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