Channel Head

Job description

HEAD OF OUT-OF-HOME - PREMIUM BEVERAGE BRAND

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a unique opportunity to establish yourself as the Head of Out-of-Home at the UK's fastest growing business in its product category. As the company continues its impressive growth trajectory, this role offers significant potential for increasing seniority and responsibility as the leadership team expands with business scale. While the initial focus is on personal contribution to establish the channel, there is clear potential to build and shape your own team as the business grows. You're joining at a pivotal early stage of growth for this private equity-backed business, positioning you as one of the most senior commercial leaders as the business scales, with the autonomy to make a lasting impact on our Out-of-Home channel strategy.

This role represents an opportunity for career progression through increased responsibility and autonomy to create value, positioning you for future leadership as the business scales. The Out-of-Home channel is at an early stage of development, with significant upside potential as you establish and grow this critical business area. You will have the ability to shape the business' go-to-market strategy for the channel, so it's a chance to build a reputation for yourself as a value creator within a private equity-backed business.

This role will not be suited to somebody who needs a mature brandname, frequent strategic direction on how to spend their time nor somebody who needs established systems and processes in order to generate sales. This role offers significant autonomy and the opportunity to leverage your experience in the drinks category to generate value within an entrepreneurial and fully aligned team.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Position: Head of Out-of-Home Industry: Premium Beverages / FMCG Location: Hybrid - Commuting distance to London (2 days/week in office) Reporting to: Sales Director Timing: ASAP, with notice expected

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• Basic Salary: £60,000 - £65,000 per annum
• Bonus: Performance-based bonus scheme
• Benefits: Usual benefits + others to be discussed with management

ROLE PURPOSE

To drive sales growth of a premium beverage brand through the Out-of-Home retail channel, expanding presence in convenience stores, forecourts, travel retail, leisure retail, and independent retailers where packaged beverages are sold for takeaway or consumption elsewhere. You will be comfortable with strategic focus on Impulse purchases and brand activation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Channel Development:

• Develop and execute out-of-home retail sales strategy
• Target convenience stores and forecourts (Spar, McColls, BP, Shell, etc.)
• Build relationships with travel retail operators (airports, train stations, service stations)
• Penetrate leisure retail venues (cinema foyers, theme park shops, stadium concessions)
• Expand into specialist retail (delis, farm shops, health food stores)
• Manage independent retailer network

Account Management:

• Secure shelf space and promotional placements with key accounts
• Manage margin structures and pricing for retail channel
• Conduct staff training and product education for retail staff
• Monitor stock levels and optimize ordering cycles
• Build strategic partnerships with retail operators and wholesalers

Sales Execution:

• Achieve monthly/quarterly sales targets for OOH channel
• Develop retail promotional programs and point-of-sale materials
• Manage pricing and discount structures for retail
• Coordinate with marketing on retail-specific campaigns
• Provide market intelligence on retail trends and competitor activity

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

Essential Experience:

• Minimum 3+ years' sales experience with a clear track record of winning and growing retail accounts
• At least 2+ years in soft drinks, beverages, or closely relevant FMCG category with significant focus on the UK out-of-home channel (convenience, forecourt, travel retail, leisure retail)
• Existing network of contacts across convenience retailers, forecourt operators, travel retail, leisure venues
• Commercial understanding of retail margin structures, shelf placement, and promotional effectiveness

Personal Attributes:

• Highly motivated and driven - self-starter mentality
• Able to hit the ground running - minimal ramp-up time
• Strong commercial acumen - understands retail margin structures
• Excellent relationship builder - can develop retail partnerships
• Resilient and persistent - can handle retail buyer resistance
• Strategic thinker - can develop channel strategy

Practical Requirements:

• Already living within a commuting distance to London - required 2 days/week in office
• Field-based role - extensive travel across territory
• Right to work in UK - no sponsorship available

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Direct experience selling premium beverages into UK out-of-home retail
• Existing relationships across convenience, forecourt, travel retail, and leisure retail operators
• Demonstrable OOH retail route-to-market effectiveness with evidence of managing profitable growth
• Experience with independent retailer networks and distributor management

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

• Stage 1: CV screening and initial video call interview
• Stage 2: Competency-based interview with hiring manager
• Stage 3: Presentation/case study on OOH retail strategy
• Timeline: Aiming for 2-3 week process from start to offer

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Greater London

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

19-03-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English