Managing Director

Page Executive; Carlisle; Hybrid; GBP 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food producer is seeking an experienced Managing Director to drive growth across retail, foodservice, and B2B channels. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in the food sector, strong leadership skills, and strategic thinking capabilities. This role is based out of the headquarters in Carlisle, with a competitive salary package of £200,000 including a performance-related bonus.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance-related bonus

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in the food industry with success in retail, foodservice, and B2B.
• Experience managing P&L with focus on sustainable growth.
• Strong communicator with ability to build relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the company's commercial strategy.
• Lead cross‑functional teams to ensure operational excellence.
• Build relationships with major retailers and distributors.

Skills

Leadership in food industry

Commercial acumen

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Entrepreneurial mindset

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Managing Director to lead and grow a dynamic food business based in Carlisle. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in the food sector and a proven track record of driving growth across retail, foodservice, and B2B manufacturing channels.

Client Details

One of Europe’s largest privately owned food producers, this company operates across more than 70 global markets and employs over 4,000 people. Headquartered in Europe, it runs advanced manufacturing facilities in multiple countries and supplies major international retailers and distributors. Known for its vertically integrated model, the business controls everything from production to logistics, ensuring quality and responsiveness. It holds certifications for food safety and sustainability and is recognised for its innovation and commitment to responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship. The UK HQ is based in Carlisle.

Managing Director FMCG

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the company's commercial strategy to drive revenue and margin growth.
• Lead cross‑functional teams to deliver operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
• Represent the business externally with key stakeholders, customers and partners.

Commercial & Sales Growth

• Own and expand relationships with major retailers, foodservice distributors and B2B manufacturers.
• Identify new market opportunities and lead product innovation aligned with customer needs.
• Oversee pricing, margin management and contract negotiations.

Financial & Operational Oversight

• Deliver against financial targets including revenue, EBITDA and working capital.
• Collaborate with finance and operations to ensure an efficient supply chain and cost control.
• Monitor KPIs and implement performance improvement initiatives.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Build and inspire a high‑performing commercial and operational team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Champion talent development and succession planning.

Profile

• Proven leadership experience in the food industry, ideally in chilled, ambient or frozen categories.
• Strong commercial background with success in retail, foodservice and B2B channels.
• Experience managing P&L and delivering sustainable growth.
• Strategic thinker with hands‑on commercial acumen.
• Excellent relationship builder and communicator.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a bias for action.
• Comfortable in a fast‑paced, growth‑oriented environment.
• Experience in branded and private‑label products.
• Familiarity with retailer dynamics (e.g. Aldi, Tesco, foodservice wholesalers).
• Understanding of manufacturing operations and supply chain.
• This role is based out of the HQ in Carlisle, candidates are expected there 3× per week.

Job Offer

• Competitive basic salary + performance related bonus.
• £200,000 overall package.