Channel Director – Grocery (South UK)

JR United Kingdom; Norwich; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global drinks business is seeking a Channel Director for its Grocery division in the UK. This strategic role involves leading a team to drive sales and relationships with major retailers like Tesco and Sainsbury’s, ensuring delivery of key business targets. The ideal candidate will have extensive FMCG experience and a proven track record in managing large accounts, with a focus on commercial strategy and leadership development.

Benefits

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

Generous annual leave

Early Friday finishes

Product allowance

Lifestyle perks

Qualifications

• Experienced FMCG commercial leader with deep expertise managing Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
• Proven ability to deliver against stretching targets in competitive categories.
• Experience in leading large teams across complex grocery accounts.

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

Leadership

Commercial Strategy

Stakeholder Management

Forecasting

FMCG Expertise

Job description

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Channel Director – Grocery (South UK), Norwich

Client: New Chapter Consulting

Location: South UK

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views:

7

Posted:

07.06.2025

Expiry Date:

22.07.2025

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.