Commercial Controller

Pilgrim's Europe; England; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Employee discount platforms

Enhanced holiday entitlement

Optional extra holidays

Job summary

Pilgrim's Europe is seeking an accomplished Commercial Controller to drive the commercial strategy for a major UK own-label retail account. In this leadership role, you will manage P&L, foster senior customer relationships, and lead cross-functional teams across Marketing, Technical, and Supply Chain to deliver growth and innovation.

Reporting to the Commercial Director, you will develop Joint Business Plans and ensure alignment with customer objectives while steering risk and opportunity

Qualifications

• Experience managing major UK grocery retail accounts in a food manufacturing environment.
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• job_responsibilities_description_before_cutoff_incorrect_format_not_allowed to fix
• CoT_job_summary_short":"COMPANY NAME: Pilgrim's EuropeKEY POINTS: Major UK grocery accounts, joint business plans, P&L ownership"
• job_summary_short":"<p>Pilgrim's Europe seeks an experienced Commercial Controller to lead a high-profile own-label retail partnership in the UK. You will drive revenue, profitability, and strategic planning, collaborating across Commercial, Marketing, Technical, Supply Chain, Finance and NPD to deliver compelling growth and innovative programmes.</p><p>You will report to the Commercial Director and build senior customer relationships while steering Joint Business Plans and governance across multiple categories.</p>"
• contract_type":"fulltime
• location_type":"on site
• remote_scope":null,
• perks
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Responsibilities

• Own and deliver the commercial strategy for a major strategic retail account.

Skills

Major UK grocery accounts

Own-label account management

Commercial leadership

Joint Business Plans

Negotiation & relationship-building

Team leadership

P&L management

Stakeholder management

Analytical capability

Communication & presentation

Travel readiness

Job description

At Pilgrim's Europe, we're looking for an experienced Commercial Controller to lead one of our most significant strategic own-label retail partnerships. This is a high-profile commercial leadership role with full accountability for driving growth, profitability, customer relationships, innovation, and team performance across a major grocery retail account.

About the Role: Reporting to the Commercial Director, you will be responsible for the commercial and sales strategy of a key strategic customer partnership, driving revenue, volume, and profitability across multiple own-label categories.

You will lead the development and execution of annual and long-term Joint Business Plans, build strong senior-level customer relationships, and work cross-functionally with Technical, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, Marketing and NPD teams to deliver exceptional commercial results. This role offers the opportunity to influence strategic decision-making, lead customer-focused innovation programmes, and shape the future growth of a major retail partnership.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and deliver the commercial strategy for a major strategic retail account
• Maintain full P&L responsibility across own-label product categories
• Develop and implement annual and long-term Joint Business Plans
• Lead, coach and develop a team of Commercial Managers and Commercial Executives
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior customer stakeholders, including Category Directors and Heads of Buying
• Identify and deliver growth opportunities across multiple categories and routes to market
• Lead cross-functional customer business teams across Commercial, Marketing, Category, Innovation, Technical, Supply Chain and Finance
• Drive customer-focused innovation and NPD programmes aligned to long-term customer strategies
• Ensure accurate forecasting and effective management of risks and opportunities
• Own financial governance processes and collaborate closely with Commercial Finance
• Champion the voice of the customer internally and ensure business plans align with customer objectives

Essential Skills & Experience

• Significant experience managing major UK grocery retail accounts within a food manufacturing environment
• Strong own-label account management experience
• Previous experience at Commercial Controller level, or a Senior Commercial Manager ready to step into a larger strategic leadership role
• Proven success delivering Joint Business Plans with major grocery retailers
• Strong understanding of retailer own-label strategies, category planning and customer requirements
• Proven track record of delivering sustainable sales, profit and market share growth
• Full P&L management experience
• Experience working closely with Technical, Supply Chain, Operations and NPD teams
• Exceptional negotiation, influencing and relationship-building skills
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• Strong commercial acumen and analytical capability
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to build effective relationships both internally and externally
• Full UK Driving Licence and willingness to travel regularly

Desirable Experience

• Experience supplying own-label products to leading UK grocery retailers
• Experience within chilled, fresh or short shelf-life food categories
• Category management knowledge
• Product development and innovation experience
• Understanding of manufacturing operations and supply chain processes

Who Will Succeed Here?

• Have built your career managing own-label retail customers within food manufacturing
• Enjoy developing long-term strategic customer partnerships
• Are comfortable managing complexity across commercial, technical, operational and supply chain functions
• Can influence senior stakeholders both internally and externally
• Are passionate about delivering profitable growth, innovation and outstanding customer service

At Pilgrim's Europe, our people truly make the difference. We are committed to creating an environment where talented individuals can thrive, develop their careers, and make a real commercial impact within a leading food manufacturing business.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Employee discount platforms
• Enhanced holiday entitlement
• Option to purchase additional holidays
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Career progression within a large, international FMCG organisation
• The opportunity to work with some of the UK's leading retail customers and industry experts

Our Values

• Ownership Determination Discipline Humility Sincerity Simplicity Availability

Join us and become part of a business where your contribution is valued, your development is supported, and your success helps shape the future of one of Europe's leading food companies. TPBN1_UKTJ