Managing Director UK  – Premium Drinks Business – England – Up to £120k plus package 

My client is a premium drink brand with real momentum, and they are looking for a Managing Director to take the UK business to its next stage of growth.

The brand is already established in the UK, with a loyal following, strong credentials and a reputation for quality.

The foundations are in place and the ambition is big.

This is a true scaling opportunity.

You’ll take the helm of a lean, close-knit UK team and have the freedom to shape how it grows, from the structure and the people to the strategy and the culture.

You won’t be inheriting a corporate machine.

You’ll be building one, with the backing of a European parent business that is invested in the UK’s success.

One of the biggest chapters is the launch of draught into the UK, opening new on-trade opportunities and putting the brand in front of a whole new audience.

You’ll lead it from the front, from route to market and pricing through to activation and building the right partnerships.

It’s a hands-on role.

You’ll be out in the market, visiting accounts, working alongside your agency and wholesale partners and getting stuck into the detail.

You’ll also have a real seat at the table, working closely with the finance and operations teams and reporting directly into the European head office.

Your decisions will shape the UK P&L, and your voice will carry weight.

What this business offers:

• The chance to continue the growth of the UK business with real autonomy
• A high-visibility role with direct exposure to the European leadership team
• Competitive salary, bonus and benefits package
• A premium brand with an exciting growth story

Managing Director responsibilities include:

• Own the UK P&L and commercial strategy, driving profitable growth across both on-trade and off-trade
• Lead the launch of draught into the UK, building the route to market, pricing and on-trade activation plans
• Manage and get the best from an external sales agency, setting clear targets and holding them to account
• Develop and strengthen wholesale relationships, securing distribution and joint business plans
• Work closely with the finance and operations teams on forecasting, margin management, supply chain and planning
• Act as the key link with the European head office, representing the UK market and delivering against group objectives
• Recruit and build the UK team as the business grows, creating a high-performing, entrepreneurial culture
• Act as the face of the brand with key customers, partners and trade stakeholders

The Ideal Managing Director candidate:

• Proven senior commercial experience in premium drinks, alcohol or FMCG, with a strong UK on- and off-trade background
• A track record of growing brands or businesses, ideally in a start-up, challenger or scale-up environment
• Experience of draught or on-trade distribution is highly desirable
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, comfortable owning a P&L and working with finance and ops
• Experience managing agencies, distributors or wholesalers
• A genuine “roll your sleeves up” mindset, equally happy writing the strategy and visiting accounts
• Confident influencer with the presence to work with European senior leadership
• Experience building and developing teams

If you are interested in having a chat about this role, please forward updated CV’s to Mark@corecruitment.com

COREcruitment are experts in recruiting for Hospitality, Catering, Leisure, Retail, FM, Property and Construction sectors.

We currently have over 1350 live roles across the UK, Middle East, Europe, Africa, North & Central America and South East Asia.
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