Sowena Group are partnered with a fast-growing food manufacturing business, supplying high-quality products to major retail and food service customers nationwide, in a retained search for a Commercial Director. With a strong heritage, family-oriented culture, and a modern, forward-thinking approach, the business is entering an exciting phase of strategic growth, underpinned by significant investment in new product development and operational excellence.
The Role
An experienced and commercially astute Commercial Director is required to lead the sales function and drive sustainable, long-term growth.
This is a board-facing leadership role requiring both strategic oversight and hands-on delivery. The successful candidate will shape and execute the commercial strategy across major retail multiples, food service operators, and wholesale channels, while developing a robust long-term sales pipeline and leading a team of account managers.
Working closely with Finance, Marketing, Operations, and the senior leadership team, the role carries full accountability for commercial performance, customer experience, and revenue growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and deliver a clear commercial growth strategy with measurable targets across revenue, margin, and customer performance
- Provide strong leadership, building a high-performance, customer-focused, and collaborative commercial culture
- Identify and develop new growth opportunities across existing and new customer bases
- Take full ownership of departmental P&L, including budgeting, pricing strategy, yield management, and margin optimisation
- Monitor trading performance and respond quickly to market changes, adjusting pricing, promotions, product focus, and channel strategy
- Ensure consistently high standards of customer experience across all commercial touchpoints
- Shape product and category strategy to maintain a commercially strong and differentiated proposition
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key customers, suppliers, and partners
- Collaborate with Marketing and Digital teams to strengthen brand presence and drive commercial performance across digital channels
- Work in partnership with HR to support team development, coaching, and capability building
- Use data and insight to identify trends, improve performance, and unlock growth opportunities
About You
A proven commercial leader with strong UK food manufacturing or FMCG experience is required.
Essential Experience:
- Senior commercial leadership experience within UK food manufacturing or chilled/ambient FMCG environments
- Proven management of sales within major UK grocery retailers
- Strong food service channel development experience
- Track record of building sustainable sales pipelines and delivering long-term growth
- Experience leading and developing small to medium-sized commercial teams
- Strong financial acumen with full P&L responsibility
Desirable Experience:
- Private label and/or branded product strategy experience
- Exposure to export or international markets
- Experience in high-volume, short shelf-life categories
Personal Attributes
- Strategic thinker with strong hands-on execution capability
- Strong negotiator and relationship builder
- Commercially driven with a focus on margin and sustainable growth
- Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
- Inspirational leader with strong coaching and development skills
Additional Information
This position requires a regular onsite presence at their site on the outskirts of the lake district, alongside some national travel to key clients. A relocation package is available for candidates who are not currently based in the region and are willing to relocate.