Kepak is a leading food company with manufacturing sites across Ireland and the UK. The Group operates across three divisions: the Foods Division, Meat Division UK, and Meat Division Ireland. Guided by our values—Responsibility, Ambition, Passion for Food, and Teamwork—we are committed to operating as a successful, sustainable, future-ready business that is a great place to work. We supply fresh and value-added meat based products to retail and foodservice through private label and our own brands, including Rustlers, Big Al's and John Stone.
Kepak Meat Division Ireland operates across multiple manufacturing sites, producing a range of quality meat and protein-based food products for retail and foodservice customers across both domestic and export markets. The division is recognised for its operational excellence, strong customer partnerships, and continuous innovation.
We are seeking an ambitious EU Retail Development Manager to lead the development and execution of our European retail growth strategy. This role will be responsible for identifying and securing new direct-to-retail opportunities, strengthening existing customer relationships, and delivering sustainable growth across key European markets.
Working closely with Commercial, Operations, Supply Chain, NPD, Finance, Food Safety & Quality, and Marketing teams, you will drive strategic retail initiatives from concept through to implementation, ensuring commercial opportunities are operationally viable, scalable, and profitable. This role will require frequent travel across the EU.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement Kepak's long-term EU Retail Development Strategy to support growth ambitions across Europe.
- Identify and secure new retail business opportunities while managing and growing existing customer accounts.
- Build strong relationships with retailers, buyers, category teams, distributors, and other key stakeholders.
- Lead commercial negotiations, tender processes, pricing strategies, and contract management to achieve sales and margin targets.
- Drive retail operating model development and establish frameworks that support sustainable finished-product growth.
- Collaborate with NPD and Category teams to deliver innovative customer solutions aligned with market trends and consumer demands.
- Lead cross-functional projects, ensuring successful delivery of new retail initiatives and customer programmes.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and shopper insights to identify growth opportunities and enhance Kepak's retail proposition.
- Champion sustainability initiatives by aligning customer objectives with Kepak's sustainability strategy.
Requirements
- Proven business development experience within the FMCG industry and with retailers
- Relevant qualifications in any of the following disciplines an advantage: Business, agri-business, food business, strategic sales management, culinary, butchery or similar
- Demonstrated knowledge of retail category management, retail sales and supply chain channels
- Experience within the meat industry a distinct advantage
- Excellent customer relationship management, influencing and negotiation skills
- Strong commercial and financial acumen
- Fluency in English (written and spoken) essential
- Strong working proficiency in other EU languages also required: French, Italian and / or German language
- Project and budget management capability
- Full clean driving licence
- Full EU work and travel permit
Benefits
What can we offer you?
- Company Pension
- Paid Maternity Leave
- Further Education support - You’ll have clear pathways for advancement, supported by continuous professional development and a range of learning opportunities
- Refer a Friend Scheme - Earn up to Get up to €500 for successfully referring a friend or family member to Kepak Group.
- Bike to Work Scheme - Purchase a bike and safety equipment through a salary sacrifice scheme which reduces your taxable income – meaning you pay less tax!
- Long Service Awards - We recognise, acknowledge and award the dedication and valuable contribution of long serving employees
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