Leading the Sales & Marketing team of a private equity backed business during a period of significant change and evolution.
Salary: Strong base, wider package and the opportunity to potentially take an equity stake. Location: South West, UK
The Role
A Company Director and member of the Executive Board reporting into the CEO, who takes a leading role in shaping the vision and strategy for the business.
Develops, recommends and executes agreed profitable growth strategy including:
- the brand strategy and plan
- the own label strategy and plan
- the UK and export channel strategy and plan
- the new product development strategy and plan
Wholly accountable for the day to day commercial operations including:
- achieving sales and targeted margin versus budget
- all trade investment expenditure and its return on investment
- brand and own label pricing and price negotiations
- all sales and marketing expense versus budget.
Responsible for building strong customer relationships and partnerships with key retailers - aligning the strategy with the customers.
Responsible for the consumer brand communication programmes.
Accountable for embedding and championing an effective demand planning process
In addition to leading and motivating the commercial team, there is an essential need to coach and develop the sales and marketing team in their respective roles.
The Ideal Candidate
Educated to at least degree level, with specific training in negotiations skills and ‘finance for non-finance’ managers is desirable.
Commercially literate and analytical with good IT skills and experienced being part of managing an effective S&OP process in a manufacturing organisation.
Able to demonstrate a track record (10 + years) of success in Senior National Account Brand and Own Label Food Sales with the top 5 Grocers with experience of M&S account management desirable.
Experience of brand marketing, new product development and category management (circa 5 years combined) is essential.
Previous experience of holding a sales director position within a SBU /Company would be desirable.
Has spent 3-5 years in a blue chip FMCG business is essential.
Is able to think strategically and operate in a ‘hands on’ manner with all round business acumen.
A dynamic, creative individual, who is entrepreneurial and has successfully worked with 'challenger brands’ in their career to date or grown and developed a ‘premium’ brand as a minimum requirement.
Can demonstrate they can build top 5 grocer customer relationships at all levels of the organisation and has strong negotiation skills.
Is a proven leader and communicator with excellent people skills. Should be comfortable in communicating with a range of stakeholders.
Has experienced different business ownership structures and business cultures and must be a team player.
The business has a very strong preference to secure an individual already based in, or willing to relocate to, the south west of England. A 'weekly commute' is unlikely to be acceptable.
If you have the skills and experience and you are looking for a new challenge, we would be delighted to discuss this opportunity further.