Have you built and scaled a retail or out-of-home channel where the strategy, structure, and growth roadmap did not already exist?
Can you demonstrate how you’ve converted consumer insight and brand partnerships into commercially material, multi-channel growth?
Are you ready to take full ownership of a complex P&L while leading, developing, and holding teams accountable in a high-growth, evolving environment?
MB are partnering with a global FMCG business, looking for a Head of Retail and Strategic Partnerships. Permanent role. Based in St Albans.
We are seeking a high-calibre commercial leader to build and scale a high-growth retail and out-of-home portfolio across branded, private label, and wholesale partnerships. This role will define and deliver a category-leading retail strategy, unlocking new routes to market while accelerating performance across existing strategic accounts.
Operating at the intersection of retail, foodservice, and wholesale, the role has full ownership of strategy, execution, and P&L delivery, with responsibility for developing a high-performing team and deepening partnerships with some of the UK & Ireland’s most recognised consumer brands.
This is a rare opportunity to shape a relatively new channel within the business, delivering sustainable growth through insight-led selling, brand collaboration, and commercial excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Create and execute an end-to-end retail and out-of-home growth strategy in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
- Identify and secure new business opportunities across Grocery, Convenience, and Out-of-Home channels.
- Drive expansion across both branded and private label propositions.
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of National Account Managers, building capability and succession.
- Set clear objectives, performance standards, and accountability across channels.
- Full P&L responsibility, delivering ambitious growth targets with strong commercial discipline.
- Own forecasting accuracy and performance tracking across all key value drivers, including:
- Core product volume
- Equipment and solutions
- Servicing and recurring revenue
- On-the-go formats and unattended retail
- Ancillary and complementary products
- Build and strengthen senior-level relationships with strategic partners.
- Work closely with Marketing to translate consumer insight into compelling customer propositions.
- Lead complex, multi-channel negotiations and long-term commercial agreements.
What We’re Looking For:
- A proven senior sales leader with strong commercial and strategic acumen.
- Demonstrated success in building and scaling businesses across retail, foodservice, wholesale, or FMCG environments.
- Comfortable operating across multiple routes to market, including Grocery, Convenience, Multiples, and Out-of-Home.
- Strong track record of:
- Winning new business of scale
- Developing and implementing growth strategies
- Managing complex P&Ls
- Leading and developing high-performing teams
- Highly effective influencer, able to operate at Board and senior stakeholder level.
- Data-driven, numerate, and commercially astute.
- Experienced in brand-led, category, and solution-based selling.
- Tenacious, resilient, and growth-oriented, with a strong customer and consumer mindset.
For more information, please contact Alice Redmond.