Location: UK
The Opportunity
We are looking for a commercially driven Head of Sales to lead and shape the commercial strategy of a growing and ambitious food business.
This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for driving revenue growth, margin performance and market expansion across multiple channels including foodservice, wholesale and retail. The successful candidate will lead sales, marketing and telesales functions, ensuring a joined-up commercial strategy that delivers long-term growth.
The business is entering an exciting stage of development, and this role offers the opportunity to professionalise the commercial function, scale revenue and influence company-wide strategy while preserving the agility and culture of a fast-growing organisation.
If you are a strategic commercial leader who is equally comfortable setting the direction and rolling up your sleeves to deliver results, this role offers genuine impact and progression.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and execute the overall commercial strategy aligned to business growth objectives
Deliver sustainable revenue growth, improved margins and expanded market share
Identify new opportunities across retail, foodservice and wholesale channels
Lead pricing strategy, promotional planning and margin management
Monitor market trends and competitor activity to inform strategic decisions
Lead and develop the field sales and key account teams
Build and manage strategic relationships with major customers and buying groups
Support the sales team in negotiating high‑value contracts and trading agreements
Drive performance against key commercial KPIs including revenue, margin and customer retention
Introduce structured sales processes, forecasting and pipeline discipline
Marketing & Brand Alignment
Work with senior leadership to shape and deliver the brand strategy
Align marketing activity with commercial growth plans
Oversee product positioning, launches and innovation pipelines
Lead trade marketing, digital marketing and campaign planning
Manage marketing budgets and track campaign ROI
Customer Growth & Retention
Oversee telesales operations to maximise inbound and outbound opportunities
Implement structured CRM and customer engagement strategies
Develop programmes that drive customer loyalty, retention and repeat business
Increase average order value and customer lifetime value
Leadership & Culture
Build and lead a high‑performance commercial team
Coach and develop managers and emerging commercial talent
Introduce clear KPIs, accountability frameworks and performance reviews
What We’re Looking For
Senior commercial leadership experience within food or FMCG
Proven track record of delivering revenue growth and margin improvement
Strong key account management and negotiation experience
Experience managing multi‑channel sales (foodservice, wholesale or retail)
Strong financial and analytical capability
Significant people leadership experience
Experience scaling a growing SME or developing commercial functions
Knowledge of both private label and branded food markets
Established relationships within the foodservice sector
Personal Attributes
Entrepreneurial mindset with strong commercial instinct
Strategic thinker who is comfortable operating hands‑on
Pragmatic and solutions‑focused
Strong relationship builder with high emotional intelligence
Resilient, adaptable and values‑driven
Bonus: Up to 20% paid quarterly
Annual pay reviews
33 days holiday including bank holidays
Additional benefits linked to service and commitment
Working Pattern
Monday to Friday – 40 hours per week
Flexible working approach required to support commercial activities
Extensive UK travel with occasional overnight stays
If you are a commercially focused sales leader looking to shape the growth strategy of a developing food business, we would love to hear from you.
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