Customer Development Manager UK FMCG Grocery

Colgate; Woking; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consumer products company is seeking a Customer Development Manager to join their team in Woking, UK. This role involves driving sales and profit growth through effective management of business relationships and strategic planning. The ideal candidate will excel in P&L management and have a strong commercial acumen. This position requires collaboration across departments and a proactive approach to optimize business performance in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in building business relationships.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and negotiation skills.
• Ability to develop actionable commercial strategies.

Responsibilities

• Drive budgeted sales and profit growth.
• Implement and manage a Joint Business Plan.
• Identify critical issues and lead optimization initiatives.
• Develop a 3-year retailer strategy.
• Collaborate with different teams to drive business solutions.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Influence & Stakeholder Management

P&L management

Data analysis

Job description

Company Overview

Established in 1806 as a small soap and candle business in New York City, Colgate-Palmolive is now a truly global company with products sold in over 200 countries and territories under such internationally recognised brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, elmex, Tom's of Maine, Sanex, Ajax, Axion, Soupline, Haci Sakir, Suavitel, PCA SKIN, EltaMD, Filorga and Hello as well as Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet.

Colgate-Palmolive is a leading consumer products company that serves hundreds of millions of consumers worldwide with brands and products across four core businesses – Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. We are committed to offering products that make lives healthier and more enjoyable, and programmes that enrich communities around the world.

Every day millions of people trust our products to care for themselves and the ones they love. Our goal is to use our technology to create products that will continue to improve the quality of life for our consumers wherever they live.

A career at Colgate-Palmolive is an excellent opportunity if you seek a global experience, constant challenge, and development opportunities in an environment that respects work/life effectiveness.

Job Title

Customer Development Manager UK FMCG Grocery

Travel Required

Travel - 50% of time

Posting Information

Posting Start Date: 11/07/2025

On-site

Job Location

Woking, Surrey

Reporting To

Customer Development Director

Why Join Our Team?

Join Colgate Palmolive, a global leader investing in your career, our world-renowned brands, and cutting‑edge technology. We’re committed to a culture built on Caring, Inclusion, and Courage, providing a place where your decisions make a tangible impact on our business and market position.

• World-Class Brands: Partner with iconic brands and contribute to global strategies.
• Impact & Autonomy: Operate in a fast‑paced environment with personal accountability to directly influence our day‑to‑day performance and long‑term strategy.
• Future‑Ready Workplace: We are investing heavily in new tools and technology, including AI, to empower our teams, streamline processes, and make your role more strategic and fulfilling. You will be at the forefront of commercial innovation.

The Role

As a pivotal member of the Customer Development Team, you will be instrumental in driving budgeted sales and profit growth, shaping a sustainable, mutually prosperous business model, and spearheading innovation within one of our most critical accounts.

What You Will Deliver

Financial & Growth Stewardship: Consistently exceed net sales, margin, and profit targets. You will develop, implement, and actively manage a dynamic Joint Business Plan, taking full ownership of customer forecast volumes, sales, and investment, including meticulous management of the 5P planning process and financial accruals.

Strategic & Commercial Acumen: Leverage sharp commercial instincts to interrogate business performance, swiftly identify critical issues and untapped opportunities, and lead effective resolution and optimization initiatives. You will develop and rigorously implement a forward‑thinking 3‑year retailer strategy.

Retailer & Shopper Expertise: Cultivate robust external networks to gain unparalleled insights into the retailer landscape. Develop a profound understanding of the client's strategic imperatives and shopper insights, expertly aligning our brands to maximize impact and category growth.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Shopper Development, Category Management, Commercial Strategy, and Brand teams to construct high‑performing, people‑centric plans, drive Omni Demand Generation, and implement groundbreaking business solutions. You will build strong internal networks to ensure seamless cross‑functional support and actively shape the overall team strategy.

Who We're Looking For

You are a commercially astute leader with a proven track record of building robust, influential business relationships and delivering highly creative, profitable solutions.

Profile

Bright, ambitious, and results‑oriented with exceptional strategic thinking and negotiation prowess.

Skills

Adept at identifying growth levers and translating complex data into actionable commercial strategies. You thrive in a fast‑paced, autonomous environment.

Influence & Stakeholder Management

A proven ability to build trust and influence decision‑making at senior levels, both internally and with external customer leadership.

Commercial Expertise

Demonstrable expertise in P&L management, Joint Business Planning (JBP), and a track record of implementing the 5P/7P framework to deliver year‑on‑year market share growth.

Ready to make an impact? Apply today to join our courageous team!

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.