Commercial DRS Leader - 2 Year FTC role

Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I; Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading beverage company in the UK is seeking a Commercial Deposit Return Scheme Leader. This senior position involves leading the execution of the DRS programme across the business, enhancing sustainability and optimizing operations. Candidates should have over 10 years of FMCG commercial leadership experience, proven success in transformation projects, and strong people-leadership skills. An empowering work environment is offered, promoting work-life balance and career growth.

Benefits

Supportive work environment

Career growth opportunities

Focus on work-life balance

Qualifications

• 10+ years’ experience in FMCG commercial leadership with strong exposure to operations.
• Demonstrated leadership of regulatory programmes within complex commercial organisations.
• Proven track record of implementing large-scale transformation programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the ReCircle Program team to execute DRS effectively.
• Maintain efficiency during DRS implementation without disruption.
• Build and coach a high-performing ReCircle Program team.

Skills

FMCG commercial leadership

Operations

Logistics

Strategic Execution

Data-Driven Thinking

Education

Degree educated

Job description

Who We Are

Suntory is a fast moving, agile and entrepreneurial business that is home to some of the nations most loved brands. The Suntory Group is one of the largest soft drinks companies and among the world’s leading consumer products companies. We offer a uniquely diverse portfolio of beverages enjoyed by millions across the globe

About your role

The Commercial Deposit Return Scheme Leader is a senior role responsible for DRS execution across our end‑to‑end business to grow our share, mitigate our costs, enhance our reputation and commercial transformation across SBFE GB.

This is a multi‑faceted, business transformation, industry and customer‑facing role entrusted with ensuring the execution of some critical commercial, sustainability and legislation related initiatives, that can positively impact the success and growth of our business.

What You'll Do

ReCircle DRS Leadership

• Lead the ReCircle Program team and stakeholders to execute DRS effectively
• Improve effectiveness by enabling great connections, relationships and collaboration for effective cross‑business execution, minimising risk and costs.
• Ensure risks and benefits are built into the SBFE Strategic planning cycle (MTP / AOP / IBP)
• Be the thought leader for DRS implementation and success in SGB&I

ReCircle DRS Execution Efficiency & Operational Excellence

• Maintain efficiency in the business and ensure no business disruption during DRS implementation.
• Devise a cost‑effective plan to mitigate costs relating to DRS.
• Optimise portfolio, pack and build growth plans to maintain / increase volume and margin.
• Lead strategic decisions and provide direction to the cross‑functional team to implement those decisions through IBP and change‑management methodologies.
• Liaise with the Commercialisation Leader to deliver change projects and solutions to mitigate DRS impacts
• Liaise with the Customer Engagement and Sustainability Controller on key aspects of DRS and related topics

ReCircle DRS Planning & Commercial Governance

• 1 Annual Strategic Planning Cycle, aligning stakeholders across Sales, Finance, Marketing, and Supply Chain
• Ensure full optimisation of IBP and SGM to execute the projects and changes related to DRS to grow the business
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders to understand and adjust plans accordingly on the changing landscape of DRS, Sustainability, legislation, and strategic projects.

Capability & Matrix Team Leadership

• Build and maintain a connected high‑performing, agile ReCircle Program team and onboard new starters
• Develop commercial capability across sales, planning, and operations through hands‑on coaching.
• Embed a high‑performance culture, with measurable objectives aligned to SBFE GB&I’s strategic vision.

What's in it for you

Joining Suntory isn’t just about taking on a role, it’s about embarking on a career journey. You have the opportunity to work with talented, inspiring and authentic leaders and have the freedom to dream big and go for it (Yatte Minahare). At Suntory you’ll find a supportive work environment that values work‑life balance and will help you realise your full potential and grow for good. Our People and Culture team genuinely cares about creating a great experience for our employees and we would love you to be part of it.

What You need to be successful

• Degree educated
• 10+ years’ experience in FMCG commercial leadership, with strong exposure to operations, logistics, planning, transformation and matrix leadership
• Demonstrated leadership of regulatory programmes (e.g. DRS, EPR) within complex commercial organisations
• Proven track record of implementing large‑scale transformation programmes and projects
• Excellent people‑leadership skills and experience managing high‑performing matrix teams
• Strong commercial acumen and strategic foresight with ability to influence at all organisational levels
• Ability to manage ambiguity, develop scenarios and continuously adjust plans and levels of risk across the business.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Execution : Delivers value by linking strategy with practical and measurable execution.
• Commercial Agility : Acts decisively in response to change; adapts strategies to evolving commercial and regulatory environments.
• Influential Leadership : Gains trust across a wide stakeholder base; communicates with clarity and impact.
• Data‑Driven Thinking : Champions the use of data and systems to drive decisions, efficiency, and transparency.
• Resilience & Change Leadership : Maintains focus and inspires others during periods of disruption and transformation.

Our DEI Commitment

At Suntory, we recognise that diverse knowledge, perspectives and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age or any other protected characteristic.

Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience / background can benefit our team we encourage you to apply. We endeavour to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.