Managing Director

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 autonomyA high-visibility role with direct exposure to the European leadership team Competitive salary, bonus and benefits packageA 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 backgroundA 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 wholesalersA 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 MarkCOREcruitment 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. To view other great opportunities please check out our website  or call us on  for a confidential chat about upcoming opportunities.

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