At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead St Michel's growth in the UK & Ireland, driving strategy and team performance.
- Company: Join a fast-growing French family business known for quality gourmet products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Based in London with occasional travel to France; French language skills are a plus.
- Why this job: Be part of a brand voted France's favourite and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in business with strong retail market knowledge and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
A key player in the French biscuits, cakes and ready to fill sectors, St Michel is a fast-growing French independent family business. Our 8 factories are located in France and our products are sold internationally, in over 100 countries. St Michel handles the production and marketing of the Bonne Maman brand’s ranges of cakes. Besides, St Michel was voted France's favourite brand, all categories! Our trademark? We invent and manufacture gourmet products, paying particular attention to the quality of the ingredients and their origins, as well as taking into account the producers, animal welfare and the environment. Our CSR approach “Le Goût de la Transmission” is at the heart of everything we do. At St Michel, we are driven by a single goal: be the world leader of French-style cakes.
As part of its international expansion, St Michel is creating a position of Country Manager for its subsidiary in the United Kingdom. Reporting to the Director of International Development, the Country Manager UK & Ireland develops St Michel's business across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, with responsibility for commercial growth, profitability, marketing investments and team performance. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on commercial expertise and financial accountability. You will oversee business development across different channels, including Retail and Private Labels.
Your main responsibilities:
- Business Strategy & Development
- Define and execute the UK & Ireland strategy, aligned with St Michel's international ambitions.
- Develop annual business plans and identify opportunities across branded and private label activities.
- Ensure effective execution of commercial and marketing plans in coordination with internal departments.
- Negotiation
- Lead major and complex negotiations with key retailers, distributors and strategic partners.
- Build and maintain relationships with senior customer decision-makers.
- Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts and financial performance reviews.
- Identify performance gaps and implement corrective actions to achieve financial objectives.
- Management
- Lead, motivate and develop the UK & Ireland team, setting clear objectives and responsibilities.
The position is based in London (office in Camden). Travelling within the UK & Ireland and occasionally to our Headquarters in France is to be expected.
You have a higher education qualification in business, with a minimum of 15 years’ significant experience. A very good knowledge of the UK & Ireland Retail market is essential. International experience and exposure to strategic account management within the Food industry, ideally Food manufacturing, are highly desired. You are recognised for your excellent organisational, negotiation and relationship-building skills, your entrepreneurial mindset, agility and ability to identify growth opportunities. You have strong analytical skills and ability to translate data into business decisions (advanced Excel level). Speaking French would be a plus, given the close interaction with the Group's French headquarters.
Country manager uk & ireland (m/f) (H/F) in London employer: St Michel
St Michel is a fast-growing French family business known for its commitment to quality ingredients and gourmet products. The company fosters a strong CSR approach, focusing on sustainability and animal welfare, making it an attractive employer for those who value ethical practices. With opportunities for strategic leadership and international collaboration, employees can expect a dynamic work environment that encourages professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Country manager uk & ireland (m/f) (H/F) in London
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Country manager uk & ireland (m/f) (H/F) at St Michel!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like St Michel or be willing to refer you for that Country manager uk & ireland (m/f) (H/F) position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from St Michel who’s on the lookout for their next Country manager uk & ireland (m/f) (H/F) star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Country manager uk & ireland (m/f) (H/F) role at St Michel!
We think you need these skills to ace Country manager uk & ireland (m/f) (H/F) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at St Michel. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Michel
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at St Michel. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
