Job Title: Managing Director
Salary: GBP200,000 GBP275,000 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
* 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
Operational Leadership
* 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
Commercial & Customer Focus
* 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
People & Culture
* 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
Financial Performance
* 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
Stakeholder Management & Reporting
* 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 GBP205,000 GBP275,000
* 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