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, competitive pay, health insurance, and a free gym.
- 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 is not eligible for relocation.
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:
Experience you’ll bring:
- 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.
Behaviours 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.
Contact Detail:
SCJ EurAfne 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 brand portfolio and their market strategies. Understanding their iconic brands like Raid and Glade will help you align your experience with their 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 for the Market Strategy & Planning Controller position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading cross-functional teams and how you've influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles. This is crucial for demonstrating your fit for the leadership aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your strategic thinking skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully developed and executed commercial strategies in the past. Be ready to explain how these experiences can benefit SC Johnson.
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. Use specific examples that demonstrate your success in leading cross-functional teams and influencing at senior levels.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, showcase your strategic thinking and storytelling abilities. Explain how your background aligns with SC Johnson's values and the key responsibilities of the Market Strategy & Planning Controller role.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise skills such as leadership, coaching, and project management in your application. Provide concrete examples of how you've developed talent and driven team performance in previous roles.
Showcase Your Understanding of the Industry: Demonstrate your knowledge of FMCG and distributor-led models in your application. Discuss any experience you have with customer planning tools, trade spend management, and promotional mechanics to show you're well-versed in the industry.
How to prepare for a job interview at SCJ EurAfne 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.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Given the role's focus on market strategy and planning, be ready to discuss your experience in developing commercial strategies. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams and influenced stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Market Strategy & Planning Controller, you'll need strong leadership abilities. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've coached and developed team members, highlighting your approach to fostering a high-performance culture.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
The role requires translating complex data into actionable strategies. Bring examples of how you've used data analysis to drive decisions in past positions, particularly in relation to P&L management and market performance.