Job Title: Managing Director
Salary: £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
Business Strategy & Growth
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Develop and execute a clear, multi-year business strategy aligned with the overall objectives of our client
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Identify opportunities for growth across stores, formats, product ranges, and customer propositions
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Drive revenue growth, margin improvement, and long-term profitability
Operational Leadership
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Oversee end-to-end retail operations, ensuring consistent delivery of high standards across stores and support functions
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Drive operational efficiency, cost control, and continuous improvement across the business
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Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory, food safety, and governance requirements
Commercial & Customer Focus
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Lead commercial strategy including pricing, promotions, category performance, and supplier partnerships
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Champion a customer-first culture, ensuring a compelling and consistent shopping experience
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Use data and insight to inform decision-making and improve performance
People & Culture
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Build, lead, and develop a high-performing senior leadership team
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Foster an inclusive, values-led culture focused on engagement, accountability, and development
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Ensure robust succession planning and leadership capability across the organisation
Financial Performance
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Hold full P&L responsibility, managing revenue, margins, operating costs, and capital investment
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Set and deliver against financial targets, budgets, and forecasts
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Balance short-term performance with long-term sustainable growth
Stakeholder Management & Reporting
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Work closely with shareholders, board members, and senior stakeholders
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Provide clear and regular reporting on business performance, risks, and opportunities
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Represent the business externally with partners, suppliers, and industry stakeholders
Qualifications & Experience
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Proven experience in a Managing Director, Commercial Director, or Operations Director role within food retail, grocery, or multi-site retail
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Strong track record of leading complex, high-volume retail operations
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Demonstrated success in driving growth, improving profitability, and leading transformation
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Deep understanding of food retail dynamics, customer behaviour, and supply chain operations
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Exceptional leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
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Strong commercial and financial acumen with full P&L ownership experience
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Experience leading large, geographically dispersed teams
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Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving retail environment
What’s on Offer
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Competitive salary of £205,000 – £275,000
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Hybrid working model based in Liverpool
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Senior leadership role with significant influence and autonomy
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Opportunity to shape strategy and drive meaningful impact within a major food retail business