Managing Director
£200,000 - £275,000 per annum
Manchester to Northampton
Role Overview
Our client, a leading food retailer, is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Managing Director to lead and grow a significant part of their UK retail operation. This is a senior leadership role with full accountability for strategy, performance, and growth across stores, supply chain, commercial operations, and people. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of the business, driving profitable growth, operational excellence, and an outstanding customer experience in a highly competitive and fast‑moving retail environment. This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a high‑impact leadership position within a dynamic, growth‑focused food retail organisation.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and execute a clear, multi‑year business strategy aligned with the overall objectives of our client.
* Identify opportunities for growth across stores, formats, product ranges, and customer propositions.
* Drive revenue growth, margin improvement, and long‑term profitability.
* Oversee end‑to‑end retail operations, ensuring consistent delivery of high standards across stores and support functions.
* Drive operational efficiency, cost control, and continuous improvement across the business.
* Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory, food safety, and governance requirements.
* Lead commercial strategy including pricing, promotions, category performance, and supplier partnerships.
* Champion a customer‑first culture, ensuring a compelling and consistent shopping experience.
* Use data and insight to inform decision‑making and improve performance.
* Build, lead, and develop a high‑performing senior leadership team.
* Foster an inclusive, values‑led culture focused on engagement, accountability, and development.
* Ensure robust succession planning and leadership capability across the organisation.
* Hold full P & L responsibility, managing revenue, margins, operating costs, and capital investment.
* Set and deliver against financial targets, budgets, and forecasts.
* Balance short‑term performance with long‑term sustainable growth.
* Work closely with shareholders, board members, and senior stakeholders.
* Provide clear and regular reporting on business performance, risks, and opportunities.
* Represent the business externally with partners, suppliers, and industry stakeholders.
Qualifications & Experience
* Proven experience in a Managing Director, Commercial Director, or Operations Director role within food retail, grocery, or multi‑site retail.
* Strong track record of leading complex, high‑volume retail operations.
* Demonstrated success in driving growth, improving profitability, and leading transformation.
* Deep understanding of food retail dynamics, customer behaviour, and supply chain operations.
* Exceptional leadership, communication, and decision‑making skills.
* Strong commercial and financial acumen with full P & L ownership experience.
* Experience leading large, geographically dispersed teams.
* Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, evolving retail environment.
What's on Offer
* Competitive salary of £205,000 - £275,000.
* Hybrid working model based in Liverpool.
* Senior leadership role with significant influence and autonomy.
* Opportunity to shape strategy and drive meaningful impact within a major food retail business.
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