Divisional Managing Director

Job Title: Managing Director

Salary: £200,000 £275,000 per annum

Manchester to Northampton

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