Business Unit Controller (Sainsbury's & Waitrose)

Discipline: Drink - Soft Drinks
Job functions Sales - Grocery
Job type: Permanent
Contact email: lucy@marvelfmcg.co.uk
Job ref: 47780
Published: 1 day ago

Business Unit Controller (Sainsbury’s & Waitrose)

Our client is one of the most recognisable global brands, with a reputation for energy, innovation, and bold thinking. They are now seeking a Business Unit Controller (Sainsbury’s & Waitrose) to join their UK Off Premise Commercial team and shape the strategic growth of this high-impact business unit.

 

Ways of working:

Home based contract, with a day a week in their UK head office. Travel to customer meetings and internal sessions is expected as part of this senior commercial role.

 

Why this role?

- A chance to lead the strategy of a high-growth business unit, delivering volume, value share, and profit.

- You’ll be working within a global brand that values courage, creativity, and collaboration.

- An opportunity to influence UK&I and global stakeholders, shape commercial strategy, and lead a high-performing team.

- A business that’s actively committed to diversity, inclusion, and development, where different perspectives are welcomed and supported.

 

The job…..

As Business Unit Controller, you will define and deliver the commercial and growth strategy for the Sainsbury’s & Waitrose channels – leading the execution of joint business plans and owning the P&L for this unit. You’ll work closely with senior internal and customer stakeholders to drive sustainable growth across distribution, revenue, and profit.

 

You’ll build long-term customer partnerships, leveraging insights and innovation to position the brand as the category leader. Collaboration with Field Sales, Shopper Marketing, and Global teams will be key to ensuring best-in-class execution in-market.

 

You'll also lead and develop a talented commercial team of National Account Managers and Executives—fostering a high-performance, inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.

 

The Company…

Our client is a bold and dynamic brand, famous not only for its product but for pushing boundaries and rewriting the rules. They’ve built a collaborative, fast-paced, and purpose-driven culture that values people as much as performance. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, they empower employees to shape their careers and make an impact.

 

You… what are we looking for?

- Previous experience in a senior commercial leadership role.

- Strong track record in P&L ownership, strategic account development, and commercial negotiations.

- Experience leading, managing and developing diverse, high-performing teams.

- Confidence working with senior internal and external stakeholders.

- A collaborative approach, with the ability to influence through insight and strong communication.

- Comfortable using data and market trends to inform decisions.

 

How can we make our recruitment process more accessible for you?

We know that everyone’s needs are different. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to ensure the recruitment process works for you – from interview formats to communication support. We’re here to listen and adapt.

 

Feedback matters.

 

We believe in transparency and respect. Marvel FMCG will aim to respond to all applications within 2 working days, because we know that hearing back can make all the difference.

 

Responding makes us human.