Managing Director

Henderson Brown; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Henderson Brown is partnering with a global food manufacturer to appoint a Managing Director for its UK operations. This high-profile role leads a multi-site operation serving major grocery retailers, wholesalers and out-of-home leaders, with significant ownership of strategy and performance.

The MD will set the strategic direction for the UK business, align teams around priorities and ensure the organisation delivers commercially, operationally and culturally as it grows.

Qualifications

• Experience operating at Board level within FMCG or similar sectors.
• Proven ability to translate strategy into action across large, multi-site organisations.
• Strong track record delivering growth, efficiency, and cultural change.

Responsibilities

• Set and deliver ambitious targets across commercial, operational, financial and people priorities.
• Lead, develop and empower a high-performing senior leadership team.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities and accountabilities across the organisation.
• Create a culture built on agility, excellence, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Strengthen relationships with customers, partners and key industry stakeholders.

Skills

Board experience

Strategic leadership

Commercial leadership

Change management

Education

MBA or equivalent

Job description

Henderson Brown is partnering with a global food manufacturer to appoint a Managing Director for its UK operations.

With more than 100 years of market leadership, the organisation generates annual turnover of over £1 billion and operates across an international network employing thousands of people.

The appointed leader will oversee a multi-site UK operation that serves a broad customer base, including major grocery retailers, wholesalers, and out-of-home market leaders.

This high-profile role offers significant ownership and influence, with the opportunity to shape the organisation’s next stage of an exciting period of growth.

Role Purpose

The Managing Director will set the strategic direction for the UK business, align teams around shared priorities, and ensure the organisation continues to deliver commercially, operationally, and culturally.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and deliver ambitious strategic targets across commercial, operational, financial, and people priorities.
• Lead, develop, and empower a high-performing senior leadership team.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities across the organisation.
• Create a culture built on agility, excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Strengthen relationships with customers, partners, and key stakeholders.
• Build positive networks with major customers and relevant industry institutions.
• Enhance the organisation’s reputation as an employer of choice.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will bring senior leadership experience from a structured FMCG commercial environment, ideally within food categories.

• Experience operating at Board level or as part of a senior leadership team.
• A strong track record of delivering results in complex commercial and operational environments.
• Strategic thinking, sound judgement, and the ability to translate strategy into action.
• Drive, resilience, and the credibility to lead through growth and change.

What’s on Offer

This is an opportunity to lead a high-growth UK division, shape its future direction, and drive sustainable performance, innovation, and long-term value. A competitive executive-level salary and benefits package is available.