At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and scale the UK market for innovative hydration solutions.
- Company: Join waterdrop®, a vibrant company focused on sustainable hydration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, autonomy, international exposure, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diverse backgrounds and empowers personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of hydration while making a positive impact on the planet.
- Qualifications: Proven commercial leader with experience in B2B and brand building.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Drink More Water, together we grow. Here at waterdrop®, we make drinking more water fun, convenient and most importantly, sustainable! Discover the world of innovative and eco-friendly hydration solutions with our fruity little cubes – Microdrinks – that save up to 98% plastic compared to drinks in 500ml plastic bottles and help score one for the planet. Our centrally-located headquarters offers a vibrant environment, featuring an on-site restaurant and gym, not to mention the opportunity to connect with prospective colleagues from all over the world.
We are looking for a General Manager UK to build, scale, and lead the business with a strong focus on distribution growth, brand development, and omnichannel excellence. This role combines commercial leadership, brand building, and operational ownership, with full responsibility for the UK market.
Your responsibilities at waterdrop®:
- Market Ownership & Strategy
- Full ownership of the UK market across all channels — define and execute the growth strategy in alignment with global direction
- Build waterdrop® into a leading hydration brand and shape the UK market entry / expansion roadmap
- B2B & Commercial Growth
- Drive expansion across retail, wholesale & distribution and strategic partnerships (fitness, hospitality, corporate, sports)
- Lead major commercial negotiations and build long-term relationships with key partners and accounts
- Brand Building & Market Positioning
- Establish waterdrop® as a premium, lifestyle-driven hydration brand and translate the global brand into locally relevant execution
- Drive awareness through retail presence, activations, partnerships, community-led initiatives and full-on marketing campaigns (digital and offline)
- Team Leadership
- Build, lead and develop a high-performing UK team with a culture of ownership, speed and accountability
- Act as the central connector between UK and global teams
- P&L Ownership
- Full responsibility for UK financial performance — drive revenue growth, margin improvement and cost discipline
- Own budgeting, forecasting and business planning
- Stakeholder Management & Operational Excellence
- Work closely with global teams (brand, product, supply chain, finance) and act as the main interface between UK and HQ
- Ensure strong execution across all channels, oversee logistics and supply, and ensure compliance with UK regulatory requirements
Your strengths and qualifications:
- Strong commercial leader with proven experience in B2B / retail / distribution / digital, ideally in the UK CPG landscape
- Track record of building or scaling a brand in a competitive market and securing high-impact distribution partnerships
- Proven P&L ownership with the ability to drive sustainable, profitable growth
- Entrepreneurial mindset, execution-focused, comfortable in high-growth, fast-paced environments
- Strong leadership skills with experience building and developing high-performing teams
- Clear, structured communicator with strong stakeholder management across global and local teams
What we offer you:
- The chance to build something from the ground up in one of waterdrop®'s most important growth markets
- Full ownership of a key strategic market — shape and lead the UK business from day one
- Entrepreneurial environment with short decision paths, strong autonomy and real freedom to build
- International exposure working closely with global teams across brand, product and commercial
- Competitive package with performance-based components, reflecting the seniority of the role
We work in a changing world which offers great opportunities for people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We seek to attract and employ the best people from the widest talent pool because creating value through diversity is what makes us strong as a business and enables us to solve important problems and deliver added value. We encourage an inclusive culture where people can be themselves, are valued for their strengths and are empowered to be the best they can be.
Wanna Drop in? Send your application documents through our online application system. We are looking forward to reading from you soon!
General Manager - UK in London employer: waterdrop®
At waterdrop®, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters innovation and sustainability. As the General Manager for the UK, you will have the unique opportunity to shape our brand's presence in a key market while enjoying a competitive package and the autonomy to drive growth. Our centrally-located headquarters features an on-site restaurant and gym, promoting a healthy work-life balance and collaboration with a diverse team from around the globe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager - UK in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out on LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company inside out. Know their products, values, and recent news. When we walk into an interview, showing that we understand waterdrop® and its mission will definitely set us apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how our experiences align with the role of General Manager UK. Practising our answers can help us feel more confident and ready to impress.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping us top of mind. Plus, it shows that we’re genuinely interested in the position and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager - UK in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Hydration:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for innovative hydration solutions shine through. We want to see how you connect with our mission at waterdrop® and why you're excited about making drinking more water fun and sustainable!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in B2B, retail, or distribution. We’re looking for someone who can drive growth and build partnerships, so share specific examples of how you've done this in the past. It’s all about showing us you’ve got what it takes!
Be Clear and Structured:We appreciate clear communication, so keep your application well-organised and easy to read. Use headings, bullet points, and concise language to make your key achievements stand out. This will help us see your strengths at a glance!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our online system! It’s the best way for us to receive your documents and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you and see how you can contribute to our journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at waterdrop®
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the UK market landscape for hydration products. Understand the competition, current trends, and consumer preferences. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and show that you're ready to take ownership of the market.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you've built high-performing teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you've fostered a culture of accountability and speed, as this aligns with the company's values and expectations for the General Manager role.
✨Highlight Commercial Acumen
Since this role involves P&L ownership, come equipped with examples of how you've driven revenue growth and managed budgets effectively. Discuss any successful negotiations or partnerships you've secured, especially in B2B or retail settings, to showcase your commercial expertise.
✨Connect with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with waterdrop®'s mission and values, particularly their focus on sustainability and innovation. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to building a premium, lifestyle-driven hydration brand in the UK.
