About the Company
Our client is an established soft drinks supplier with an enviable track record both UK & Internationally. Promoting taste, authenticity and natural ingredients to its consumers, our client has developed their brands organically into all major channels including:- On Trade, Off Trade, Online & International. They pride themselves on having an inclusive culture, where Senior Directors and Colleagues work side by side to achieve their goals. Employees benefit from a friendly and professional environment that remains true to its founding values despite years of success.
About the Role
We are looking to hire a Senior Commercial Manager to guide this innovation led drinks supplier through its next period of retail expansion. Reporting to the Head of Retail UK&I you will play a pivotal role in delivering the commercial offering, liaising with supermarket customers and internal stakeholders to meet growing consumer demand.
Key Responsibilities
* Relationship Management: Build, nurture, and extend high-value relationships within a major grocery customer (likely Tesco or Sainsburys), acting as a trusted partner to drive mutual growth and deliver outstanding commercial results. P&L 40m NSV
* Team Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement: Manage and influence a broad team of internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment and collaboration to achieve shared objectives.
* Joint Business Planning: Develop and execute robust Joint Business Plans (JBPs) that align the company-wide strategic goals with customer objectives, leveraging data-driven insights and market trends.
* Commercial Negotiation: Lead negotiations on commercial terms, promotional plans, and pricing to achieve sales, volume, and profit targets while ensuring effective investment decisions and account profitability.
* Account Performance & P&L Management: Oversee account P&L, analyse financial metrics, and make informed decisions to maximise profitability and sustainable growth.
Qualifications
It is essential that you have a successful track record of building profitable and lasting relationships within top grocery customers. Tesco or Sainsburys exposure would be preferable but working knowledge of wider retail customers on behalf of a recognised food or drinks manufacturer will be considered.
Required Skills
* Confident Communicator: Demonstrates strong communication skills, able to address conflict constructively and engage in challenging conversations with professionalism and empathy.
* Leadership by Example: Sets high standards for self and others, consistently modelling integrity, accountability, and a commitment to excellence.
* Relationship & Rapport Building: Excels at building trust and rapport with colleagues, customers, and stakeholders, fostering collaborative and productive working relationships.
* Organisational & Time Management: Highly organised, with exceptional time management skills; able to prioritise effectively and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
* Analytical & Numerate: Applies analytical thinking and numerical skills to solve problems, make data-driven decisions, and drive commercial success. Candidates with existing supermarket buying or purchasing contacts would also be beneficial.
Preferred Skills
Experience of selling branded food or drink products into major supermarket customers (Ideally JS or Tesco) is essential in this high profile role. Branded Soft Drinks is a dynamic and pacy category, a previous track record in these markets would be favourable and help you get up to speed quickly! The successful candidate must have the ambition and ability to develop into a Head of Retail UK&I in a well resourced but agile drinks supplier within the next career step.
Pay Range and Compensation Package
* Basic Salary: Circa £65,000 - £80,000
* Company Car
* Annual Bonus: 20% OTE
* Private Health Cover
* Contributory Pension Scheme
* Softer Benefits
Location
The successful candidate will be based from a head office and manufacturing facilities near Bristol an average of 2-3 days per week. The role will offer the flexibility for home working. You will be expected to attend national customer visits and trade events when required.
Interview Process
Screening Calls and Interviews taking place throughout February 2026. Please reach out to info@bluerice.co.uk to register an interest.