Head of Wholesale & Foodservice in Knowsley, Merseyside

Senior Commercial Leadership | Wholesale | Foodservice | Team Development

We're not looking for someone to manage the business they already have - we're looking for someone to build the business they don't.

Redfox has been exclusively engaged by a highly established and successful UK fresh produce business looking to appoint an outstanding Head of Wholesale & Foodservice. Our client has an excellent reputation, strong supply relationships, an extensive fresh produce portfolio and ambitious plans for further growth. This appointment will be central to delivering those ambitions.

THE ROLE

This is much more than managing an existing sales desk or maintaining established customer accounts.

We are looking for someone capable of taking genuine ownership of the wholesale and foodservice commercial operation… leading the team, developing the customer base and creating a more proactive, commercially driven culture.

You will be responsible for:

• Leading, motivating and developing the existing commercial team
• Bringing greater structure, accountability and energy to the department
• Proactively recruiting and developing additional commercial talent
• Taking ownership of key wholesale and foodservice customers
• Growing existing accounts in terms of volume, range and profitability
• Identifying and winning new customers and commercial opportunities
• Improving margins and ensuring sustainable commercial returns
• Working closely with procurement, operations, technical and senior management
• Helping shape the future commercial strategy for these important channels

THE PERSON

Fresh produce experience would be highly advantageous, but we’re equally interested in the quality and commercial capability of the individual.

We want to speak with people who can demonstrate:

• Strong senior-level knowledge of UK wholesale and/or foodservice
• Proven commercial and account-management ability
• Genuine people-management and leadership capability
• Experience recruiting, building and developing successful teams
• The confidence to challenge, make decisions and drive performance
• A strong understanding of margin, volume and profitable account growth
• Excellent customer relationships and industry credibility
• A proactive, entrepreneurial and hands-on approach

This role will suit somebody who enjoys being close to both the customer and their team.

We are NOT looking for someone who simply maintains what is already there. We want someone who can lead. Someone who can develop people. Someone who can identify opportunity. And someone who can turn that opportunity into profitable growth.