Henley Brewing Co. is one of the South East’s most established independent brewers — £42m turnover, family-owned for three generations, and now at the inflection point where the next chapter requires a Commercial Director who can hold the strategic seat at the leadership table.
The role reports to the Managing Director and takes over a team of fifteen — six in sales, four in marketing, three in trade accounts, and two in commercial operations. It’s a substantial role with substantial autonomy. The brief, in honest terms: take the commercial function from “well-run for the last decade” to “set up for the next.”
What the business is looking for: ten-plus years in commercial leadership at a multi-million-pound consumer-goods, FMCG, or drinks business. Strong P&L ownership history. Comfortable with both modern data-driven commercial work and the relationship-led trade-accounts side of a regional brewer’s business. Likely currently a CCO or Commercial Director at a smaller business, or a Senior Commercial Director at a larger one ready to step up.
Compensation: £110-130k base + car allowance + 20% performance bonus. Hybrid working with two days at the Henley site. The package is competitive for the region but the genuine draw is the role itself — substantive, autonomous, at a business that’s well-run.
The brief is run by Rachel Marlow (Founding Partner, Commerce practice). First conversation is 30 minutes, no obligation.