Head of Impulse Full Time

We are a premium chocolate manufacturer established in 1845 operating in over 86 countries around the World. Guided by our Global purpose to Enchant the World with Chocolate and UK vision of Creating Moments to Make Everyone Feel Special, we have around 400 team members in the UK across our Head Office, Retail, and Field Sales divisions. We are a Top 20 Great Place to Work and are proud of our incredible people, our unique values-led culture and our iconic market leading brands such as LINDOR & GOLD BUNNY.

We’re also proud of being one of the few bean-to-bar chocolate makers in the world, where we control every step of our chocolate production.

How you could help us to Enchant the World with Chocolate

This is a key role at Lindt UK with responsibility for leading the Impulse channel which consists of: Symbols & Convenience (including Co-op), High Street, Wholesalers, Distributors & Food Service and Costco.

Globally Lindt has an ambition to grow share in the Convenience channel. In the UK, our ambition is to accelerate growth in Convenience doubling our market share in the next 3 years.

This role leads the Impulse team with ownership for the channel strategy, in year execution, customer relationships and team motivation and development. The role also requires broader leadership as part of Sales Leads and Extended Leadership Teams.

The Impulse team is a team of 13 with 3 direct reports.

Where you’ll be based

Richmond, London (Hybrid Working: 60% office / 40% working from home over 1 month)

Key Responsibilities

Lead the Impulse Team

• Set direction for the Impulse team in line with overall Lindt UK game plan
• Deliver in year financial targets including Sales and Profit targets
• Build and align an Impulse 3 year plan including resource and investment requirements

Develop Customers

• Lead for sustainable, profitable growth plans with customers aligned to Lindt’s in year game plan and longer term strategy
• Set and deliver against targets for visibility of core range and new product launches
• Develop deep understanding of customers and networks within them
• Develop credible and strong relationships at Buyer Controller/Director Level across customer base and with other key external stakeholders
• Ensure key contacts are bought into growth ambition for the next 3 years+ and have confidence in our longer term growth strategy
• Ensure strong activation of the brand supporting brand equity, rate of sale and driving customer engagement in growing Lindt
• Optimise commercial spend investments and sustainably grow Lindt profitability

Member of the Sales Leads Team / Extended Leadership Team

• Deliver in year Wholesale (Grocery, Impulse & Digital) financial targets including NTS and GP%
• Work closely with the Grocery leads and Digital Controller to continue the alignment as ‘One Sales Team’
• Contribute to the development of Wholesale 3 year plan and in year delivery
• Represent Sales in Demand Management Review while working collaboratively with other functions to deliver total business game plan
• As a member of the Extended Leadership collaborate effectively across functions, ensure transparency and shared understanding of deliverables, and contribute to broader business discussions and initiatives

Team Leadership

• Lead for a motivated, values led high performing Impulse team and ensure an action plan is developed and executed to continue to improve GPTW measures
• Lead, motivate, coach and develop a team of 3 direct reports
• Lead cross functional ways of working ensuring alignment of priorities
• Support development and succession within the Sales team and across Lindt
• Manage any performance issues quickly and directly, holding to account where necessary

What Experience You’ll Bring

• Head of or Controller experience in FMCG Commercial roles. Ideally with experience working with Impulse customers
• Strong track record of delivery
• Team leadership including providing clear direction and motivation of team
• Building external relationships and leadership of customer plans
• Strong communication and influencing skills
• Drive to accelerate growth
• Creative problem solver
• Strategic thinker, with a wide knowledge of the confectionery industry and its competitors

How You Will Be Rewarded

Internal level 3

For the Head of Impulse position, the salary range is £95,000 – £115,000. In addition, you will receive a benefits package including; car allowance, bonus, pension, life cover, chocolate allowance; chocolate give-aways, chocolate discount, birthday day off and so much more!

Being yourself every day

We want everyone at Lindt feel safe to be themselves, ensuring they are empowered, represented, celebrated and included in our workplace. You’ll notice this throughout the recruitment process; in our ‘dress for your day’ policy and through our proactive DE&I strategy.

Living our values everyday

At Lindt UK, our values guide us in everything we do. Being Passionately Lindt, Always Evolving, Building Real Relationships, Acting Responsibly and Making An Impact are an integral part of life here at Lindt.

What You Can Expect From Us

In return for everything that you’ll bring, we can offer you an exciting role in a fast-growing organisation, where we’ll provide an environment where you will thrive, feel supported and fulfil your career aspirations, all while supporting your physical and mental wellbeing.