Head of Sales - FMCG (Food and Beverages) in England

Head of Sales - FMCG (Food and Beverages) in England

England Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and scale our Food & Beverage sales across major UK retailers.
  • Company: Dynamic FMCG company with strong growth ambitions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, and high autonomy.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of our Food & Beverage portfolio in a fast-paced environment.
  • Qualifications: 8-12+ years in FMCG with strong retail relationships.
  • Other info: Opportunity to influence strategy and drive sustainable growth.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We are seeking a driven, commercially focused Head of Sales with deep experience in the UK FMCG Food & Beverage market, including established relationships with UK supermarket chains and convenience retail groups.

This role is responsible for scaling our food and beverage portfolio across major national and regional retailers, wholesalers, cash & carry groups, and FMCG distributors. The focus is on driving distribution, visibility, profitability, and sustainable growth across all channels.

The ideal candidate brings strong FMCG Food & Beverage leadership experience, a proven ability to influence senior buying teams, and the commercial acumen to lead negotiations, strategy, and execution at a national level.

Key Responsibilities
  • Own and deliver the UK sales strategy for the Food & Beverage portfolio
  • Drive national distribution and revenue growth across grocery, convenience, wholesale, and foodservice
  • Lead and grow relationships with major supermarket buyers, category managers, and senior retail stakeholders
  • Identify, pitch, and secure new business opportunities with national and regional retail partners
  • Negotiate and manage pricing, promotions, JBPs, listings, margins, and trade spend
  • Ensure strong product availability, shelf presence, planogram compliance, and in-store execution
  • Oversee forecasting, demand planning, and stock flow in collaboration with supply chain teams
  • Analyse sales performance, category trends, competitor activity, and shopper insights
  • Work closely with Marketing and Trade Marketing teams to deliver impactful in-store activations and product launches
  • Lead, mentor, and develop the national sales and account management team
Experience, Skills & Background
  • 8–12+ years’ experience in FMCG, with a strong focus on Food & Beverages
  • Proven relationships with UK supermarket buyers or category managers (e.g. Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, Co-op, Iceland, etc.)
  • Strong understanding of UK FMCG retail structures, buying cycles, and promotional mechanics
  • Demonstrated success in opening new retail accounts and scaling distribution in competitive food categories
  • Experience managing national accounts, distributors, and wholesale partners
  • Commercially astute with strong analytical capability and P&L ownership
  • Confident leader with the ability to influence at board, buyer, and store level
Highly Desirable
  • Experience across branded and/or private label food & beverage products
  • Exposure to chilled, frozen, or ambient food categories
  • Background in scaling FMCG brands or fast-growth businesses
What’s On Offer
  • Competitive senior-level salary + performance-based bonus
  • High level of autonomy and strategic influence
  • Opportunity to lead and shape the UK Food & Beverage sales function
  • Entrepreneurial FMCG environment with strong growth ambitions

Head of Sales - FMCG (Food and Beverages) in England employer: UNIQUE WHOLESALE & DISTRIBUTION LIMITED

As a leading player in the FMCG Food & Beverage sector, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and entrepreneurial work culture. Our team enjoys competitive salaries, performance-based bonuses, and the autonomy to shape strategies that drive growth across major UK retailers. With a strong focus on employee development and meaningful contributions to the industry, we offer unparalleled opportunities for career advancement in a vibrant market.
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Contact Detail:

UNIQUE WHOLESALE & DISTRIBUTION LIMITED Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Sales - FMCG (Food and Beverages) in England

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the FMCG Food & Beverage scene. Attend industry events, trade shows, or even local meet-ups. Building relationships with key players can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!

✨Showcase Your Expertise

When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your insights on market trends, distribution strategies, and your past successes. This is your moment to shine and show them why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Sales role.

✨Leverage Social Media

Use platforms like LinkedIn to your advantage. Share relevant content, engage with industry discussions, and connect with decision-makers in the FMCG sector. It’s a great way to position yourself as a thought leader and catch the eye of recruiters.

✨Apply Through Our Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and making an impact in the Food & Beverage market.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales - FMCG (Food and Beverages) in England

FMCG Sales Strategy
Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Commercial Acumen
Analytical Capability
P&L Ownership
Market Analysis
Category Management
Distribution Management
Retail Account Management
Team Leadership
Influencing Skills
Demand Planning
In-Store Execution

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Sales role. Highlight your experience in FMCG, especially in Food & Beverages, and showcase those established relationships with UK supermarket chains. We want to see how you can drive distribution and revenue growth!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Talk about your leadership experience and how you've influenced senior buying teams in the past. Remember, we love a good story!

Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you've successfully opened new retail accounts or scaled distribution. We’re all about results here at StudySmarter!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at UNIQUE WHOLESALE & DISTRIBUTION LIMITED

✨Know Your Market Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into the UK FMCG Food & Beverage market. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and the competitive landscape. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can drive distribution and revenue growth effectively.

✨Showcase Your Relationships

Since established relationships with UK supermarket chains are crucial, be ready to discuss your connections with buyers and category managers. Prepare specific examples of how these relationships have led to successful negotiations or business opportunities in the past.

✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen

Highlight your experience with P&L ownership and your analytical skills. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data to influence decisions, manage pricing strategies, and drive profitability. This will show that you have the commercial mindset needed for the role.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical challenges related to sales strategy or account management. Think about past experiences where you successfully navigated similar situations and be ready to share those stories, focusing on your thought process and outcomes.

Head of Sales - FMCG (Food and Beverages) in England
UNIQUE WHOLESALE & DISTRIBUTION LIMITED
Location: England
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