Business Unit Lead – Consumer Packaged Goods
Walker Cole International is partnering with a leading CPG manufacturer to appoint a Business Unit Lead. This role sits at the intersection of strategy, execution, and delivery, with a strong emphasis on project leadership, cross- functional orchestration, and portfolio management in a fast‑moving CPG environment.
The Role
As Business Unit Lead, you will own the end‑to‑end agenda across strategy, delivery, and commercial performance. You will be accountable for translating long‑term vision into clear priorities, executable plans, and disciplined delivery across a complex, multi‑brand portfolio.
Success in this role relies on exceptional project management capability, aligning multiple stakeholders, managing timelines and dependencies, and ensuring initiatives land on time, on budget, and to impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the business unit strategy and delivery roadmap, ensuring clear prioritisation and flawless execution
- Own portfolio performance across revenue, margin, market share, and brand health
- Drive cross‑functional project leadership, coordinating Marketing, Sales, Supply Chain, Finance, Digital and Global teams
- Embed strong governance, milestones, KPIs, and decision frameworks
- Identify growth opportunities and translate them into well‑structured, deliverable initiatives
- Build clarity, pace, and accountability across teams and agency partners
Experience Required
- 10–15+ years’ experience in Consumer Packaged Goods/FMCG
- Proven Business Unit or portfolio leadership experience
- Strong project, programme, and stakeholder management capability
- Track record of delivering complex initiatives across matrix organisations
- Commercially minded, detail‑driven, and highly organised
- Confident influencing senior stakeholders and global teams
Business Unit Lead in Basingstoke employer: Walker Cole International
Walker Cole International is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration within the fast-paced Consumer Packaged Goods sector. Employees benefit from a strong emphasis on professional growth, with opportunities to lead cross-functional teams and drive impactful initiatives, all while being supported by a culture that values strategic thinking and execution excellence. Located in a vibrant area, the company provides a unique advantage for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in a thriving industry.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Business Unit Lead. Highlight your experience in project management and cross-functional leadership, as these are key for us in the fast-moving CPG environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your background aligns with our needs, especially in terms of strategy execution and portfolio management. Show us your passion for the CPG sector!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive performance and manage complex initiatives. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Walker Cole International
✨Know Your CPG Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. Understand current trends, key players, and challenges. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the company's strategy and execution.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare specific examples of your project management experience. Highlight instances where you've successfully led cross-functional teams, managed timelines, and delivered on budget. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Align with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with the company's long-term vision and values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can translate that vision into actionable plans. This shows you're not just a fit for the role but also for the company culture.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street. Prepare insightful questions about their portfolio management strategies, growth opportunities, and how they measure success. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
