Head of Channels, UK

Head of Channels, UK

Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
SODIAAL

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the growth strategy for Yoplait across Convenience, OOH, and Wholesale channels.
  • Company: Join a dynamic FMCG company focused on innovation and customer partnerships.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous leave, and comprehensive health insurance.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal growth and development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while driving growth and innovation.
  • Qualifications: Proven sales leadership experience in FMCG with strong negotiation skills.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

Lead the development and execution of a high-growth channel strategy across Convenience, Out of Home, and Wholesale. The role is accountable for delivering profitable revenue growth, expanding distribution, and building strong customer partnerships in these channels.

Key Responsibilities

  • Define and execute a clear channel strategy for Convenience, OOH, and Wholesale aligned to overall business objectives.
  • Identify and unlock growth opportunities across sub-channels (e.g. symbols, independents, foodservice, travel, contract catering).
  • Lead entry and expansion into new routes to market and new customers to close “white space”.
  • Foster senior relationships with key customers (e.g. Bestway, major convenience groups, OOH distributors).
  • Lead Joint Business Plans with top customers to unlock mutual growth.
  • Deliver Net Sales, Volume, and Profit targets across all channels.
  • Negotiate trading terms, pricing, and promotional plans aligned to strategy.
  • Ensure execution excellence and OSA (on shelf availability) across fragmented customer and channel landscape.
  • Drive improvements in distribution, availability, and visibility.
  • Shape channel-specific propositions (e.g. pack formats, price points, exclusives) in partnership with RGM, Category & Marketing teams.
  • Drive innovation tailored to channel needs.
  • Own full P&L for channels, including revenue, margin, and investment.
  • Manage trade spend and ensure ROI-driven investment decisions.
  • Track and report performance vs KPIs and implement corrective actions.
  • Partner with Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Category & RGM teams to ensure alignment on forecasting, supply, and demand planning.
  • Champion the voice of these channels within the organisation.
  • Lead and develop a high-performing sales team.
  • Build capability in negotiation, channel strategy, and execution excellence.
  • Foster a culture of ownership, agility, and external focus.

Position Criteria

  • Proven senior sales leadership experience within FMCG.
  • Strong understanding and experience of UK retail trade.
  • Strong track record in Convenience, Wholesale and OOH channels.
  • Experience managing fragmented routes to market and distributor networks.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills.
  • Strong commercial acumen with P&L ownership.
  • Ability to operate both strategically and operationally.
  • Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
  • Understanding of category management process and how to leverage to generate wins.
  • Degree calibre.

Leadership Profile

  • Externally focused – deeply understands customers, shoppers, and channels.
  • Growth mindset – constantly seeks new opportunities.
  • Execution obsessed – turns strategy into reality.
  • Resilient and agile – thrives in fast-moving, complex environments.
  • Collaborative leader – brings teams together to deliver results.

Family-Friendly Policies

  • ‘FlexFriday’ (possibility to finish at 3pm and no-meeting Fridays).
  • Join our culture Pillar: CSR, personal growth, well-being…there is something for you!
  • Collaborative and new workspace with monthly building events.
  • Generous matching pension scheme (L&G).
  • Company paid Dental Insurance (BUPA).
  • Company paid Private Medical Insurance for you and your family (AXA).
  • Life Assurance.
  • 25 days of annual leave + 8 BH Service Scheme (1 additional day off per year from Year 2 until reaching 30 days).
  • Buying/ Selling/ Carry over scheme.

Type of employment contract: Permanent Employment Contract.

Head of Channels, UK employer: SODIAAL

As the Head of Channels at Yoplait, you will be part of a dynamic and innovative team that prioritises growth and collaboration in the fast-paced FMCG sector. Our family-friendly policies, including FlexFriday and generous leave options, foster a supportive work culture that values personal well-being and professional development. With a strong focus on employee growth opportunities and a commitment to corporate social responsibility, Yoplait offers a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the Convenience, Out of Home, and Wholesale channels.
SODIAAL

Contact Detail:

SODIAAL Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Channels, UK

Tip Number 1

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 contacts. You never know who might help you land that dream job!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products, especially in the Convenience, OOH, and Wholesale channels. This will not only impress your interviewers but also help you tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their growth strategy.

Tip Number 3

Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven growth or built strong customer partnerships in the past. This will showcase your experience and align perfectly with what they’re looking for in a Head of Channels.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. So, go ahead and submit your application today!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Channels, UK

Channel Strategy Development
Sales Leadership
Customer Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
P&L Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Market Expansion
Performance Tracking
Team Development
Commercial Acumen
Understanding of UK Retail Trade
Execution Excellence
Agility in Fast-Moving Environments
Category Management Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in FMCG and the specific channels mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your skills align with our growth ambitions for Yoplait!

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've driven revenue growth or improved distribution in previous roles. We love a good success story!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role – we want to understand your story easily!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Let’s get started on this journey together!

How to prepare for a job interview at SODIAAL

Know Your Channels

Before the interview, dive deep into the Convenience, Out of Home, and Wholesale channels. Understand the current trends, key players, and challenges in these areas. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to lead the channel strategy.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your experience in developing high-performing sales teams and how you've fostered a culture of ownership and agility. Be ready to discuss specific outcomes from your leadership that align with the role's requirements.

Master the Art of Negotiation

Since negotiation is key for this role, think of instances where you've successfully negotiated trading terms or promotional plans. Be prepared to discuss your approach and the results achieved. This will showcase your commercial acumen and ability to drive profitable revenue growth.

Align with Company Values

Familiarise yourself with the company's culture and values, especially around collaboration and CSR. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their family-friendly policies and team spirit. This will help you stand out as a candidate who fits well within their culture.

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