Regional Manager - UK & Ireland

Overview

Our client is a leading global pet food manufacturer, is seeking a highly experienced, results-driven Regional Manager to lead their operations in the UK & Ireland. This senior role carries full P&L accountability, driving sales growth, market share, and brand presence in one of their most important regions.

The ideal candidate will combine strategic leadership with hands-on commercial expertise, building strong partnerships with retailers and distributors, while fostering a close and collaborative relationship with the European headquarters and cross-functional leaders to ensure aligned goals, knowledge sharing, and best practice implementation.

Purpose of the Role

To develop, maintain, and grow long-term relationships with key customers, distributors, and partners across the UK & Ireland. The Regional Manager will define and implement strategies that ensure brand consistency, market growth, and sustainable profitability, while aligning with their overall European business objectives. A key aspect of this role is close collaboration with the Managing Director, other country managers, and functional heads (Marketing, Supply Chain & Logistics, Finance, HR) to ensure integrated planning, operational excellence, and seamless execution across the region.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Leadership

• Develop and execute the UK & Ireland sales strategy in line with European objectives
• Achieve annual revenue, profit, and market share targets
• Lead high-level negotiations with retail chains, distributors, and other key partners
• Provide accurate sales forecasts and deliver against budget commitments
• Actively contribute to European leadership meetings, sharing local insights to shape regional strategies.

Brand & Marketing Management

• Plan and execute impactful brand and promotional campaigns, in-store and online in close collaboration with the European marketing team
• Ensure all activities comply with brand guidelines and protect intellectual property
• Use market and consumer insights to guide product positioning and marketing spend
• Work closely with the Logistics & Supply Chain departments to ensure timely, successful product launches.

Market Development & Expansion

• Identify and secure new business opportunities in the pet food sector
• Launch new products with strong retail activation and promotional support
• Represent our client at trade shows, exhibitions, and industry events

Operational Excellence & HEADQUARTER (HQ) Alignment

• Maintain close, transparent communication with HQ to ensure alignment on strategy, priorities, and performance metrics
• Monitor competitor activity and provide regular market intelligence to HQ and relevant department heads
• Drive cross-functional projects in cooperation with Marketing, Logistics & Supply Chain, and Finance to maximise efficiency and customer satisfaction
• Foster a collaborative, solution-focused working culture between the UK & Ireland, teams and headquarters, ensuring shared successes and alignment on strategic priorities

Essential Qualifications & Skills

• 7–10 years’ sales leadership experience in the pet food industry (FMCG experience an advantage)
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with international teams and cross-functional leaders
• Proven track record in managing major retail and distribution accounts
• Strong negotiation, relationship management, and business development skills
• Analytical mindset with experience in market research and data-driven decision-making
• Self-motivated, commercially astute, and results-oriented
• Fluent in English (written and spoken); advanced MS Office skills
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field
• Willingness to travel regularly within the UK, Ireland, and Europe
• Full, clean UK or Irish driving licence

Key Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinking and commercial acumen
• Drive for results and accountability
• Customer focus and relationship building
• Strong planning and prioritisation skills
• Excellent communication and influencing abilities
• Team collaboration and stakeholder engagement