Head of Grocery - Branded Food

Job Title: Head of Grocery - Branded Food
UK (Wimbledon office) | Full-Time

Help bring Korea's hottest global food brand to the UK!

About Samyang Foods UK

Samyang Foods, the iconic creator of Buldak, is one of the world's fastest growing food brands. Consumers can't get enough of the bold, unapologetic flavour of Buldak ("fire chicken") which has redefined spice since its launch in 2012.

Right now, Samyang Foods is exploding globally, with a viral momentum driven by TikTok and Google Trends - Buldak is flying off supermarket shelves worldwide. To strengthen our footprint in Europe, we have established Samyang Foods UK, a dedicated UK business focused on accelerating sales, brand presence and long-term partnerships across the Grocery and Independent retail market sectors.

We're a fast-moving, entrepreneurial team bringing Samyang's legendary heat to more consumers across the country, and we're looking for a Head of Grocery who shares our values of trust, integrity, collaboration and a deep passion for the brand.

This is our start point - and we're building something truly special.

Role overview

As our Head of Grocery, you will have a passion for the FMCG industry and will lead efforts to introduce and promote Samyang Foods' products across the UK. Operating as a senior member of the commercial team, you will have full ownership of major Grocery retail accounts, drive sustainable growth and build long-term, strategic partnerships.

Working closely as a cross-functional team, you will have genuine influence over business direction and lead with the autonomy to make a meaningful impact. You will operate in a fast- moving, entrepreneurial environment where trust, integrity, collaboration and passion for the brand are central to how we work.

Responsibilities

• Leading the UK Grocery channel and delivery of the commercial strategy.
• Support the ambitious growth agenda for the UK business to help grow both its core range and NPD pipeline.
• Leverage data, category insights and shopper trends to shape strategy.
• Build strong, long-term relationships with our sales partners to deliver sales targets.
• Analyse consumer trends, competitor products, and market share to inform product strategies.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Trade Marketing, Finance and Supply Chain.
• Ensure alignment of the sales & marketing plan for UK to achieve KPIs.
• Lead NPD process based on the financial planning (sales / profit / volume estimation).
• Working with the Q&A team to uphold changes with existing and newly launched products.

Requirements

• 8-10 years' FMCG branded food experience managing top tier Grocery retail accounts.
• Strong commercial acumen with advanced negotiation skills.
• A hands-on approach and start-up mentality to think strategically.
• A love for food, culture and building brands with authenticity.
• Strong team working ethic with a creative mind-set.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
• Analytical, with data-led approach to decision making
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

Benefits

• A rare opportunity to help build Samyang Foods UK from the ground up.
• The chance to work with one of the world's fastest growing and most viral FMCG brands
• Competitive Salary
• Pension plan
• Vitality Benefit (£50 a month)
• 25 days of paid time off
• Company laptop & phone
• Life insurance
• An international team of highly skilled colleagues
• Professional growth and mentorship as the UK business scales.
• Real ownership, autonomy and the ability to make a visual impact.