Head of Wholesale

Head of Wholesale

Competitive salary plus performance bonus and fantastic benefits

40 hours per week across 5 days, Monday – Friday (flexibility required to meet business needs). Based onsite - BA7

Due to the location of the Estate a driving license is recommended for this role

Advert closes: 13th April 2026

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🔗Learn about The Newt in Somerset

A rare opportunity to build and lead a fast-growing wholesale division from the ground up

Our Head of Wholesale

This is a brand new role and an exciting opportunity to shape and lead one of the fastest-growing areas of our Commerce team, building it into a scalable, multi-year business. You will take full ownership of The Newt’s wholesale division, establishing strong foundations and driving sustainable growth in line with our production capabilities and brand positioning. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will develop a robust, future-ready wholesale model that reflects the quality and integrity of everything we produce on the estate. The wholesale range spans four estate production units:

• Bakery — slow-fermented breads, viennoiserie and patisserie;
• Creamery — handmade cheeses and dairy including estate buffalo mozzarella;
• Butchery — estate-reared and cured meats, charcuterie and sausages;
• Farm Kitchen — ready meals, soups and seasonal preparations.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and deliver wholesale revenue targets across all product categories
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of new and existing accounts
• Develop and scale across retail, trade and distribution channels
• Lead national retail engagement and secure key supermarket listings
• Oversee pricing, positioning and commercial negotiations
• Partner with logistics to ensure fulfilment aligns with growth
• Implement systems for forecasting, reporting and performance tracking
• Lead, develop and inspire the wholesale team

What we can offer

• A positive workplace environment with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally.
• Peace of mind with Employee Life Cover, providing your nominated loved one with 2x your salary.
• Support from our Employee Assistance Programme, including unlimited 24/7 remote GP appointments for you and your family.
• Look after your wellbeing with complimentary access to our Spa and swimming pools and our exclusive benefit of 50% off Spa Treatments.
• Stay in shape with complimentary use of our gym and wellbeing classes.
• Access to our Cycle to Work scheme, supporting wellbeing and sustainable commuting.
• Complimentary staff meal when onsite – crafted by our dedicated kitchen team, often featuring fresh produce from our estate.
• Enjoy shopping in both our shops on estate and online with 30% discount for all our colleagues and free delivery for any online purchases.
• Complimentary garden membership for The Newt and our partner gardens, including the Eden Project, Kew Gardens and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
• We value your hard work and recognise your achievements through our colleague recognition programme – Newt Awards, with the opportunity to achieve amazing rewards, including a complimentary Hotel Stay.
• Discover exclusive perks with discounted hotel stays for staff, accompanied by a 30% discount at our restaurants.
• A team that knows how to have fun with regular team engagement activities, including Fun Squad events.
• Up to 30 days annual leave each year for our full-time team.

What we're looking for

• Proven senior leadership experience in wholesale, FMCG or premium food sectors
• Strong track record of selling into UK national supermarkets
• Experience scaling and structuring a wholesale operation
• Commercially astute with deep understanding of pricing, margins and trade terms
• Confident negotiator with key account management expertise
• Operationally rigorous with strong strategic thinking
• Resilient leader with the ability to drive performance and accountability
• Experience working with production-led environments (desirable)

Where you'll be working

The Newt in Somerset is a working country estate comprising a destination hotel, internationally recognised gardens and a vertically integrated food production operation including bakery, creamery, butchery and farm kitchen. All products are grown, reared and produced on site.

The wholesale division distributes estate-produced goods including slow-fermented breads, viennoiserie, patisserie, handmade cheeses, dairy, estate-reared meats, charcuterie, sausages, ready meals, soups and seasonal preparations. The function operates across premium retail, independent trade and food service channels, with a focus on quality, brand integrity and scalable growth.

Who are we- The Newt in Somerset

Nestled within an expanse of rolling fields and steeped in ancient history, our luxury country estate stands as a haven of refined elegance, inviting guests to explore acres of captivating gardens, meandering pathways, and enriching exhibitions - accessible 364 days a year for our members. Our hotel extends a warm welcome, offering a home-away-from-home experience where impeccable service flourishes in an ambiance of unassuming sophistication. Beyond the estate, the Newt's essence remains tangible, with our Ecommerce teams delivering our finest products to homes, while media and membership endeavours keep them informed of our latest developments. Behind the scenes, a tapestry of talented teams - from Housekeeping to HR, Finance to Farming - collaborates harmoniously, crafting an unforgettable journey of growth, development, and innovation, where every contribution creates unparalleled experiences.

INDAVR