At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and customer partnerships for major UK retailers.
- Company: Join Suntory, a leading global soft drinks company with beloved brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment, career growth, and work-life balance.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to employee growth and success.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced FMCG environment with strategic leadership.
- Qualifications: Degree and significant FMCG commercial leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € 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.
The purpose of this position is to lead the commercial strategy and customer partnerships across Discounters, Modern Retail, High Street and Travel channels, delivering sustainable profitable growth with strategically important customers including Aldi, Lidl, Greggs and WHSmith. This is a high-impact leadership role at the centre of Suntory’s UK growth agenda, responsible for leading complex customer negotiations, shaping channel strategy and driving execution excellence across some of the UK’s most fast-paced and competitive FMCG retail environments.
What You'll Do
- Strategic ownership of Modern Retail, Discounters, and High Street channels.
- Lead customer strategy across key strategic accounts.
- Deliver sustainable growth within highly competitive, margin-sensitive retail environments.
- Build differentiated category and promotional strategies tailored to discounter operating models.
- Own the customer P&L including volume, net sales, gross profit, and trade spend ROI.
- Develop and maintain senior-level strategic relationships across customer networks.
- Lead negotiation and execution of Joint Business Plans with key customers.
- Inspire and develop a high-performing customer team through coaching, stretch leadership and clear accountability.
- Influence cross-functionally with Marketing, Trade Marketing, RGM, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure aligned execution across price, promotion and PPA.
- Drive customer execution plans that maximize brand impact and competitive advantage.
- Build succession capability and strengthen commercial talent across the function.
- Lead with pace, resilience and strategic clarity within a fast-moving FMCG environment.
- Managing complex multi-channel customer relationships with diverse stakeholder needs.
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
- Degree or equivalent experience.
- Significant experience FMCG commercial leadership experience within UK grocery or discounter channels.
- Strong commercial acumen and financial management skills.
- Understanding of Revenue Growth Management principles.
- Proven success managing complex retail customer.
- Advanced interpersonal and negotiation skills.
- Proficiency in Excel and data analysis.
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, 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.
Key Account Controller in Uxbridge employer: Suntory Holdings Limited
Suntory is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of growth and inclusivity, offering employees the chance to thrive in a dynamic FMCG environment. With a commitment to work-life balance and professional development, you will be supported by inspiring leaders and a dedicated People and Culture team, ensuring your career journey is both meaningful and rewarding. Join us in shaping the future of some of the UK's most beloved brands while enjoying the unique advantages of working within a fast-paced, entrepreneurial atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Key Account Controller in Uxbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at Suntory or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its key accounts. Understand their products and market strategies, so you can show off your knowledge and passion during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves complex customer negotiations, being able to demonstrate your approach to handling tough discussions will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Suntory team.
We think you need these skills to ace Key Account Controller in Uxbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Key Account Controller role. Highlight your FMCG experience and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your skills match what we're looking for. Be authentic and let your personality come through – we love that!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen and negotiation skills. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve driven growth or improved margins, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suntory Holdings Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Key Account Controller, you'll need to demonstrate strong financial management skills. Brush up on your understanding of P&L statements, trade spend ROI, and revenue growth management principles. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these aspects in previous roles.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Negotiation is key in this role, so prepare by reviewing successful strategies you've used in the past. Think about specific examples where you led complex negotiations with major retailers. Highlight your advanced interpersonal skills and how they helped you achieve win-win outcomes.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with Suntory's competitors and the FMCG landscape, especially within the discounter and modern retail channels. Be prepared to discuss how you would build differentiated category and promotional strategies tailored to these operating models.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires inspiring and developing a high-performing team. Reflect on your leadership experiences and be ready to share how you've coached teams to success. Discuss your approach to accountability and how you foster a supportive environment that encourages growth.
