Head of Commercial - Cake

pladis Global; Greater London; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading biscuits and confectionery company seeks a Head of Commercial for its Cake Business Unit in Greater London. This role involves owning the commercial strategy, managing the P&L, and building strategic customer relationships. Ideal candidates will have experience in senior commercial roles within the grocery sector, showcasing strong strategic, negotiation, and leadership skills. Join a dynamic team committed to delivering high-quality products and driving business growth.

Benefits

Annual car allowance

Annual incentive plan

Private medical insurance

Enhanced parental leave

Life assurance cover

Holiday enhancement scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted gym membership

Qualifications

• Experience in Convenience or Grocery sectors at senior commercial levels.
• Proven track record in customer agenda and internal P&L management.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver the pladis UK&I Cake P&L.
• Build strategic customer relationships.
• Design and implement strategic plans for Cake business.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Strategic thinking

Customer management

Team coaching

Data analysis and fact-based selling

Job description

Want to help us bring happiness to the world? Want to join an ambitious and fast growing global biscuits and confectionery business investing heavily in iconic global brands, infrastructure and people? Then this is the place for you.

As proud bakers and chocolatiers and custodians of iconic global brands, we don’t compromise on the quality of ingredients in our products or on the people we hire. We are looking for entrepreneurial spirits who share our passion for bringing happiness to our consumers and who embody our Winning Traits.

To succeed at pladis you need to be purpose‑led, resilient and positive to succeed here because we expect pace and agility, we insist on collaboration and demand accountability. If that is your thing, then pladis offers global ambition, a clear Vision and roadmap for success, challenge, and unrivalled opportunities to learn and make an impact.

Click “Apply” to get started.

In , pladis proudly opened the doors to our vibrant global hub, the MIU Campus. Located in the heart of Chiswick Park, West London. Just a short –minute walk from Gunnersbury Station, our campus is nestled within acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, offering a welcoming and inspiring environment for all. Chiswick Park is home to both our UK and Global Corporate teams, bringing together diverse teams across the business.

What will this role achieve?

The Head of Commercial, Cake is part of pladis UK&I Cake Business Unit and reports into the Director – Cake.

As a member of the Cake Leadership Team, this role will own the commercial strategy and go‑to‑market execution for a new business function across all channels (Grocery, Discounters, C&I). We are seeking an influential leader who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment and is comfortable shaping a new function from the ground up.

What will be your key deliverables?

• Financials: Deliver pladis UK&I Cake P&L with Budget targets of NSV, volume, TGC / TGC% and GP.
• Customer management: Build a strong and strategic relationship with customers, directly but also across multiple cross‑functional functions.
• Strategy: Design and implement plans for – year strategic JBP for Cake, dovetailing both pladis and customer’s business strategies to drive mutual, category growth. Key contributor to the Cake playbook.
• Cake plans: Execute margin‑creation initiatives whilst maintaining customer support and growth.
• Collaboration: Build a strong relationship with pladis UK&I commercial teams, nurturing fruitful collaboration to prioritise Cake.
• Stakeholder management: Influence broad cross‑functional internal network of stakeholders across Commercial, Marketing, Commercial Excellence, Supply and Manufacturing.
• Line management: Coach and develop a team of direct reports.

Bring your experience.

Essential

• Experience in Convenience or Grocery, or similar sectors, at Controller level or equivalent senior commercial roles (Head of Sales / Sales Controller / Commercial Controller)
• Experience in owning the customer agenda and internal P&L for a scale customer or Channel, with proven track record of developing and executing customer growth plans.
• Strategic thinker.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and build consensus.
• Highly developed negotiation skills.
• Developed knowledge of category data and fact‑based selling.
• Line management experience.

What will the interview process be?

• Initial Telephone call with Talent Acquisition.
• Stage interview – minutes competency‑based interview based on our company values and your experiences.
• Stage interview – minutes – a technical interview to understand your skill set / case study or presentation interview.

What does pladis offer you?

• Annual Car allowance, paid monthly, with optional Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) – this is the business’s annual bonus scheme.
• Opportunity to self‑enrol into Health Cash Plan.
• Private medical Insurance.
• Enhanced parental leave and a supportive phased return‑to‑work program to help colleagues balance family and career.
• Stakeholder Pension Scheme.
• Life Assurance Cover – upon enrolment to Stakeholder Pension Scheme.
• Days + bank holidays.
• Holiday Enhancement Scheme.
• Volunteering Day per year.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Discounted gym membership – Carlisle and Chiswick only.
• Access to great training and development opportunities.

Pladis values

Purpose led – We’re energised and guided by our purpose to bring happiness with every bite.

Agile – We’re ever evolving, we never stand still, always improving for our customers and our consumers.

Positive – We’re highly motivated optimistic, courageous, and we inspire each other to be better.

Resilient – We’re persistent in the face of setbacks, quick to adapt, learn and move forward.

Collaborative – We gain strength from operating as one pladis, winning and succeeding together.

The best mix of ingredients

pladis is an equal opportunities employer. A happy and inclusive place to work that’s as diverse as our consumers and the communities we support, live and work in, all around the world. Where every voice is heard, and difference is celebrated. Where fresh perspectives and new ideas help us grow and thrive.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform key job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

pladis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.

We operate a strict Preferred Supplier List. If you are a recruitment agency and wish to submit a candidate to be considered for this vacancy, you must have agreed to, and signed, our terms of business.

We will not accept CVs from any other sources other than those currently on our PSL. We will not pay a fee for any candidate that has not been represented by a provider on our PSL.