Do you have experience selling within fresh produce, chilled food, or the agricultural category? Have you successfully won new business securing retail listings and grown national accounts? Are you looking for that next step within your career in a high-growth business investing in the UK market? Then I want to hear from you…
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a pioneering international business operating within the fresh produce category. Backed by significant investment and entering a critical phase of expansion, the business is seeking a commercially driven Country Manager to lead and accelerate its UK growth strategy.
Having successfully established a strong presence within its home market, the company is now investing heavily in the UK and is building the foundations for long-term growth. This role offers the chance to join at a pivotal stage of the journey, combining the agility and pace of a scale-up environment with ambitious plans for international expansion.
The Opportunity
As Country Manager, you will be responsible for leading the UK commercial agenda and acting as the primary representative of the business within the market. You will work closely with international leadership teams to execute growth plans, strengthen existing customer relationships and identify new routes to market, both retail and OOH.
The role combines strategic planning with hands-on commercial execution and requires someone who is comfortable operating within a growing organisation where influence, adaptability and entrepreneurial thinking are essential.
You will inherit established customer relationships while also being tasked with expanding the customer base and identifying new commercial opportunities across multiple channels.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute the UK commercial strategy in line with wider business objectives.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with major UK retailers and key decision-makers.
- Identify and secure new business opportunities across retail, foodservice, wholesale and out-of-home channels.
- Lead commercial negotiations and customer discussions at national level.
- Deliver sustainable revenue growth and market penetration.
- Work collaboratively with international colleagues to ensure successful market development and operational alignment.
- Manage and develop existing commercial team members while supporting future recruitment and growth plans.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity and customer insights to inform strategic decision-making.
- Act as the key point of contact between UK operations and international leadership.
- Support the successful rollout of new initiatives, partnerships and product launches.
- Contribute to long-term planning as the business continues to expand its footprint within the UK.
About You:
We are interested in speaking with commercially focused individuals who have built their careers within FMCG, fresh food, produce or related consumer goods sectors.
You may currently be operating as a:
- Senior National Account Manager
- Head of Sales
- Head of Retail
- Commercial Controller
- Business Development Lead
- Business Unit Manager
Most importantly, you will have the ambition and capability to take ownership of a market and play a significant role in the future growth of the business.
Essential Experience:
- 5-8 years of experience within account management in FMCG.
- Proven success managing national retail accounts within FMCG or fresh food.
- Strong understanding of the UK grocery retail landscape.
- Experience working with major retailers such as Tesco, Waitrose, M&S, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons .
- Demonstrable track record of delivering revenue growth and developing customer partnerships.
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
- Experience developing business opportunities beyond existing customer bases.
- Ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Desired Experience:
- Fresh produce, chilled food or wider fresh category experience.
- Exposure to foodservice, hospitality, wholesale or out-of-home channels.
- Previous experience within a high-growth, scale-up or entrepreneurial business.
- Experience working across international markets or within matrix organisations.
- People management experience
If you are looking for an opportunity to take ownership of a market, build meaningful customer relationships and play a key role in an ambitious international growth story, we would welcome a confidential conversation.
To apply directly, please send a copy of your CV to ella@signaturecm.co.uk, or alternatively, please apply via the link below.
Please note Signature Career Management is acting as an employment agency
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