A Sales Director in the FMCG Chilled sector is a pivotal executive role responsible for steering the commercial strategy and driving revenue growth for perishable food and beverage products. This high-stakes position sits at the intersection of strategic leadership, team management, and deep category expertise, specifically within the fast-moving, temperature-controlled chilled environment. Professionals in these jobs are the architects of market expansion, tasked with navigating the unique complexities of supply chain logistics, product freshness, and dynamic consumer demand to secure a dominant market position. Typically, the core responsibilities of a Sales Director – FMCG Chilled encompass developing and executing a comprehensive commercial strategy to maximize sustainable category growth. This involves defining key growth categories, understanding evolving consumer need states, and refining business strategies to capture market share. A significant part of the role is building and nurturing strategic relationships with key retail customers, often large supermarket chains, to secure premium shelf space and drive joint business planning initiatives. Externally, they act as the face of the business, while internally, they lead and coach a first-class commercial team, fostering a high-performance culture. As a key member of the commercial or executive leadership team, they contribute to the wider strategic agenda, focusing on overall business effectiveness, profitability, and long-term success. They also work cross-functionally, aligning sales objectives with supply chain, marketing, and finance to ensure a cohesive growth agenda. The typical skills and requirements for these leadership jobs are stringent. Candidates must possess extensive senior commercial or sales experience within the FMCG sector, with a proven track record ideally at a Head of Sales or Director level, specifically in chilled foods. A genuine ‘foodie’ perspective and passion for the category are often essential, providing the insight needed to innovate and compete. Exceptional relationship-building and negotiation skills are paramount for managing high-level customer partnerships. Strategic vision, analytical prowess to interpret market data, and strong financial acumen are required to manage substantial P&L responsibilities, often for business units worth hundreds of millions. Leadership and coaching abilities to develop talent, resilience to manage pressure, and the capability to drive internal and external change agendas are also critical hallmarks of success in this demanding yet rewarding profession. For those seeking to impact the future of food retail, Sales Director roles in FMCG Chilled represent the pinnacle of commercial leadership jobs.
