Head of Channels, UK

Since 1965, Yoplait, the brand affectionately known as 'the little flower', has been spreading French dairy know-how throughout the world. We want everyone to have access to the nutritional benefits and delicious taste of our yoghurts. Our brands are present in more than 50 countries and we are the world's second largest player in fresh dairy products and every minute, 20,000 Yoplait products are consumed worldwide. We have been pioneers of the dairy category for almost 60 years and launched in the UK in 1991. Proud to be owned by the largest cooperative of dairy farmers in France, we make sure that their hard work is rewarded by capturing every precious drop of creamy milk inside each of our delicious yoghurts. Innovation runs through our DNA. We were the first to launch fruit yoghurts, the first to launch a drinking yoghurt and the first to launch yoghurt in a tube. Our brands such as Petits Filous, Frubes, Wildlife or Yop are iconic and are a staples in UK homes. Position Overview Lead the development and execution of a high‑growth channel strategy across Convenience, Out of Home, and Wholesale. Lead the growth of the Yoplait yogurt and dairy portfolio across high‑growth, impulse‑led and fragmented channels. The role is accountable for delivering profitable revenue growth, expanding distribution, and building strong customer partnerships in the Convenience, OOH and Wholesale channels. Leveraging a core team of Account Managers and the wider commercial team to unlock the Yoplait growth ambition in these key channels. Key Responsibilities Channel Strategy & Growth Roadmap Define and execute a clear channel strategy for Convenience, OOH, and Wholesale aligned to overall business objectives Identify and unlock growth opportunities across sub‑channels (e.g. symbols, independents, foodservice, travel, contract catering, etc) Lead entry and expansion into new routes to market and new customers to close "white space" Customer Leadership & Commercial Delivery Foster senior relationships with key customers (e.g. Bestway, major convenience groups, OOH distributors) Lead Joint Business Plans with top customers to unlock mutual growth Deliver Net Sales, Volume, and Profit targets across all channels Negotiate trading terms, pricing, and promotional plans aligned to strategy Route‑to‑Market & Execution Excellence Define optimal route‑to‑market models (e.g. direct vs distributor) Ensure execution excellence and OSA (on‑shelf availability) across fragmented customer and channel landscape Drive improvements in distribution, availability, and visibility Portfolio & Channel Differentiation Shape channel‑specific propositions (e.g. pack formats, price points, exclusives) in partnership with RGM, Category & Marketing teams Drive innovation tailored to channel needs Financial & Performance Management Own full P&L for channels, including revenue, margin, and investment Manage trade spend and ensure ROI‑driven investment decisions Track and report performance vs KPIs and implement corrective actions Deliver profitable growth, balancing volume and margin Cross‑Functional Leadership Partner with Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Category & RGM teams Ensure alignment on forecasting, supply, and demand planning Champion the voice of these channels within the organisation Team Leadership & Capability Building Lead and develop a high‑performing sales team Build capability in negotiation, channel strategy, and execution excellence Foster a culture of ownership, agility, and external focus Position Criteria Proven senior sales leadership experience within FMCG Strong understanding and experience of UK retail trade Strong track record in Convenience, Wholesale and OOH channels Experience managing fragmented routes to market and distributor networks Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills Excellent story telling skills, including clear call to action Strong commercial acumen with P&L ownership Ability to operate both strategically and operationally Experience leading and developing high‑performing teams Experience of delivering results through working in cross‑functional teams. Understanding of category management process and how to leverage to generate wins Degree calibre. Leadership Profile Externally focused - deeply understands customers, shoppers, and channels Growth mindset - constantly seeks new opportunities Execution obsessed - turns strategy into reality Resilient and agile - thrives in fast‑moving, complex environments Collaborative leader - brings teams together to deliver results Company's Benefits Family‑Friendly Policies Flexible working schedule FlexFriday (possibility to finish at 3pm and no‑meeting Fridays) Join our culture Pillar: CSR, personal growth, well‑being…there is something for you! Collaborative and new workspace with monthly building events Generous matching pension scheme (L&G) Company paid Dental Insurance (BUPA) Company paid Private Medical Insurance for you and your family (AXA) Life Assurance 25 days of annual leave + 8 BH Service Scheme (1 additional day off per year from Year 2 until reaching 30 days) Buying/ Selling/ Carry over scheme #J-18808-Ljbffr