THE ROLE

Reason for Vacancy: Replacement hire due to the current incumbent moving into a new role internally. This is a key leadership role within the team and an important succession pipeline position for future leadership progression.

Purpose of the Role: This role is responsible for leading the strategic direction of the Independent Retail Channel, which represents approximately 1/3 of the company’s revenue. The position combines strategic channel management, commercial planning, stakeholder management, and people leadership. The successful candidate will lead a team of three while overseeing large-scale trade initiatives, partnership concepts, and budget ownership of approximately €20 million. The role works closely with Sales, Trade Marketing, and other commercial functions to drive channel growth and improve market execution. The manager described the role as more strategic and commercially broad than a traditional Key Account Manager position, with strong visibility and future progression potential.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Lead the strategic development and management of the Independent Channel
• Develop and implement B2B and B2B2C commercial concepts and partnership initiatives
• Manage and develop a team of 2 Managers and 1 Executive
• Own and oversee a budget of approximately €20 million
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Market Forces, Trade Marketing, and external partners
• Drive strategic projects from concept creation through implementation and performance evaluation

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Strategic and conceptual thinker
• Ambitious and motivated by career progression
• Able to work effectively in fast-paced and demanding commercial environments
• Strong communication and stakeholder influencing skills
• Resilient and comfortable managing upwards and across multiple stakeholder groups
• Collaborative leadership style with focus on team development
• Commercially driven with a proactive mindset
• Strong organisational and project management capabilities

WHAT WE OFFER

In return for playing your part in building our future, you will receive a comprehensive compensation package with salary, bonus scheme and further benefits as well inspiring places to work and collaborate with purpose. Here at Imperial we will give you the opportunity to grow and learn, innovate at pace and be a part of our purpose to forge a path to a healthier future for moments of relaxation and pleasure for our consumers.

EVERYONE BELONGS

Everyone belongs in Imperial. We are proud of being a truly inclusive organisation. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, nationalities, disabilities, sexual orientation, religions or beliefs and of neuro divergence. We give fair and equal consideration to all our applicants. Please contact us at recruitment@impbrands.com to let us know if we can provide support in helping you complete an application and/or attend an interview.

ABOUT US

We're a truly international company, fourth largest in our industry and operating across 120 markets. An inclusive, innovative global FMCG business supported by 25,000 employees. As we embrace a new era of growth, we are transforming. Our ways of working and culture are driven by a challenger mindset, constantly questioning the status quo where people can bring their best selves to work. Our agility and collaboration are driving our ambitions, innovation and success all supported by our award-winning development programmes that creates exciting and rewarding career opportunities for all. Encouraging inclusion at local levels and supporting a developing and robust diversity agenda globally, we’re fully committed to creating and maintaining an environment that celebrates and respects difference.

As a matter of policy, Imperial Tobacco or its subsidiaries never requests or requires payment as part of any recruitment process.