Head of Retail – Retail Channel Strategy Lead

About the role

We are looking for a Head of Retail to lead the retail channel strategy for an innovative drinks business with a proud heritage. Reporting to the Managing Director, you will own relationships with the UK’s major supermarket groups and drive sustainable growth and profitability across both private‑label and white‑label portfolios.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with Tesco, Waitrose, Morrisons and other key grocery accounts.
• Lead negotiations, annual business planning and joint growth initiatives with retailers.
• Create and execute customer strategies that increase volume, revenue and profit.
• Oversee commercial strategy for private‑label and white‑label products, coordinating with NPD, Production and Supply Chain.
• Manage tender processes, pricing negotiations and contract renewals.
• Analyse market, customer and competitor trends to identify growth opportunities and optimise pricing.
• Conduct regular business reviews with customers and internal stakeholders.

Required profile

• Significant experience in FMCG, drinks or food manufacturing, preferably beer/cider.
• Proven track record of managing relationships with major UK grocery retailers.
• Experience leading commercial negotiations and complex customer partnerships.
• Successful record of delivering revenue and profit growth.
• Experience leading and developing commercial teams.

Required skills

• Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking.
• Excellent relationship‑building and influencing abilities.
• Robust analytical and financial understanding.
• Negotiation and stakeholder management expertise.

What we offer

• Competitive salary £80,000‑£100,000 per year.
• Dynamic, innovative environment with opportunity to shape retail strategy.
• Remote working flexibility.
• Career growth in a fast‑moving consumer brand business.