Commercial Manager - Sainsburys
Nomad Foods is Europe’s leading frozen food company and one of the largest in the world. Our portfolio of leading brands, anchored by Birds Eye, Findus and iglo, have been serving local European markets for generations and stands for food that is great tasting, high quality and convenient.
Today, the business’s portfolio is entirely composed of European frozen food. With over €2 billion in annual revenues, Nomad Foods are a pan-European business offering a wide range of products across multiple categories, including frozen fish, vegetables, ready meals, poultry, pizza and potatoes. As the #1 player, we have 14% share within Western Europe’s €26 billion savoury frozen food market and are more than two times the size of our nearest competitor.
The business are a strategic partner supplying all of the UK’s major supermarket chains.
The Brief
Nomad Foods required a highly capable Commercial Manager with a strong track record of success withSainsbury’s. The role reports into the Sainsbury’s Account Controller and is responsible for supporting the development and execution of the commercial strategy for one of Nomad’s most strategically important customers.
This individual would take ownership of delivering key elements of the Sainsbury’s joint business plan, driving growth across multiple frozen food categories, and managing cross-functional relationships to ensure alignment and delivery of business objectives.
The brief called for an experienced commercial professional with proven experience managing or supporting one of the UK’s top four retailers, ideally Sainsbury’s. Strong commercial acumen, analytical capability, negotiation skills, and relationship management were essential.
We sought a driven and ambitious individual who could identify opportunities, influence internal and external stakeholders, and contribute to a collaborative, performance-focused customer team. The ideal candidate would be classically trained within a major FMCG organisation and bring experience within branded food or drink.
Cultural fit was also a key consideration. Nomad Foods prides itself on being a collaborative, purpose-driven, and forward-thinking business, with strong values and a clear ambition for growth across Europe.
Alexander Steele Approach
The process began with a detailed discussion between Alexander Steele, theSainsbury’s Account Controller, and the recruitment team at Nomad Foods. Together, we defined the key account priorities, challenges, and success criteria for the role.
Our team utilised its extensive FMCG network, engaging a combination of known contacts, recommendations, and targeted headhunting activity. We focused on identifying commercially astute individuals with direct experience managing Sainsbury’s or a comparable top four grocery account.
The resulting shortlist included high-calibre candidates from leading branded food manufacturers. Each candidate demonstrated strong category understanding, customer engagement, and the ability to work collaboratively within a dynamic team structure. We conducted in-depth interviews to assess commercial achievements, Sainsbury’s relationship experience, and alignment with Nomad Foods’ culture and values.
Outcome
The successful Commercial Manager joined Nomad Foods and has quickly settled into the team, building strong relationships both internally and with the Sainsbury’s buying team. They have already contributed to key range reviews and joint planning sessions, reinforcing Nomad Foods’ position as a trusted and strategic partner.
Both Nomad Foods and the appointed candidate are extremely pleased with the outcome, and Alexander Steele continues to work closely with the business on additional senior commercial and category appointments.