Managing Director

COREcruitment Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Autonomy

European leadership exposure

Salary with bonus

Job summary

COREcruitment Ltd, on behalf of a premium drinks brand, seeks a Managing Director UK to drive growth, own the UK P&L, and shape strategy. You will build the team, set route-to-market, pricing and partnerships, and report to the European head office.

This hands-on leadership role offers autonomy, direct exposure to European leadership, and a competitive package including salary, bonus and benefits for a fast-scaling brand.

Qualifications

• Proven senior commercial experience in premium drinks, alcohol or FMCG with strong UK on- and off-trade background.
• Track record of growing brands or businesses, ideally in start-up, challenger or scale-up environments.
• Experience with draught or on-trade distribution is highly desirable.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, comfortable owning a P&L and working with finance and ops.

Responsibilities

• Own the UK P&L and commercial strategy, driving profitable growth across both on-trade and off-trade.
• Lead the launch of draught into the UK, building the route to market, pricing and on-trade activation plans.
• Manage and get the best from an external sales agency, setting clear targets and holding them to account.
• Develop and strengthen wholesale relationships, securing distribution and joint business plans.
• Work closely with the finance and operations teams on forecasting, margin management, supply chain and planning.
• Act as the key link with the European head office, representing the UK market and delivering against group objectives.
• Recruit and build the UK team as the business grows, creating a high-performing, entrepreneurial culture.
• Act as the face of the brand with key customers, partners and trade stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic leadership

P&L ownership

UK on-trade experience

Negotiation & partnerships

Job description

Managing Director UK – Premium Drinks Business – England – Up to £120k plus package

My client is a premium drink brand with real momentum, and they are looking for a Managing Director to take the UK business to its next stage of growth.The brand is already established in the UK, with a loyal following, strong credentials and a reputation for quality.The foundations are in place and the ambition is big.

This is a true scaling opportunity.You’ll take the helm of a lean, close-knit UK team and have the freedom to shape how it grows, from the structure and the people to the strategy and the culture.You won’t be inheriting a corporate machine.You’ll be building one, with the backing of a European parent business that is invested in the UK’s success.

One of the biggest chapters is the launch of draught into the UK, opening new on-trade opportunities and putting the brand in front of a whole new audience.You’ll lead it from the front, from route to market and pricing through to activation and building the right partnerships.

It’s a hands‑on role.You’ll be out in the market, visiting accounts, working alongside your agency and wholesale partners and getting stuck into the detail.You’ll also have a real seat at the table, working closely with the finance and operations teams and reporting directly into the European head office.Your decisions will shape the UK P& L, and your voice will carry weight.

What this business offers:

• The chance to continue the growth of the UK business with real autonomy
• A high‑visibility role with direct exposure to the European leadership team
• Competitive salary, bonus and benefits package
• A premium brand with an exciting growth story

Managing Director responsibilities include:

• Own the UK P&L and commercial strategy, driving profitable growth across both on‑trade and off‑trade
• Lead the launch of draught into the UK, building the route to market, pricing and on‑trade activation plans
• Manage and get the best from an external sales agency, setting clear targets and holding them to account
• Develop and strengthen wholesale relationships, securing distribution and joint business plans
• Work closely with the finance and operations teams on forecasting, margin management, supply chain and planning
• Act as the key link with the European head office, representing the UK market and delivering against group objectives
• Recruit and build the UK team as the business grows, creating a high‑performing, entrepreneurial culture
• Act as the face of the brand with key customers, partners and trade stakeholders

The Ideal Managing Director candidate:

• Proven senior commercial experience in premium drinks, alcohol or FMCG, with a strong UK on‑ and off‑trade background
• A track record of growing brands or businesses, ideally in a start‑up, challenger or scale‑up environment
• Experience of draught or on‑trade distribution is highly desirable
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, comfortable owning a P&L and working with finance and ops
• Experience managing agencies, distributors or wholesalers
• A genuine “roll your sleeves up” mindset, equally happy writing the strategy and visiting accounts
• Confident influencer with the presence to work with European senior leadership
• Experience building and developing teams