead strategic revenue management and range optimisation initiatives.
What we're looking for in our Market Strategy & Planning Controller:
- Proven experience in Senior National Account Management or Market Strategy & Planning, ideally within FMCG and distributor-led models.
- 10+ years of commercial experience with major UK/Ireland suppliers or distributors.
- Strong understanding of customer planning tools, trade spend management, and promotional mechanics.
- Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams and influencing at senior levels.
- Proven people management experience and good coaching skills.
- Experience in building or leading strategic planning functions is highly desirable.
Behaviors you'll need:
- Strategic Thinking & Storytelling: Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable strategies and compelling commercial narratives.
- Leadership & Coaching: Strong people management skills with a track record of developing talent and driving team performance.
- Collaboration & Influence: Skilled at managing internal and external stakeholders, fostering alignment and shared goals.
- Resilience & Results Orientation: Tenacity to navigate complex negotiations and deliver against ambitious targets.
- Project & Change Management: Comfortable leading new initiatives and embedding new ways of working across teams.
What we can offer our Market Strategy & Planning Controller:
- Competitive pay & benefits incl sales bonus, car allowance etc
- Flexible starting and finishing times + 4.5 day working week
- Pension, Life cover & Health Insurance
- Shuttle bus service from local train stations, EV Charging points + Cycle to work scheme
- Free newly revamped onsite Gym with free classes
This role is not eligible for relocation. If you feel you have what it takes to become our Market Strategy & Planning Controller, then please click ‘apply’ now!
Market Strategy & Planning Controller employer: SC Johnson Ltd
Contact Detail:
SC Johnson Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Market Strategy & Planning Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with SC Johnson's brands and their market positioning. Understanding the nuances of their products like Raid® and Glade® will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their strategic goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of SC Johnson, especially those in sales or strategy roles. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with P&L management and cross-functional collaboration. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and influenced stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends within the FMCG sector, particularly around distributor-led models. Being able to speak knowledgeably about current market dynamics will demonstrate your strategic thinking capabilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Market Strategy & Planning Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in Senior National Account Management or Market Strategy & Planning, particularly within FMCG. Use specific examples that demonstrate your success in leading cross-functional teams and managing P&L responsibilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for SC Johnson's mission and values. Clearly outline how your strategic thinking and storytelling abilities can contribute to the company's goals, especially in establishing a new MS&P function.
Highlight Leadership Skills: Emphasise your people management experience and coaching skills. Provide examples of how you've developed talent and driven team performance in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Market Strategy & Planning Controller position.
Showcase Collaboration Experience: Demonstrate your ability to manage internal and external stakeholders effectively. Include instances where you have successfully fostered alignment and shared goals across different functions, as this will be key in the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at SC Johnson Ltd
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research SC Johnson's values and culture. They pride themselves on being a family company with a spirit of adventure. Show that you align with their mission and can contribute to their legacy.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
As a Market Strategy & Planning Controller, you'll need to showcase your ability to think strategically. Prepare examples of how you've successfully developed and executed commercial strategies in previous roles, particularly in FMCG or distributor-led environments.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
This role involves leading a team, so be ready to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share specific instances where you've coached and developed talent, and how you've fostered a high-performing team culture.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration Questions
Expect questions about your experience working with various departments like Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated across functions to achieve common goals and drive business success.