Marketing Director (Business Unit Lead) – OTC & Consumer Healthcare | UK (Hybrid)

Marketing Director (Business Unit Lead) – OTC & Consumer Healthcare | UK (Hybrid)

Ref: 105420

Walker Cole International is partnering with a leading international Consumer Healthcare organisation to appoint a Marketing Director to lead its UK Consumer Healthcare Business Unit. The role carries full P&L ownership of a portfolio of well-known OTC and consumer health brands, with the scope to shape strategy, drive innovation and build a strong team.

Reporting into senior UK leadership, you will act as Business Unit Lead, responsible for everything from long-term brand and portfolio strategy through to commercial delivery, in one of the most competitive categories in UK consumer health.

Why this role?

Alongside leading marketing, you will run the Business Unit, with accountability for its commercial results and a seat at the senior leadership table. The business is part of an international group that is investing in UK growth, and the role is a natural step for a senior marketer looking to move into general management.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic & Business Leadership: Set the long-term vision and portfolio strategy for the UK Consumer Healthcare Business Unit, deciding where to focus brands, categories and investment to deliver profitable growth.

• Commercial & P&L Ownership: Take full accountability for the P&L, including revenue, gross margin, A&P investment and contribution. You will lead the annual business planning and budgeting process and track performance throughout the year.

• Innovation & Pipeline Growth: Lead innovation across OTC and consumer health, building a pipeline of NPD, line extensions, Rx-to-OTC switch opportunities and brand renovation.

• Brand & Marketing: Drive consumer-led brand strategy, integrated campaigns, shopper marketing and digital/eCommerce activity, all within the MHRA and PAGB framework.

• Cross-Functional & Matrix Leadership: Work closely with Sales, Trade Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Medical and European/Global colleagues to deliver plans across retail, grocery, pharmacy and eCommerce channels.

• People, Culture & Capability: Lead and develop a senior marketing team, building capability, a performance-driven culture and a strong succession pipeline.

Experience Required

• 10–15+ years' experience in Consumer Healthcare, OTC or FMCG, with significant time in brand marketing leadership
• Business Unit, General Management or P&L leadership experience
• A track record of growing large, multi-brand portfolios and leading senior cross-functional teams
• Experience delivering innovation and NPD; exposure to Rx-to-OTC switch or VMS would be an advantage
• Experience working in a matrix, international organisation and influencing at European/Global level
• Knowledge of UK consumer health regulation (MHRA/PAGB) and key retail and pharmacy customers is desirable
• An energetic, solutions-focused leader who enjoys a fast-paced, performance-driven environment

What's on Offer

Competitive base salary, bonus, car/car allowance, pension and benefits, with hybrid working.

To apply, or to discuss the role in confidence, please contact Christopher Sowden at cs@walkercole.com.

Marketing Director | Business Unit Director | Business Unit Lead | Brand Director | Category Marketing Director | Head of Marketing | Commercial Director | General Manager | Consumer Healthcare | Consumer Health | CHC | OTC | Over-the-Counter | Self-Care | VMS | Vitamins Minerals Supplements | Rx-to-OTC Switch | FMCG | Pharmaceutical | Brand Marketing | Brand Strategy | Portfolio Strategy | P&L | Innovation | NPD | New Product Development | Category Management | Shopper Marketing | Trade Marketing | eCommerce | Digital Marketing | Pharmacy | Grocery | Retail | MHRA | PAGB | Healthcare Marketing | Marketing Leadership | Hybrid | United Kingdom | UK