At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and drive profitable growth in a premium food business.
- Company: Established premium food company known for quality and strong customer relationships.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a high-performance culture focused on collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing business and make a real impact in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in commercial leadership within food or FMCG sectors.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Our client is a well-established premium food business with a reputation for quality, provenance and long-standing customer relationships. Supplying both retail and foodservice customers across branded and Own Label ranges, the business has built a strong position within specialist and premium food categories. With ambitious growth plans and a loyal customer base, the business is seeking an experienced Head of Commercial to lead its commercial function, drive profitable growth and shape the future direction of the organisation.
Overview of the Role
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Head of Commercial will have overall responsibility for the commercial performance of the business across Key Accounts and a particular emphasis on the Independent Sales channels. This is a broad leadership role encompassing sales strategy, pricing, margin management, customer development and team leadership. The successful candidate will act as the link between the senior leadership team and the commercial organisation, ensuring clear direction, accountability and delivery against ambitious growth targets. The role would suit an experienced FMCG or food industry commercial leader who combines strategic thinking with a hands-on approach and has a proven track record of delivering profitable growth across multiple channels.
Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver the overall commercial strategy aligned to business objectives.
- Drive sustainable sales and profit growth across both Key Account and Independent Sales channels.
- Identify new opportunities for growth across customers, channels and product categories.
- Ensure resources are aligned to maximise commercial return and long-term profitability.
- Act as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to wider business strategy.
- Lead all sales activity across Key Accounts and Independent Sales.
- Set clear objectives, KPIs and performance expectations across the commercial team.
- Monitor performance against targets and implement corrective actions where required.
- Support the team on major customer opportunities, negotiations and strategic initiatives.
- Develop robust account plans that deliver sustainable growth and customer value.
Commercial Performance & Reporting
- Own delivery of revenue, profit and margin targets.
- Provide regular performance reporting and commercial insight to the Managing Director.
- Develop clear visibility of risks, opportunities and future performance drivers.
- Ensure robust forecasting and planning processes are embedded across the team.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, coach and develop the commercial team.
- Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Establish clear roles, responsibilities and performance expectations.
- Foster strong cross-functional relationships across Sales, Marketing, Finance, Operations and Supply Chain.
Requirements
- Significant commercial leadership experience within food, premium food or FMCG.
- Proven track record of delivering sales growth and margin improvement.
- Experience leading both Key Account and field-based sales teams.
- Strong understanding of retail, wholesale and/or foodservice channels.
- Demonstrable experience managing pricing strategy and commercial investment.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen with experience managing P&L performance.
- Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience operating within a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment advantageous.
Channel Controller in Royal Tunbridge Wells employer: Vertical Advantage
As a leading premium food business, our client offers an exceptional work environment that prioritises quality and innovation. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that fosters professional growth and development, alongside competitive remuneration and performance-based incentives. With ambitious growth plans and a commitment to sustainability, this role provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of the organisation while working with a passionate team dedicated to excellence in the food industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Channel Controller in Royal Tunbridge Wells
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Vertical Advantage.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Vertical Advantage!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Vertical Advantage, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
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If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Vertical Advantage, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Channel Controller in Royal Tunbridge Wells
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Vertical Advantage, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Vertical Advantage.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Vertical Advantage. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Vertical Advantage. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Advantage
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Vertical Advantage’s mission.
