Commercial Director

COREcruitment; England; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An emerging global spirits company is seeking a Commercial Director to guide its UK & EU commercial strategy. This pivotal role involves managing distribution channels and developing new markets. Candidates should possess over 10 years of commercial leadership experience in the Drinks FMCG sector, with a strong track record in growing brands across On Trade, Off Trade, and Out of Home channels. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent leadership, a strategic mindset, and the ability to foster high-performing teams. Enjoy a competitive package, including bonuses and equity options.

Benefits

Competitive package including Bonus

Car Allowance

Shares & Equity options

Autonomy and influence in a high-impact role

Collaborative values-driven culture

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in Commercial / Sales leadership roles within Drinks FMCG.
• Proven track record of scaling SME / challenger brands in competitive markets.
• Strong understanding of the On Trade, Off Trade and Out of Home channels across Europe.

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the commercial strategy across the UK and EU.
• Build robust commercial plans to strengthen market share and revenue growth.
• Lead, coach and grow a high-performing commercial team.
• Own and lead relationships with national accounts and key customers.
• Provide regular reporting and commercial insight to leadership.

Skills

Commercial leadership

Sales strategy development

Team development

P&L management

Customer relationship management

Job description

Commercial Director – Global Spirits Business – United Kingdom– Up to £120,000 plus package

We are excited to be partnered with this global spirits company that is not only showing huge growth, but is a brand most will be familiar with. This business has an exceptional portfolio of products along with a brilliant culture globally – you will be integral in the UK and EU operation!

This Pauline is a unique opportunity to join this brand at a pivot point in its growth journey. They are now seeking a commercially brilliant and entrepreneurial Commercial Director to lead the UK & EU commercial strategy across On Trade, Out of Home, and Off Trade channels – while also launching further into international key global markets.

This role requires candidates with a proven track record in growth across the UK and EU, managing distribution partners and a strong network of contacts.

Company Benefits

• Be part of a fast‑growing, purpose‑led challenger brand shaking up the Drinks FMCG space
• A competitive package including Bonus, Car Allowance and Shares & Equity options.
• Enjoy autonomy, influence and ownership in a high‑impact role
• Join a collaborative, ambitious and values‑driven culture

Commercial Director Key Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the commercial strategy across the UK and EU On Trade (hospitality, premium bars and restaurants), Off Trade (retail and grocery), and Out of Home channels
• Set clear KPIs, objectives and growth strategies aligned with business goals
• Build robust commercial plans to strengthen market share, revenue growth and brand awareness

• Lead, coach and grow a high‑performing commercial team, fostering a strong performance and values‑led culture. Design the structure of the commercial team to scale with business growth, including recruitment of new talent
• Work cross‑functionally with Marketing, Operations and Finance to ensure alignment and commercial excellence

• Own and lead top‑to‑top relationships with national accounts, wholesalers, buying groups and key customers. Identify and develop new channel opportunities to diversify revenue streams לכך
• Ensure excellence in customer engagement, contract negotiation, promotional execution and account planning

• Lead the development and execution of the international go‑to‑market strategy
• Open new distribution markets abroad through strategic partnerships, importers and direct‑to‑retail routes
• Build long‑term relationships with international distributors and retail partners

• Full responsibility for commercial forecasting, budgeting, pricing strategy and promotional ROI. Track and analyse performance to drive data‑led decisions and optimise margin performance
• Provide regular reporting and commercial insight to the executive leadership team

The Ideal Commercial Director candidate

• 10+ years’ experience in Commercial / Sales leadership roles within Drinks FMCG
• Strong understanding of the-ground category across UK and Europe
• Proven track record of scaling SME / challenger brands in competitive markets
<리>Extensive experience across On Trade, Off Trade and Out of Home channels across Europe.
• Success in launching brands into international markets – within Europe specifically.
• Excellent leadership and team development capabilities
• Strategic thinker with a strong commercial instinct and hands‑on execution ability
• Confident communicator and credible at senior level with customers and stakeholders
• Experience managing P&L, forecasting, trade terms, and complex negotiations

If you are interested in having a chat about this role, please forward updated CV’s to Mark at COREcruitment / [e-mail]