At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the UK growth strategy and build strong relationships with major retailers.
- Company: Pioneering international business in the fresh produce sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape the future of a high-growth business.
- Why this job: Join at a pivotal stage and make a real impact on UK expansion.
- Qualifications: 5-8 years in FMCG account management with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Do you have experience selling within fresh produce, chilled food, or the agricultural category? Have you successfully won new business securing retail listings and grown national accounts? Are you looking for that next step within your career in a high-growth business investing in the UK market? Then I want to hear from you.
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a pioneering international business operating within the fresh produce category. Backed by significant investment and entering a critical phase of expansion, the business is seeking a commercially driven Country Manager to lead and accelerate its UK growth strategy.
Having successfully established a strong presence within its home market, the company is now investing heavily in the UK and is building the foundations for long-term growth. This role offers the chance to join at a pivotal stage of the journey, combining the agility and pace of a scale-up environment with ambitious plans for international expansion.
The Opportunity
As Country Manager, you will be responsible for leading the UK commercial agenda and acting as the primary representative of the business within the market. You will work closely with international leadership teams to execute growth plans, strengthen existing customer relationships and identify new routes to market, both retail and OOH.
The role combines strategic planning with hands-on commercial execution and requires someone who is comfortable operating within a growing organisation where influence, adaptability and entrepreneurial thinking are essential. You will inherit established customer relationships while also being tasked with expanding the customer base and identifying new commercial opportunities across multiple channels.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute the UK commercial strategy in line with wider business objectives.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with major UK retailers and key decision-makers.
- Identify and secure new business opportunities across retail, foodservice, wholesale and out-of-home channels.
- Lead commercial negotiations and customer discussions at national level.
- Deliver sustainable revenue growth and market penetration.
- Work collaboratively with international colleagues to ensure successful market development and operational alignment.
- Manage and develop existing commercial team members while supporting future recruitment and growth plans.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity and customer insights to inform strategic decision-making.
- Act as the key point of contact between UK operations and international leadership.
- Support the successful rollout of new initiatives, partnerships and product launches.
- Contribute to long-term planning as the business continues to expand its footprint within the UK.
About You:
We are interested in speaking with commercially focused individuals who have built their careers within FMCG, fresh food, produce or related consumer goods sectors. You may currently be operating as a:
- Senior National Account Manager
- Head of Sales
- Head of Retail
- Commercial Controller
- Business Development Lead
- Business Unit Manager
Most importantly, you will have the ambition and capability to take ownership of a market and play a significant role in the future growth of the business.
Essential Experience:
- 5-8 years of experience within account management in FMCG.
- Proven success managing national retail accounts within FMCG or fresh food.
- Strong understanding of the UK grocery retail landscape.
- Experience working with major retailers such as Tesco, Waitrose, M&S, Sainsbury's, Morrisons.
- Demonstrable track record of delivering revenue growth and developing customer partnerships.
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
- Experience developing business opportunities beyond existing customer bases.
- Ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Desired Experience:
- Fresh produce, chilled food or wider fresh category experience.
- Exposure to foodservice, hospitality, wholesale or out-of-home channels.
- Previous experience within a high-growth, scale-up or entrepreneurial business.
- Experience working across international markets or within matrix organisations.
- People management experience.
If you are looking for an opportunity to take ownership of a market, build meaningful customer relationships and play a key role in an ambitious international growth story, we would welcome a confidential conversation.
To apply directly, please send a copy of your CV to , or alternatively, please apply via the link below.
Please note Signature Career Management is acting as an employment agency.
Country Manager UK in England employer: Signature Career Management
Join a pioneering international business in the fresh produce sector that is committed to investing in the UK market and fostering a dynamic work culture. As a Country Manager, you will benefit from significant growth opportunities, a collaborative environment, and the chance to shape the future of the company while building strong relationships with major retailers. This role not only offers competitive remuneration but also the excitement of being part of a scale-up journey with ambitious international expansion plans.
Contact Details:
Signature Career Management Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Country Manager UK in England
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Country Manager UK in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Signature Career Management does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Signature Career Management
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Signature Career Management will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Signature Career Management.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Signature Career Management.
