Channel Director – Grocery (South UK)

JR United Kingdom; Bedford; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global drinks company is hiring a Channel Director for the Southern UK grocery market. This strategic role involves leading a sales team and managing key relationships with major retailers like Tesco and Sainsbury’s, focusing on delivering exceptional revenue performance. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in FMCG commercial leadership and a track record of managing complex grocery accounts. A flexible hybrid working environment and generous perks are part of the offering.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working (1–2 office days/month)

Generous annual leave

Birthday off

Early Friday finishes

Product allowance and lifestyle perks

Qualifications

• Experience in FMCG commercial leadership.
• Track record of managing large teams across grocery accounts like Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
• A proven ability to achieve targets in competitive categories.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing grocery sales team.
• Own long-term JBP strategy and execution across major Southern retailers.
• Build board-level relationships with key retail partners.

Skills

Commercial excellence

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Job description

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Channel Director – Grocery (South UK), bedford

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Client:

New Chapter Consulting

Location:

bedford, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

7

Posted:

07.06.2025

Expiry Date:

22.07.2025

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Job Description:

Strategic Leadership Role in a Global Drinks Group

We’re hiring on behalf of a market-leading global drinks business with an exceptional brand portfolio and deep commercial partnerships across the UK retail landscape.

This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of the company’s largest UK channel, leading strategy and delivery across Southern Grocery accounts – including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Ocado and Majestic. It’s a senior leadership role with a team of 9 (including experienced controllers), and direct accountability for nearly a third of total UK revenue.

The Role

This is not a day-to-day account manager position. It’s a strategic, high-impact leadership post reporting into the Commercial Director – ideal for someone with the commercial edge and ambition to be the next in that role.

Your focus will be to:

• Lead and develop a high-performing grocery sales team
• Own long-term JBP strategy and execution across all major Southern retailers
• Build board-level relationships with key retail partners
• Represent your channel internally, working cross-functionally to shape category and brand strategy
• Bring rigour and commercial excellence to tracking, forecasting, and decision making

The Ideal Fit

We're looking for an experienced FMCG commercial leader with:

• Deep expertise in managing Tesco and Sainsbury’s
• A track record of leading large teams across complex grocery accounts
• Proven ability to deliver against stretching targets in competitive categories
• Gravitas, clarity, and a natural presence with internal and external stakeholders
• Experience in alcohol is a plus, but not essential – what matters most is capability, ambition, and commercial sharpness

What’s on Offer

• Flexible hybrid working (1–2 office days/month)
• Generous annual leave, birthday off, early Friday finishes
• Product allowance and lifestyle perks
• A supportive, high-trust culture where performance and potential are recognised

This is a career-defining opportunity to take the lead on the UK’s most commercially significant channel within a high-growth global brand house. If you’re ready to step into a bigger role – or want a clear pathway to Commercial Director – this is your moment.