Junior Commercial Manager

THIS™ is a high-growth, VC-backed emerging leader in producing plant-based food, specializing in meat alternatives. Our products are at the leading edge of the plant‑based sector in terms of taste, texture and appearance. Since our launch in June 2019, the company has experienced significant growth in revenue. In 2023, THIS™ topped The Grocer and Alantra’s annual Fast 50 list, ranking the country’s fastest‑growing food and drink companies on two‑year sales growth. We have strong aspirations to continue this growth trajectory as we aim to be the number 1 plant‑based brand in the UK and beyond.

With lots to do and endless opportunities to go after, you will fully immerse yourself into the world of Out‑of‑Home (OOH), managing a selection of wholesalers and end users across pubs, restaurants, travel, leisure and QSR. You will have total ownership of your account strategies and will work with the OOH Controller to raise THIS’ profile in a highly competitive market. This role will also focus on bringing in new business, whether that’s a new contract caterer, pub group or restaurant chain.

What will you be getting up to?

• Own & grow core wholesalers by driving free trade business and unlocking large end users across multiple sectors (B&I, leisure, healthcare, education, restaurants, pubs & hotels).
• Own & deliver new business strategy, working with the OOH controller to identify areas for growth.
• Regular sales forecasting, tracking & reporting.
• Grow distribution of core SKUs and land NPD in‑line with company launches and marketing moments.
• Build and negotiate new business proposals, and renegotiate existing ones.
• Develop and execute exceptional customer JBPs that deliver against company targets, goals, and objectives.
• Partner with the Category team to generate insights and unlock growth opportunities across OOH using Category data.
• Leverage wholesaler sales‑out data to pinpoint and prioritise opportunities to accelerate growth for THIS.
• Visit customers and prospects to establish and build long‑lasting relationships.
• Support at tradeshows and fully manage customer trade events, collaborating with the Marketing team.

What are we looking for?

• Someone with a minimum of 18‑months FMCG OOH experience and/or FMCG grocery experience.
• The ability to pick up accounts and hit the ground running; we need someone with a passion and drive for OOH.
• Someone with the ability to ‘move the dial’ with customers and who is comfortable speaking to buyers and chefs.
• A willingness to meet customers face‑to‑face.
• Experience in a field sales role is a massive benefit.
• Someone who has a massive passion for food.
• This person will need the ultimate can‑do attitude.
• Positive attitude, proactivity and a tenacious character.
• Ability and interest to work cross‑functionally.
• Honesty & integrity.
• A sense of humour is necessary.
• Team player.

Alignment with our company values:

• Be Kind: We support and include each other, we’re honest and give feedback, we’re considerate and act with love and trust.
• Be Brave: We’re adaptable and embrace change, we’re resilient and have a growth mindset.
• Be Focused: We always drive towards our mission and vision, we make sustainable long‑term decisions.
• Be Passionate: We’re ambassadors of our company and products, we’re purpose‑led, and we’re aware of our impact on the outside world.

From our side:

• A competitive salary that fairly recognises your experience and potential.
• 25 days paid Holiday Allowance, plus the 8 bank holidays, plus 1 paid Well‑being Day a month.
• Hybrid working – 3 days in the office.
• Flexible working hours.
• Private healthcare including mental health support.
• Life assurance.
• Access to our Freebie Freezer.

The chance to have a meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of all our team members.