Deputy Managing Director

Executive Search Firm Monroe Consulting Group is recruiting a Deputy Managing Director on behalf of a food distribution company based in Makati City. The position will work closely with the Managing Director to oversee the company's daily operations and strategic initiatives, with a primary operational responsibility for the Modern Trade channel (supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience chains). The ideal candidate is a proven business leader with strong commercial acumen, particularly in modern trade and FMCG distribution, and the ability to manage cross-functional teams spanning sales, marketing, supply chain, finance and HR.

Leadership & strategy (joint with MD)

• Partner with the MD in defining and executing the company's strategic plan and growth targets.
• Drive cross-departmental alignment to ensure consistent performance and customer satisfaction.
• Represent the company in key negotiations with suppliers, partners and industry stakeholders.
• Act as the MD's delegate in operational or strategic matters when required.

Direct operational responsibility - Modern Trade

• Lead and grow the Modern Trade division, including account management, trade marketing, category management and promotions.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key retail partners, ensuring win-win commercial agreements.
• Monitor pricing, promotional activities and shelf presence to maximize sales and market share.
• Work with the supply chain team to ensure optimal stock levels and on-time deliveries to retailers.

Cross-departmental supervision (progressive involvement - with full oversight expected upon succession)

• Sales (HORECA): ensure alignment between Modern Trade and HORECA strategies, finding synergies whenever possible.
• Marketing: oversee brand strategy, local activation and product launches.
• Supply chain & logistics: supervise demand planning, import processes, warehousing and distribution.
• Finance (in conjunction with Bangkok HQ reporting lines): review P&L performance, gross margin optimization, AR improvement and cost control initiatives.
• HR: promote talent development, team engagement and performance management systems.

Performance monitoring

• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) for all business units and report to the MD and shareholders.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and profitability.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain, or related field (MBA preferred).
• 10 - 15 years of progressive leadership experience in FMCG or food & beverage distribution.
• Proven modern trade management expertise (category negotiations, retail activation, pricing strategies).
• Solid understanding of import/distribution operations in the Philippines.
• Good financial literacy (P&L management, budgeting, gross margin analysis).
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
• Leadership style that combines strategic thinking with hands-on operational management.
• Adherence to company values: Win, Collaborate, Learn.