CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER – LEC BEVERAGES (TSINGTAO BEER UK)

Location: London, UK (Central London headquarters; full time in office; national travel required)

Reports to: CEO and Chairman

Industry: Alcohol / Beverage (Beer)

Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent

About the Role

LEC Beverages is looking for a commercially driven Chief Operating Officer to take overall command of daily operations and ensure outstanding business performance from our Central London base. This senior leadership position covers the full operational scope from strategic planning to market execution with a primary focus on our flagship brand Tsingtao beer while overseeing the entire beverage portfolio. The successful candidate will be instrumental in building scalable systems, leading teams, controlling budgets, and strengthening the company’s national footprint across both On Trade and Off Trade markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overarching operational direction ensuring supply chain, logistics, customer operations, and sales support deliver consistently at a national level

• Work in close alignment with the Head of Sales to deliver robust commercial plans, promotional strategies, and pricing models that protect margin and drive growth

• Develop and maintain influential relationships with major multiples, wholesalers, pub groups, and trade partners to secure and expand distribution

• Lead demand planning, S&OP processes, and inventory management to optimise availability and minimise waste

• Take senior level responsibility for the Tsingtao UK key account ensuring service excellence and long term growth

• Build, inspire, and manage high performance teams with clear KPIs and accountability measures

• Deploy scalable ERP, CRM, and BI systems to support data led decision making

• Ensure compliance with all UK alcohol legislation, customs processes, and retailer protocols

• Lead negotiations with logistics providers, agencies, and suppliers to achieve best in class cost and service

• Take full P&L responsibility delivering revenue, gross margin, and EBITDA in line with the board’s strategic plan

Candidate Requirements

• Senior leadership track record in the UK beer or alcohol sector with success in both On Trade and Off Trade markets

• Strong relationships with retail and wholesale decision makers with proven experience in growing national listings

• 10+ years in operations, commercial leadership, and supply chain management in FMCG or beverages

• Demonstrable P&L ownership and financial discipline

• Proficiency in S&OP, ERP, CRM, and BI platforms

• Strong commercial negotiation and board level communication skills

• Full UK driving licence and ability to travel nationally

• Full time Central London office presence required

Package

• £60,000 – £80,000 base (DOE)

• Performance bonus

• Car allowance

• Long term career development in a fast growing portfolio