Salary: £200,000 – £275,000 per annum
Location: Liverpool – Hybrid Working
Role Overview
Our client, a leading food retailer, is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Managing Director to lead and grow a significant part of their UK retail operation. This is a senior leadership role with full accountability for strategy, performance, and growth across stores, supply chain, commercial operations, and people.
You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of the business, driving profitable growth, operational excellence, and an outstanding customer experience in a highly competitive and fast-moving retail environment.
This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a high-impact leadership position within a dynamic, growth-focused food retail organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Business Strategy & Growth
*
Develop and execute a clear, multi-year business strategy aligned with the overall objectives of our client
*
Identify opportunities for growth across stores, formats, product ranges, and customer propositions
*
Drive revenue growth, margin improvement, and long-term profitability
Operational Leadership
*
Oversee end-to-end retail operations, ensuring consistent delivery of high standards across stores and support functions
*
Drive operational efficiency, cost control, and continuous improvement across the business
*
Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory, food safety, and governance requirements
Commercial & Customer Focus
*
Lead commercial strategy including pricing, promotions, category performance, and supplier partnerships
*
Champion a customer-first culture, ensuring a compelling and consistent shopping experience
*
Use data and insight to inform decision-making and improve performance
People & Culture
*
Build, lead, and develop a high-performing senior leadership team
*
Foster an inclusive, values-led culture focused on engagement, accountability, and development
*
Ensure robust succession planning and leadership capability across the organisation
Financial Performance
*
Hold full P&L responsibility, managing revenue, margins, operating costs, and capital investment
*
Set and deliver against financial targets, budgets, and forecasts
*
Balance short-term performance with long-term sustainable growth
Stakeholder Management & Reporting
*
Work closely with shareholders, board members, and senior stakeholders
*
Provide clear and regular reporting on business performance, risks, and opportunities
*
Represent the business externally with partners, suppliers, and industry stakeholders
Qualifications & Experience
*
Proven experience in a Managing Director, Commercial Director, or Operations Director role within food retail, grocery, or multi-site retail
*
Strong track record of leading complex, high-volume retail operations
*
Demonstrated success in driving growth, improving profitability, and leading transformation
*
Deep understanding of food retail dynamics, customer behaviour, and supply chain operations
*
Exceptional leadership, communication, and decision-making skills
*
Strong commercial and financial acumen with full P&L ownership experience
*
Experience leading large, geographically dispersed teams
*
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving retail environment
What’s on Offer
*
Competitive salary of £205,000 – £275,000
*
Hybrid working model based in Liverpool
*
Senior leadership role with significant influence and autonomy
*
Opportunity to shape strategy and drive meaningful impact within a major food retail business