Head of Retail

Key Responsibilities

• Own and lead the commercial strategy for major UK retail accounts, delivering sustainable revenue and margin growth.
• Hold full P&L responsibility across the retail portfolio.
• Identify and deliver new commercial opportunities, driving category expansion and profitable growth.
• Act as the senior commercial contact for retail partners, building strong and trusted relationships at multiple levels.

Customer Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all commercial queries across retail accounts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with buying teams and key stakeholders across customers’ organisations.
• Deliver regular business reviews covering sales performance, profitability, product performance and future growth opportunities.

Commercial Delivery & Account Performance

• Analyse sales performance, forecasts and promotional activity to optimise account performance.
• Work closely with internal commercial teams to develop pricing strategies based on market insight and cost inputs.
• Manage stock levels and demand planning in collaboration with supply chain teams where applicable.

Innovation & Product Development

• Work closely with the NPD team to drive innovation across retail customers.
• Attend product development sessions to ensure retail opportunities are maximised.
• Manage critical paths for new product launches, ensuring clear accountability and delivery timelines.
• Support the development of compelling customer presentations supported by pricing, market insight and commercial rationale.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Technical teams to manage customer feedback and resolve product issues effectively.
• Work with procurement, operations and supply chain teams to ensure seamless delivery of customer requirements.
• Ensure internal teams remain aligned on customer priorities and commercial opportunities.

Portfolio Development

• Conduct regular product and range reviews to ensure a strong and relevant product offering across accounts.
• Maintain accurate product databases used across retail channels.
• Identify opportunities to expand the customer base within retail and foodservice sectors.

Leadership

• Lead, mentor and develop two commercial team members.
• Support the wider leadership team in driving commercial strategy and business growth.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience managing major UK retail grocery accounts within food manufacturing.
• Strong commercial background with full P&L responsibility.
• Demonstrated success in driving account growth and winning new retail business.
• Experience leading product development and innovation with retailers.
• Strong negotiation, influencing and relationship management skills.
• Ability to translate commercial insight into actionable strategies.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.