Career Opportunities: Retail Sales Controller (4388)
Requisition ID4388-Posted05/11/2026- Region (1) - Job Category (2) -Permanent-Full Time- Company (1)
The Retail Sales Controller is responsible for delivering sustainable sales, profit and market share growth across a portfolio of national retail customers. Working closely with the Commercial General Manager, the role develops and executes customer strategies, leads commercial negotiations, and builds strong cross-functional relationships to maximise business performance. The role includes leadership and development of one direct report and active participation in wider commercial and business improvement initiatives.
Key Accountabilities
- Identify opportunities to increase sales, distribution and profitability in partner customers
- Lead Joint Business Planning (JBP) processes with strategic retail customers.
- Build collaborative relationships with customer buying, category, supply chain and technical teams.
- Deliver strategic plans that create mutual value for both customers and the business
- Own full customer P&L performance including revenue, margin, investment, rebates and profitability.
- Lead annual commercial negotiations and pricing initiatives.
- Develop robust account forecasts and manage risks and opportunities throughout the trading year.
- Recommend and implement pricing strategies that offset inflation and protect margin.
- Evaluate promotional effectiveness and return on investment.
- Ensure business decisions are supported by sound commercial analysis and market insight.
Category Competency
- Utilise market, shopper and category data to identify growth opportunities.
- Translate consumer, retailer and category trends into actionable customer plans.
- Work alongside NPD team to create compelling customer propositions.
- Monitor competitor activity and provide recommendations to strengthen market position.
Forecasting and Business Planning
- Produce accurate volume, revenue and margin forecasts. Identify corrective actions to address gaps.
- Lead customer budgeting and annual planning processes.
- Manage demand planning inputs to support excellent service performance.
- Deliver monthly business reviews and performance updates.
The Right Person
- Minimum 5 years' experience managing major UK grocery retail accounts.
- Proven track record of delivering sales and profit growth.
- Strong commercial negotiation experience.
- Excellent numerical and analytical capability.
- Experience managing customer P&Ls and promo investment.
- Advanced Excel and commercial reporting skills.
- Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience leading cross-functional projects.
- Previous line management experience.
- Experience using Circana (IRI), Nielsen, Kantar or equivalent market data sources.
Critical Behaviours
- Customer obsessed and externally focused.
- Strong commercial acumen and financial ownership.
- Challenges constructively and drives continuous improvement.
- Builds credibility through delivery and integrity.
- Makes decisions using data and insight.
- Demonstrates resilience and adaptability.
- Leads change positively.
- Takes ownership and accountability for outcomes.
- Encourages collaboration across functions.
- Champions safety, quality and compliance at all times.
Retail Sales Controller in Bradford employer: Speedibake
Speedibake, a division of Associated British Foods, is an excellent employer that prioritises quality and safety in its operations. Located in Bradford, the company fosters a collaborative work culture where employees are encouraged to grow through continuous improvement initiatives and hands-on experience in quality management. With a commitment to professional development and a supportive environment, Speedibake offers a rewarding career path for those passionate about quality assurance.
