Commercial Directors in FMCG hold one of the most senior and commercially accountable roles in the business. They typically oversee both sales and marketing functions, own the total revenue and gross profit P&L, and define the go-to-market strategy that drives profitable growth. They sit on the senior leadership team and often report directly to the MD or CEO.
Sales Director / Marketing Director (10–14 yrs)
Entry level — gaining FMCG foundations
Commercial Director (12–18 yrs)
Mid-level — building core expertise (12–18 years)
MD / CEO (15+ yrs)
Senior — leading teams and strategy
Board NED / Advisor (20+ yrs)
Head / Controller — full functional ownership
Commercial strategy & P&L ownership
Core competency for Commercial Director roles
Executive leadership
Core competency for Commercial Director roles
Channel & customer strategy
Core competency for Commercial Director roles
Marketing strategy oversight
Core competency for Commercial Director roles
Mergers & acquisitions support
Core competency for Commercial Director roles
Private equity investor management
Core competency for Commercial Director roles
Board reporting and governance
Core competency for Commercial Director roles
Business transformation
Core competency for Commercial Director roles
These are the skills that differentiate senior Commercial Directors: International or export market leadership, Private equity and growth equity experience, M&A integration or carve-out, ESG and sustainability strategy. Investing in these capabilities alongside core skills typically unlocks faster progression and higher salary offers.
Browse live FMCG Commercial Director jobs posted on FMCG Hire — updated daily.