Channel Director – Grocery (South UK)

JR United Kingdom; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global drinks group seeks a Channel Director for Southern Grocery. This strategic leadership role involves managing key accounts, driving performance, and developing high-level relationships. The position offers flexible hybrid working, generous benefits, and a career path toward a Commercial Director role.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working

Generous annual leave

Birthday off

Early Friday finishes

Product allowance and lifestyle perks

Qualifications

• Previous FMCG commercial leadership experience with a focus on grocery.
• Expertise in managing Tesco and Sainsbury’s accounts.
• Track record of leading teams and achieving targets.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing grocery sales team.
• Own long-term strategy for major Southern UK grocery retailers.
• Build relationships with key retail partners.

Skills

Team Leadership

Commercial Acumen

Stakeholder Management

Job description

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Channel Director – Grocery (South UK), colchester

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Client:

New Chapter Consulting

Location:

colchester, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

4

Posted:

31.05.2025

Expiry Date:

15.07.2025

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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.