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- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy for challenger brands and manage retailer relationships.
- Company: YF, a dynamic company helping food and drink brands thrive in retail.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and high ownership in a small team.
- Other info: Work closely with senior leadership and enjoy flexibility in your role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing brand growth and retail strategies.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial experience in UK grocery and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
YF helps challenger food and drink brands land and grow in retail. We sit between founders with ambition and retailers with shelves - and we make the commercial side of that relationship actually work. That means getting brands listed, keeping them there, and helping them scale profitably. We do this through retained account management, commercial projects, and outsourced buying support for retailers.
This is not a typical National Account Manager role. You’ll sit across both sides of the table:
- Acting as a commercial lead for challenger brands
- Managing retailer relationships and accounts
- Supporting retailers with sourcing and onboarding new brands
Some weeks you’ll be rebuilding a pitch for a brand targeting Waitrose. Others you’ll be deep in a range review with a buyer, or sourcing brands for a retail partner. If you’re used to owning accounts but want broader exposure, more variety, and real influence - this is that role.
What You’ll Do
- Lead commercial strategy for challenger brands
- Run national accounts
- Work on the retailer side
- Deliver high-impact commercial projects
- Help shape what we sell
What We’re Looking For
Non-negotiables
- Strong commercial experience in UK grocery (brand or retailer side)
- You understand how buyers think - and how to influence them
- Confident running accounts, building JBPs, and managing commercial performance
- Excellent written communication (decks, emails, proposals)
- Able to manage multiple clients without dropping the ball
- Genuine interest in challenger brands and early-stage growth
Nice to have
- Experience on both sides of the table (brand + retailer)
- Existing buyer relationships
- Category expertise (e.g. chilled, ambient, wellness, BWS, etc.)
How We Work
- Hybrid (London + flexibility)
- Small team, high ownership
- You’ll work closely with senior leadership and have real influence from day one
Package
Competitive, dependent on experience. We’ll be transparent early.
To Apply
Send your CV and a short note on: Which part of this role you’d run at hardest - and why. No cover letters. We want to see how you think. jointheteam@weareyf.com
Senior Commercial Manager in City of London employer: YF
Contact Detail:
YF Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Manager in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work with challenger brands or retailers. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by understanding the brands and retailers you’ll be working with. Show us you know their products and how they fit into the market. It’ll impress the hiring team!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you send your CV to us, include a note about what excites you most about the role. We love seeing your passion and how you think!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows you’re keen and keeps you fresh in our minds as we make decisions.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Manager in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for challenger brands and your unique approach to commercial strategy.
Get Straight to the Point: We love clear and concise communication. Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and skills without fluff. Remember, we’re looking for strong written communication, so keep it sharp and focused!
Show Your Thinking: In your short note, tell us which part of the role you’d tackle first and why. This is your chance to demonstrate your thought process and how you’d approach the challenges we face at YF. We’re all about insight!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to send your application to the email provided, but also check out our website for more info on what we do. It’ll help you tailor your application and show us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at YF
✨Know Your Brands Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the challenger brands you’ll be working with. Understand their unique selling points, market positioning, and any recent news. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and ability to influence buyers effectively.
✨Master the Retail Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the key retailers mentioned in the job description, like Tesco and Waitrose. Know their current strategies, challenges, and how they operate. This knowledge will allow you to speak confidently about how you can manage relationships and drive commercial success.
✨Prepare Your Pitch Decks
Since you'll be building sell-in decks, practice creating a few mock presentations. Focus on clarity, persuasive messaging, and visual appeal. Being able to showcase your skills in this area during the interview will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Showcase Your Multi-Client Management Skills
Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully managed multiple accounts in the past. Use specific examples to illustrate your organisational skills and ability to juggle priorities without dropping the ball. This is crucial for the role, so make it a focal point in your responses.