Channel Director in Leeds

About the Job

We are supporting a fast-growing FMCG organisation in the appointment of a Channel Director – Grocery, a critical leadership role responsible for strengthening and expanding relationships with major national grocery retail partners. This individual will play a key role in driving commercial performance, shaping joint growth strategies, and ensuring flawless execution across high-value grocery accounts.

Role Overview.

The Channel Director will take full ownership of a portfolio of large national grocery customers, leading strategic planning and commercial delivery across these partnerships. The role will be responsible for building and executing joint business plans, driving revenue and margin improvement, and ensuring alignment with the wider commercial strategy. Additionally, the position will oversee an Account Manager, ensuring high standards of execution and customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Account Leadership

• Lead senior-level relationships with national grocery retail partners, acting as the primary point of contact.
• Develop and implement annual joint business plans to accelerate shared growth and category performance.
• Negotiate commercial terms, promotional programmes, and long-term agreements to maximise value and strengthen partnerships.

Commercial Growth

• Identify and capitalise on opportunities to broaden category presence and enhance sales performance within grocery partners.
• Collaborate cross-functionally across marketing, supply chain, and product teams to ensure cohesive grocery channel strategy execution.
• Track and analyse key performance indicators, delivering insights and recommendations to inform commercial decisions.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop an Account Manager to ensure strong day-to-day delivery and best-in-class customer service.
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team.

Operational & Financial Management

• Oversee accurate forecasting, budgeting, and demand planning across assigned grocery accounts.
• Ensure operational efficiency, promotional compliance, and seamless execution against retailer expectations.
• Evaluate market and competitor trends within the grocery channel to inform strategic direction and channel development.

Qualifications & Experience

• 8+ years' experience in national account management, channel management, or retail sales, ideally within FMCG or consumer goods.
• Proven success managing and growing major national grocery retail accounts.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building capabilities.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing high-performing commercial teams.
• Highly analytical, commercially astute, and confident presenting to senior stakeholders.
• Degree in Business, Marketing, or a related discipline preferred.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial judgement.
• Exceptional communicator and influencer across all levels.
• Hands-on, collaborative leader with a results-driven mindset.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

What the Organisation Offers

• Competitive salary and performance-linked incentives.
• Participation in an employee ownership profit-share scheme.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• The opportunity to shape the grocery retail strategy and influence national commercial growth.

Contact: Peterjackson@talentmagpie.com for more information.