Commercial Director

"We are a mission driven Venture Capital fund that aims to remove animals from the food system."

After a busy 24 months, where Veg Capital has invested in more than 25 food brands, there is a requirement for an experienced commercial head to join the fund and unlock additional growth. Overarching each area of the portfolio, you will lead the growth agenda and continue the founding mission. The successful candidate will be working with Matthew Glover (Co-Founder of Veganuary and Managing Director of Veg Capital) and the wider Veg Capital team to accelerate the success of its portfolio companies. Taking a consultative approach to the role, you will guide and support a varied and innovative portfolio of food & drink companies at varying stages of their development. Opportunities of this nature are unique and no one day will be the same. To make an impact you will need an excellent knowledge of the UK and International food sectors. You will have scaled brands, built / mentored teams, created complex retail, OOH and online customer strategies. M&A experience would also be highly beneficial. 

YOUR OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking an outstanding commercial candidate who will share in our client’s mission to create a successful food portfolio that will make a positive and sustainable change to the world and the lives of people and animals living in it.

This would be an ideal platform for an exceptional Group Sales Director / Commercial Director to catapult themselves into the epicentre of the biggest growth opportunity in the food industry.

This is a rare chance to join a mission-driven investment company within the fastest growing area of the food sector. The role holds tremendous potential for a forward-thinking Sales Director to join an ethical mission that aligns with their values. The successful candidate will land a diverse role that will impact over 25 vegan food & drink companies with an aligned ultimate goal.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Open-up and lead senior-level discussions (and manage ongoing relationships) with customers, suppliers and industry associations for the benefit of portfolio companies.
• Consult on and co-ordinate commercial strategies and plans for portfolio companies to maximise individual and collective opportunities.
• Support portfolio companies in the development of their teams, systems, processes and general commercial capability.
• Set and be responsible for delivery of short- and long-term commercial objectives (Volume, Revenue, Margin, Share, etc)
• Identify promising white space areas for Veg Capital to make future investments.
• Attend Veg Capital Investment Committee meetings to provide commercial perspective to investment decisions.
• Represent Veg Capital at portfolio company BOD meetings if required.
• Attend both in-person and virtual events (trade shows, conferences) which are relevant to Veg Capital’s strategy.
• Provide commercial support for Veg Capital’s interests with the soon to be launched ‘Sentient Ventures’ growth fund.
• Work with market research companies to analyse and interpret market trends to help identify opportunities for portfolio companies.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• The successful candidate will be aligned to the mission - displaying a passion for good food, sustainability, caring for the environment, social justice and animal protection.
• Exceptional at building sustainable commercial relationships with complex and demanding stakeholders.
• Skilled at developing company growth strategies.
• A commercially rounded and polished professional who understands the manufacturing process and the complexities of introducing new product innovations to the UK food markets. 
• Astute problem solver with analytical skills to interpret commercial performance, future market trends and an ability to challenge the norms.
• Ability to handle multiple projects at once that vary in size and scope.
• High energy, self-starter, able to operate at a senior leadership team level.
• Entrepreneurial flair - familiar with ambiguity and energised by the process of building a sustainable organisation from the ground up.

LOCATION

The successful candidate can be based remotely in the UK, with occasional team meetings in London. Regular visits to the portfolio businesses and manufacturing facilities comes with the territory at this level.

THE DEAL

£ Up to £120,000 + Car Allowance + Bonus + Benefits

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV and a cover letter to mark.gouland@bluerice.co.uk

Closing date for applications: 18th March 

First Stage Zoom interviews to be run W/C 21st March

Second stage interviews undertaken in London W/C 28th March. 

Blue Rice and Veg Capital are equal opportunity employers; we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or age. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all members of the team.

Job details