Job Description
UK Commercial Director
Private-Label Food Manufacturer
QLM Search is partnering with a leading food manufacturing business operating in the UK ambient private label category, supplying a broad portfolio of products to major UK grocery retailers.
This is a senior commercial leadership role with full accountability for UK customer strategy, retailer relationships, and profitable growth.
The Role
Reporting to the UK Managing Director, the Commercial Director will:
* Lead the UK commercial agenda across ambient private label categories
* Own senior relationships with major UK grocery retailers, acting as a trusted long-term partner
* Drive profitable growth, pricing discipline, and margin management
* Lead joint business planning, range discussions, and promotional strategy
* Balance customer requirements with operational capability and cost discipline
* Work cross-functionally with supply chain, operations, finance, and innovation
* Build, coach, and develop a high-performing UK sales and customer team
To be considered for this role our client requires:
* Proven senior commercial experience within UK grocery, with deep private label experience
* Strong understanding of UK retailer economics and buying dynamics
* Margin defence and pricing negotiations
* Joint business planning and category strategy
* Managing complexity across SKUs, formats, and customer requirements
* A pragmatic, data-led leadership style with strong influencing capability
* Experience operating in fast-paced, performance-driven environments