Some senior roles are about maintaining what already exists.This one is about helping shape what comes next.We’re exclusively partnering with an established, market-leading business within the UK pet industry to appoint its next Sales & Marketing Director.The business is already successful. It has an outstanding reputation, exceptional products, loyal customers and a talented team. What it needs now is an experienced commercial leader who can unlock even more of its potential.Someone who can bring Sales, Marketing and Product Development together. Someone who can develop talented people into exceptional leaders, strengthen the brand and turn ambitious ideas into commercial results.Most importantly, the Managing Director is looking for a trusted partner who can help shape the future of the entire business.If you want your next role to offer genuine influence, visible impact and the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy, this could be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.Why this opportunity stands outThis isn’t a turnaround role.You won’t be joining a business that needs rescuing or spending your first year firefighting. You’ll be building on strong foundations within a successful, privately owned company that is ready to enter its next stage of growth.You’ll have the freedom to look at the commercial function with fresh eyes, build on what already works and create even greater alignment between Sales, Marketing and Product Development.Your opinion will matter. Your decisions will make a difference. And your influence will extend far beyond the sales number.About the businessOur client is a well-established specialist with an enviable reputation across the UK pet industry.It has earned the trust of its customers through exceptional products, outstanding service and long-standing relationships. The company is now investing in its future, creating exciting opportunities across brand, digital, product development, customer experience and wider commercial growth.Despite its success, it has retained the culture and personality of a close-knit business. People know one another, ideas are welcomed regardless of job title and decisions can be made quickly.It’s ambitious without being overly corporate, professional without being political and large enough to offer genuine opportunity while remaining personal enough for your contribution to be seen and valued.The opportunityReporting directly to the Managing Director, you’ll become one of the most influential leaders in the business.You’ll take responsibility for the overall direction and performance of Sales, Marketing and Product Development, creating a joined-up commercial strategy and ensuring everyone is working towards the same goals.You’ll help determine where the business goes next and work alongside your teams to make it happen.That will include identifying new customers, channels and growth opportunities, strengthening the brand and digital capability, developing future leaders and using customer insight to influence commercial decisions.You’ll also play an important role in protecting what already makes the business successful: its reputation, relationships, service and people.This is a strategic appointment, but it isn’t one where you’ll sit at a distance. You’ll be visible, involved and comfortable moving between board-level conversations and practical delivery.Who we’re looking forThis role isn’t about finding the loudest salesperson. It’s about finding the right leader.You’ll understand how people, brand, product and customers come together to create sustainable growth. You’ll know how to unite different teams behind a shared vision and bring structure, pace and commercial focus without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.Industry knowledge is genuinely important. You’ll already have senior commercial leadership experience within the pet industry or a closely related companion animal market, potentially spanning pet food, accessories, animal health, aquatics, veterinary, specialist retail or manufacturing.You may currently be working as a Sales & Marketing Director, Commercial Director, Marketing Director, Business Unit Director, Head of Sales and Marketing or General Manager. We’ll also consider an exceptional senior commercial leader who is ready to step into a broader role.Above all, you’ll be someone who develops people rather than controls them, listens before acting and builds trust quickly. You’ll challenge constructively, bring clarity when it’s needed and know how to turn ambitious ideas into practical action.What success could look likeWithin your first year, you’ll have established yourself as the Managing Director’s trusted commercial partner and created an even more connected, capable and influential commercial function.You’ll have strengthened collaboration across Sales, Marketing and Product Development, developed the leadership team and helped unlock new opportunities for growth.You’ll have made a visible difference, while earning the trust of the people around you.And most importantly, you’ll have helped position an already successful business for an even stronger future.What’s on offerThe salary is £90,000–£110,000+ depending on experience, alongside an annual performance-related bonus, company car or car allowance, private medical insurance, company pension and hybrid working.Ready to shape what comes next?If you’re an experienced pet industry leader looking for more than another senior job title, we’d love to hear from you.This is an opportunity to join a respected business at an exciting point in its journey, work alongside an ambitious Managing Director and play a defining role in what happens next.Apply in confidenceThis confidential appointment is being managed exclusively by The Animal People Recruitment Company.Apply today or contact us for a completely confidential conversation.
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