Overview of the Business
Our client is a dynamic, £100m+ turnover ambient food manufacturer supplying all major UK retailers. With a predominantly Own Label model supported by a complementary branded portfolio, the business has built a strong reputation for quality, reliability and category partnership.
Operating with an international sourcing network and a collaborative internal culture, the company continues to expand its retail footprint and invest in commercial capability. As part of this growth, they are seeking a high-calibre SNAM/Controller to lead two key strategic retail partnerships.
Overview of the Role
This senior commercial role carries full strategic and financial accountability for two major UK retail accounts. The successful candidate will shape long-term customer strategy, lead complex negotiations and drive both revenue growth and margin optimisation.
The role includes leadership of one direct report and requires close collaboration with senior internal stakeholders across Sales, Marketing, Finance and Operations. It is ideally suited to an experienced grocery professional ready to operate at Controller level or an established SNAM seeking broader strategic ownership.
Responsibilities
- Own and deliver the commercial strategy across two major retail customers.
- Lead high-level annual negotiations, including pricing architecture, cost mitigation and long-term supply agreements.
- Develop and implement multi-year Joint Business Plans focused on sustainable growth.
- Drive profitable expansion of Own Label listings while identifying branded growth opportunities.
- Provide clear financial oversight including budgeting, forecasting, trade spend management and margin delivery.
- Influence internal stakeholders to ensure operational excellence and service delivery.
- Build strong, senior-level relationships with customer Buying Directors and cross-functional teams.
- Lead, coach and develop one direct report, embedding high performance standards.
- Identify strategic opportunities for innovation, range optimisation and market share growth.
Qualifications
- Significant experience managing major UK grocery retailers
- Strong background in Own Label account leadership within food or FMCG.
- Proven experience operating at SNAM or Controller level with full P&L accountability.
- Advanced negotiation capability with experience handling complex, high-value agreements.
- Strong leadership skills with prior line management experience.
- Highly numerate, commercially astute and strategically minded.
- Degree qualified or equivalent industry experience.