September 2018

Grocery Controller - Tesco and Sainsburys for international brewing business

Our client is one of most innovative, successful and fun loving brewers in Europe, successfully selling craft beer all over the world. With a passion for quality, they have successfully broadened consumer tastes and provided refreshment around the globe. Their brand is much-loved and they are now focused on taking a significant slice of the UK drinks industry.

  • Location: Home-based (ideally Midlands or South East)
  • c£90,000 plus bonus and benefits package
  • Salary: Strong base salary plus 50% bonus, benefits and rewards scheme.
  • Location: Home Based, South

We are looking to recruit a Grocery Controller with an outstanding track record of building customer relations, delivering profitable growth and developing brands within the Off Trade sector (Grocery, Wholesale & Convenience). This role will lead of team of made up of National Account Managers and BDE's.

My client offers the type of environment where you will play a significant part in rapidly growing an (already successful) international brewing business in the UK market. The company prides itself on the reputation it has estanblished in the market for quality and the values of it’s people, so we seek those who consider themselve a good cultural fit.

We're looking for an energetic sales professional with excellent management skills to deliver volume and profit growth targets. This is a great opportunity to actively build and execute a winning strategy within a business that will work with you to ensure you realise your career goals. The role will include the development of sophisticated customers and, in a competitive market, requires an entrepreneurial approach.

The Person:

The new Grocery Controller will ultimately have a transformational impact on the business. This individual will play an integral part as the business matures operationally and culturally.

Specific requirements include:

  • 5 Years+ National Off Trade commercial experience operating at a senior level
  • A keen interest in, and love for, great beer.
  • Solid understanding of the beer market, both Off Trade and On Premise dynamics.
  • A commercially experienced individual with experience of delivering effective category selling strategies.
  • Evidence of building effective senior cross functional relationship across Grocery Customers
  • An effective leader with experience of leading mixed ability Commercial Teams
  • Proven track record of working with pace and urgency to deliver ‘game changing’ results
  • Evidence of an entrepreneurial ’can do’ attitude; is uncompromising, tenacious, ambitious, relentless and willing to take risks.
  • Should positively and professionally represent the company and brand at all times, with a style which is relaxed but professional, informal yet commercial.
  • Strong team player and results-focused.
  • Strong communication skills at all levels. At ease networking across customer businesses at Senior Levels.
  • Superior negotiation and interpersonal skills.
  • Attitude to continuous learning and application of best practices.
  • Proven track record in delivering category-led selling strategies.
  • Previous experience in a Senior Off Trade commercial environment is a plus.
  • Regular UK travel will be a function of the role.
  • Full UK driving licence.

If you have the skills and experience and are looking for a new challenge, we would be delighted to discuss this opportunity further.