Senior Leadership Role Zeus Food

Business Unit Head Food Service Packaging (Zeus Packaging UK)

SUMMARY OF ROLE

The Business Unit Head for Food Service Packaging will take full responsibility for leading and growing this strategically important division of Zeus Packaging UK. Reporting to the UK Managing Director this role will drive customer acquisition and retention deliver sales revenue and margin growth and shape the commercial strategy to position Zeus as a leader in the UK food service packaging market. With accountability for sales procurement channel management new product development budgetary control and digital initiatives the BU Head will ensure Zeus maximises growth across all routes to market including direct customers distribution partners brand channels and last-mile fulfilment.

A key focus will be building sustainable compliant and innovative solutions tailored to customer needs in the food service sector. As a member of the UK Senior Leadership Team (SLT) this role will play a pivotal part in delivering the overall growth profitability and long-term success of Zeus Packaging UK.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Sales Channels & Commercial Leadership

• Develop and execute the Business Unit sales strategy to achieve revenue margin and growth targets.
• Lead customer acquisition retention and account development across all channels to market:

1. Distributor: grow share with wholesale and distribution partners.
2. Brand: develop Zeus-branded and own-label propositions to strengthen market presence.
3. Final Mile: ensure efficient cost-effective fulfilment for smaller and regional customers.

• Direct to Customer: deepen relationships with key national accounts QSRs and caterers.
• Build and maintain strong senior relationships with customers distributors and strategic partners.
• Oversee commercial tactics pricing strategies and contract negotiations across each channel.

Procurement & Supply Chain Alignment

• Lead procurement strategy for the BU ensuring competitive costs quality and availability.
• Work closely with suppliers to secure advantageous terms sustainable packaging innovation and reliable supply.
• Collaborate with the Head of Service Delivery to align supply chain performance with customer channel requirements particularly in final mile and distributor fulfilment.

Budgetary & Performance Accountability

• Own the BU P&L with full responsibility for revenue margin and cost control.
• Develop and manage the annual BU budget ensuring accurate forecasting and financial discipline.
• Monitor performance by channel tracking profitability and growth across direct distributor brand and final mile routes to market.
• Ensure all decisions are data-driven and aligned to sustainable profitable growth.

Online Sales & Digitisation

• Drive growth in online food packaging sales and customer self-service platforms particularly within distributor and brand channels.
• Champion the digitisation of sales ordering and customer engagement processes across all markets.
• Evaluate and implement technologies to improve efficiency compliance and customer experience.

New Product Development (NPD)

• Identify develop and deliver innovative sustainable product solutions aligned to food service market needs.
• Ensure NPD is channel-appropriate (e.g. tailored brand propositions distributor exclusives or direct customer solutions).
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to bring products to market quickly and effectively.
• Guarantee NPD complies with food contact regulations and supports sustainability goals.

Market Intelligence & Innovation

• Monitor competitor activity pricing and channel strategies to inform BU plans.
• Track and analyse sector trends including sustainability legislation and customer preferences.
• Use insights to refine propositions and campaigns by channel strengthening Zeuss competitive advantage.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead coach and develop the BU sales procurement and commercial teams.
• Ensure the team has clear ownership of channel strategies (direct distributor brand final mile).
• Build a high-performance customer-focused culture that promotes accountability and innovation.
• Ensure alignment with Zeus Packagings values strategic priorities and operational standards.

• Measures of Success
  Achievement of BU sales revenue margin and budgetary targets.
• Growth in market share and customer base across all channels.
• Positive P&L performance with strong cost control.
• Successful launch of new products across brand distributor direct and final mile routes.
• Increased share of online and digital sales.
• High levels of customer satisfaction retention and loyalty.
• Strong supplier partnerships and procurement savings.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

KEY SKILLS

• Proven track record in senior sales commercial or general management roles within food service packaging distribution or related FMCG/food sectors.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
• Demonstrable experience delivering sales growth margin improvement and budgetary control.
• Deep understanding of channel management including distributor brand and final mile models.
• Excellent negotiation communication and relationship management skills.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of food service packaging market dynamics.
• Experience in online sales growth e-commerce platforms and digital transformation.
• Background in NPD and market launch execution within regulated sectors.
• Proficiency in CRM systems sales reporting tools and customer service technologies.
• Proficient in AI prompt engineering and related tools.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Strategic thinker with strong execution skills.
• Highly motivated results-oriented and resilient.
• Innovative mindset with a passion for sustainability technology and customer-led solutions.
• Collaborative and able to build strong cross-functional and customer relationships.
• Customer-centric with a deep understanding of food service and catering industry needs.

Required Experience:

Senior IC