At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Route to Market strategy and optimise sales operations for a leading beverage company.
- Company: Join Suntory, a dynamic and innovative global soft drinks leader.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment, career growth, and work-life balance.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced industry while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in sales operations or strategy roles within FMCG is essential.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Suntory is a fast moving, agile and entrepreneurial business that is home to some of the nations most loved brands. The Suntory Group is one of the largest soft drinks companies and among the world’s leading consumer products companies. We offer a uniquely diverse portfolio of beverages enjoyed by millions across the globe.
About your role: You will own and deliver the GB&I Route to Market roadmap, including the phased RTM workstreams, as part of how we run the business day to day. You turn RTM choices into a clear value case, phased plans and execution standards that Sales and Field teams can deliver, so we improve physical availability, coverage and efficiency across every channel and format. You provide the governance forum and Excom with clear visibility of progress, value and risk, and you help the business stay ahead of market and structural changes.
What You'll Do:
- RTM Roadmap Delivery: Own and deliver the GB&I RTM roadmap, including the phased RTM workstreams, as part of normal business rather than a standalone programme. Ensure the roadmap is aligned with the 3‑year plan, MTP and annual AOP. Translate RTM choices into channel‑specific plans that improve reach, coverage and profitability. Monitor structural shifts (channel, customer, competitor) and feed them into scenario planning. Provide regular progress, value and risk updates to the RTM governance forum and Excom, escalating cross‑functional blockers early.
- Value Case & Phasing: Build and maintain the RTM size of prize and phased delivery plan, reconciling external estimates with the value the roadmap can realistically deliver. Link value to investment requests, sign‑off deadlines and MTP/AOP brand plans, and make clear the impact on the roadmap when investment decisions are delayed.
- Coverage & Efficiency Optimisation: Lead the assessment and optimisation of direct, indirect and field coverage models to maximise efficiency and impact, using master data, competitor benchmarks and existing data to guide field investment choices. Identify opportunities to improve service levels, reduce duplication and enhance route efficiency. Act as the expert adviser on field structure and deployment: Sales and Field leadership own field changes, and People & Culture own organisation design.
- Go‑to‑Market Execution Link: Connect the RTM roadmap to in‑year GTM plans and Sales readiness. Create standardised commercial narratives and materials that communicate RTM priorities clearly. Maintain the “red thread” from strategy to execution across AOP, customer engagement and internal forums.
- Physical Availability & Execution Standards: Define the execution standards (Perfect Store, PICOS, must stock list and outlet segmentation) that drive distribution and rate of sale, for delivery by Sales and Field teams. Work with Channel Strategy & Planning, Field and Activation teams to embed these standards into daily routines and track compliance.
- Capability, Data & Ways of Working: Develop RTM tools, training materials and capability programmes to upskill Sales, Activation and Customer teams. Own RTM master data standards (outlet universe, segmentation, coverage) so that decisions are made from a single, trusted data set. Keep RTM frameworks practical, consistent and widely adopted across the business.
- Digital Transformation (RTM Enablers): Partner with IT to set RTM requirements for field systems (sales force automation, route planning, customer relationship management) and track delivery as a key roadmap dependency. Define interim solutions where full system capability is not yet available. Embed digital execution standards (digital shelf, image recognition, field apps) in collaboration with Data & Analytics and Activation.
- Vendor and Partner Management: Lead vendor selection, onboarding and performance tracking for RTM‑related partners (field agencies, digital providers, equipment suppliers). Manage RTM‑related service models and ensure value delivery.
- eB2B and D2C Platform Development: Where included in the RTM roadmap, support initiatives to expand and optimise eB2B or D2C platforms for specific customer groups. Monitor performance, identify gaps and implement improvements that enhance channel reach and ease of ordering.
What's in it for you: Joining Suntory isn’t just about taking on a role, it’s about embarking on a career journey. You have the opportunity to work with talented, inspiring and authentic leaders and have the freedom to dream big and go for it (Yatte Minahare). At Suntory you’ll find a supportive work environment that values work life balance and that will help you realise your full potential and grow for good. Our People and Culture team are a team that genuinely care about creating a great experience for our employees and we would love you to be part of it.
What You need to be successful:
- Experience in commercial, sales operations, RTM, field deployment, or strategy roles within FMCG.
- Strong understanding of channel structures and how products flow through different RTM models.
- Ability to interpret commercial and operational data to identify improvement opportunities.
- Experience building value cases, phasing plans and investment proposals for senior stakeholders.
- Excellent communication and cross ‑ functional collaboration skills.
- Ability to simplify complexity and translate strategy into practical execution.
- Strong organisational skills and comfort managing multiple priorities.
- Curious, proactive and focused on continuous improvement.
Our DEI Commitment: At Suntory, we recognize that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, or differing abilities, age, or any other protected characteristic. Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavor to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.
RTM Lead in London employer: Suntory Holdings Limited
Suntory Beverage & Food Europe is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where employees are encouraged to thrive and develop their skills. With a strong focus on collaboration across diverse international markets, the role of Global Marketing Procurement Senior Buyer offers unique opportunities for professional growth while contributing to meaningful sustainability initiatives. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that values innovation and responsibility, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in procurement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land RTM Lead 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 RTM Lead at Suntory Holdings Limited!
✨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 Suntory Holdings Limited or be willing to refer you for that RTM Lead 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 Suntory Holdings Limited who’s on the lookout for their next RTM Lead 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 RTM Lead role at Suntory Holdings Limited!
We think you need these skills to ace RTM Lead 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 Suntory Holdings Limited. 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 Suntory Holdings Limited
✨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 Suntory Holdings Limited. 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!
