UK Commercial Lead
Role Objective:
The UK Commercial Lead at Humantra will spearhead the company’s retail and commercial strategy in the UK. This role involves identifying and negotiating strategic retail partnerships, driving sales, and overseeing the retail P&L. The successful candidate will play a key role in expanding Humantra’s market presence and ensuring the brand’s success in one of its most critical regions.
As the UK Commercial Lead, your role will include:
- Developing and Negotiating Retail Partnerships (30%):
You will take the lead in identifying and securing strategic retail partnerships with major UK retailers, such as Boots and leading supermarkets. This will involve driving initial conversations, crafting compelling commercial proposals, and negotiating terms that align with Humantra’s growth objectives. Your focus will be on establishing and nurturing relationships that maximize brand presence and sales within key retail channels. - Managing Promotions, Discounts, and Sampling Initiatives (30%):
Working closely with the marketing and product teams, you’ll develop and execute promotional strategies that drive in-store visibility and consumer engagement. This includes managing discount plans, overseeing sampling programs, and coordinating in-store activations. You’ll ensure these initiatives align with broader brand objectives and deliver measurable results in terms of sales uplift and brand loyalty. - Overseeing Retail P&L and Financial Performance (20%):
You will be responsible for managing the retail profit and loss statement, ensuring financial targets are met while controlling costs. This includes regular financial reporting, analysis of retail sales performance, and making data-driven decisions to optimize profitability. You’ll work closely with finance and supply chain teams to ensure accurate forecasting and inventory management. - Building and Maintaining Strong Retail Relationships (20%):
Maintaining strong, empathetic relationships with retail partners will be key to your success. You’ll regularly engage with buyers and stakeholders through a mix of remote and in-person meetings, ensuring open communication and collaboration. This relationship management will be crucial in securing favorable terms, addressing challenges proactively, and driving long-term growth for Humantra in the UK market.
Key Responsibilities:
● Retail Partnership Development:
Identify, negotiate, and manage strategic retail partnerships with major UK retailers, including Boots and leading supermarkets. Develop joint business plans that align with both Humantra’s and the retailers’ goals.
● Sales Strategy and Execution:
Develop and implement robust sales strategies that drive market penetration, increase revenue, and expand Humantra’s brand presence across all retail channels.
● Promotions and Discounts:
Create and manage promotional strategies and discount plans that boost sales and enhance brand visibility within retail stores.
● P&L Management:
Oversee the retail profit and loss statement, ensuring that financial targets are met and costs are effectively controlled. Provide detailed financial reporting and analysis to senior management.
● Market Analysis:
Conduct thorough market research to identify opportunities, trends, and potential risks within the UK retail landscape. Use insights to refine sales strategies and business plans.
● Collaboration and Cross-Functional Leadership:
Work closely with marketing, product development, and logistics teams to ensure seamless execution of retail initiatives. Foster a collaborative environment that drives success across departments.
● Offline Partnerships and Sampling:
Develop and manage offline partnerships to increase brand visibility and consumer engagement. Oversee sampling programs, in-store activations, and experiential marketing events to drive product trial and brand loyalty.
● Negotiation and Relationship Management:
Lead negotiations with retail buyers and stakeholders, securing favorable terms and conditions. Build and maintain strong relationships with retail partners to ensure ongoing collaboration and success.
● Performance Monitoring and Reporting:
Track, analyze, and report on retail sales performance, providing actionable insights to senior leadership. Regularly review and adjust strategies to meet or exceed targets.
Requirements
Key Capabilities, Qualifications & Experience:
● Experience:
10+ years in a senior commercial or retail management role within the FMCG or CPG industry, with a proven track record in managing and growing large retail partnerships, with prior P&L accountability and track record of over achievement. Experience with UK retail channels is essential.
● Strategic Leadership:
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful sales strategies that drive significant revenue growth and market share expansion.
● Analytical and Financial Acumen:
Strong analytical skills with experience managing P&L statements, forecasting, and budgeting. Ability to analyze market data and turn insights into actionable business plans.
● Negotiation and Communication Skills:
Exceptional negotiation skills with a history of securing favorable deals. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
● Team Leadership:
Proven ability to lead, manage, and motivate a high-performance sales team. Experience in cross-functional leadership and collaboration.
● Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field. Advanced degrees or relevant certifications are a plus.
Key Core Competencies:
● Business Partner Relationship Management:
Develop and maintain strong partnerships with retailers, ensuring mutual growth and success.
● Strategic Planning and Execution:
Create and implement effective business plans that align with Humantra’s long-term goals.
● Innovation and Creative Thinking:
Identify and capitalize on new opportunities for growth and innovation within the retail space.
● Operational Decision-Making:
Make informed decisions based on data analysis and market insights, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
● Teamwork and Collaboration:
Work effectively within the team and across departments, contributing to a culture of collaboration and shared success.
● Performance Development:
Continuously seek opportunities for personal and team development, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Benefits
What you’ll get from us:
- 22 days holiday + Public holidays
- Remote work + travel to Dubai HQ when necessary
- Private Health Care Insurance for you & one family member
- Monthly stipend to contribute to health & wellness (gym memberships, supplements etc)
- 5 days per year “Work from Anywhere”
- A brand new Macbook or Windows Laptop
- Fuel Allowance
Interview Process:
Our aim is to keep the interview process as straightforward and enjoyable as possible, and will consist of the following stages:
1. Kick off! (Please apply now via Workable)
2. Introductory chat with founder, Charlie Wright (30-minute video call)
3. Take Home Task (60 minutes)
4. Chat with commercial team (30-minute video call)
5. Chat with external advisor (30-minute video call)
6. Final call with founder, Charlie Wright (up to 60 minutes)
Once the process is finished, we promise to let you know our decision as soon as possible.
At Humantra, we know that diversity drives innovation and creativity. We are committed to creating and maintaining a workplace where all employees feel valued and empowered to bring their most authentic selves to work. We recognise that diversity goes beyond visible differences such as race, gender, age, and ethnicity, and encompasses a broad spectrum of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and abilities. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply!