Commercial DRS Leader

Who We Are

Suntory is a fast moving, agile and entrepreneurial business that is home to some of the nations most loved brands. The Suntory Group is one of the largest soft drinks companies and among the world’s leading consumer products companies. We offer a uniquely diverse portfolio of beverages enjoyed by millions across the globe

About your role

The Commercial Deposit Return Scheme Leader is a senior role responsible for DRS execution across our end-to-end business to grow our share, mitigate our costs, enhance our reputation and commercial transformation across SBFE GB.

This is a multi-faceted, business transformation, industry and customer facing role entrusted with ensuring the execution of some critical commercial, sustainability and legislation related initiatives, that can positively impact the success and growth of our business.

What You'll Do

ReCircle DRS Leadership

Lead the ReCircle Program team and stakeholders to execute DRS effectively

Improve effectiveness by enabling great connections, relationships and collaboration for effective cross business execution minimising risk and costs.

Ensure risks and benefits are built into the SBFE Strategic planning cycle (MTP/AOP/IBP)

Be the thought leader for DRS implementation and success in SGB&I

ReCircle DRS Execution Efficiency & Operational Excellence

Maintain efficiency in the business and ensure no business disruption during DRS implementation.

Devise a cost-effective plan to mitigate costs relating to DRS.

Optimise portfolio, pack and build growth plans to maintain / increase volume and margin.

Leading strategic decisions and providing direction to the cross functional team to implement those decisions through IBP and change management methodologies.

Liaison with the Commercialisation Leader to deliver change projects and solutions to mitigate DRS impacts

Liaison with the Customer Engagement and Sustainability Controller on key aspects of DRS and related topics

ReCircle DRS Planning & Commercial Governance

Contribute to the 3>1 Annual Strategic Planning Cycle, aligning stakeholders across Sales, Finance, Marketing, and Supply Chain

Ensure full optimisation of IBP and SGM to execute the projects and changes related to DRS to grow the business

Engage with internal and external stakeholders to understand and adjust plans accordingly on the changing landscape of DRS, Sustainability, legislation, and strategic projects.

Capability & Matrix Team Leadership

Build and maintain a connected high-performing, agile ReCircle Program team and on-board new starters

Develop commercial capability across sales, planning, and operations through hands-on coaching.

Embed a high-performance culture, with measurable objectives aligned to SBFE GB&I’s strategic vision.

What's in it for you

Joining Suntory isn’t just about taking on a role, it’s about embarking on a career journey. You have the opportunity to work with talented, inspiring and authentic leaders and have the freedom to dream big and go for it (Yatte Minahare). At Suntory you’ll find a supportive work environment that values work life balance and that will help you realise your full potential and grow for good. Our People and Culture team are a team that genuinely care about creating a great experience for our employees and we would love you to be part of it.

What You need to be successful

Degree educated

10+ years’ experience in FMCG commercial leadership, with strong exposure to operations, logistics, planning, transformation and matrix leadership

Demonstrated leadership of regulatory programmes (e.g. DRS, EPR) within complex commercial organisations

Proven track record of implementing large scale transformation programs and projects

Excellent people leadership skills and experience managing high-performing matrix teams

Strong commercial acumen and strategic foresight with ability to influence at all organisational levels

Ability to manage ambiguity, develop scenarios and continue to adjust plans and levels of risk across the business.

Key Competencies

Strategic Execution: Delivers value by linking strategy with practical and measurable execution.

Commercial Agility: Acts decisively in response to change; adapts strategies to evolving commercial and regulatory environments.

Influential Leadership: Gains trust across a wide stakeholder base; communicates with clarity and impact.

Data-Driven Thinking: Champions the use of data and systems to drive decisions, efficiency, and transparency.

Resilience & Change Leadership: Maintains focus and inspires others during periods of disruption and transformation.

Our DEI Commitment

At Suntory, we recognize that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavor to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.