Chief Operating Officer - Alcohol

Overview:

Jack & VMA GROUP are delighted to be representing an exceptional and fast-growing client in the premium beer and beverage sector, a business with an impressive and diverse portfolio, strong market presence, and ambitious growth plans. They are now seeking a commercially astute Chief Operating Officer to take the reins of daily operations from their Central London HQ, with a focus on their flagship premium beer brand.

This is a hands-on, high-impact leadership role for a proven operator in the UK beer or alcohol industry. You’ll oversee everything from supply chain, sales operations, and route-to-market strategy to key account growth and commercial performance. The COO will work closely with the CEO to deliver on strategic goals, build high-performing teams, and embed scalable systems and processes that drive national availability, visibility, and profitability.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead operational functions including supply chain, logistics, customer operations, and sales operations to ensure nationwide service excellence.
• Partner with sales leadership to deliver commercial plans, promotional calendars, pricing strategies, and margin optimisation.
• Build and leverage strong relationships with major multiples, symbol groups, wholesalers, and pub groups.
• Oversee S&OP, demand planning, and inventory health, driving accuracy and efficiency.
• Take executive ownership of key national accounts, ensuring sustainable growth and exceptional service.
• Recruit, coach, and inspire teams with clear KPIs and accountability.
• Implement ERP, CRM, and BI tools to enable robust, data-led decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with all UK alcohol regulations, duty and customs processes, and health and safety standards.
• Negotiate with suppliers, logistics partners, co-packers, and agencies to deliver cost and service improvements.
• Own the P&L, delivering revenue, gross margin, and EBITDA in line with board targets.

About you:

• 10+ years’ leadership experience in the UK beer industry, across both On-Trade and Off-Trade - this is highly desirable - alcohol industry - considered
• Proven track record of securing and expanding national listings.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in pricing, margin management, and working capital control.
• Skilled in S&OP and confident with ERP, CRM, and BI systems.
• Exceptional negotiation and relationship management skills.
• UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationwide.

Why this role?

This is a rare chance to step into a pivotal leadership role at a highly respected, high-growth player in the drinks industry. You’ll have the autonomy to shape the operational future, influence strategy at board level, and be part of an ambitious journey to scale an already successful brand portfolio even further.

Benefits & positive Bonus

Due to a high volume of applicants, we are unable to respond to everyone. We will get in touch if you are successful in your application.