The Company

Canton is a small business with a compelling story and a world of potential. From small beginnings in 2007, they have entered the UK Tea market with passion and dedication -to quality, sustainability, corporate responsibility and most of all, to their customers, who they work with consultatively to bring them blends of the finest teas that match and enhance their brand. This dedication to ‘doing things right’ has seen them become one of the leading luxury tea brands in the UK, with established supplier relationships to many of the country’s 5* and fine dining establishments. Their customers include Soho House, Mandarin Oriental, The Ritz, Carlton Cannes and many more.

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Sourcing produce from around the world, they primarily work directly with small, artisanal producers. The product range (approx. 80 SKU’s) is packed and distributed by third-party partners under contract in the UK. Routes to market include both direct-to-end-user and third-party distribution.

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The Role

Following continued growth, we are seeking to appoint a Managing Director to lead the UK business and shape its future direction. This is a pivotal role that combines hands-on oversight of day-to-day operations with strategic planning and execution to drive sustainable growth and long-term value. The role will oversee multiple business functions with the MD having overall responsibility across:

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• Operations & Procurement: management of third-party distribution, supply chain management, strategic buying planning, supplier negotiations, demand planning and stock control, stakeholder relationship management, quality and compliance, import/export management, ERP system management, analysis and development.

• Commercial, Marketing and Communications: Strategic marketing planning and development, marketing budget management, website development, Management of Marketing and PR Resources, Management and development of brand agencies and packaging product development and innovation. Commercial support for all new business activities.

• Leadership: lead, mentor and support cross-functional teams across sales, operations and customer service. Foster a positive and inclusive culture which promotes collaboration, a growth mindset and a shared passion for the business and its products. Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and feedback ensuring that all team members are supported with professional growth opportunities and clear development pathways.

• Business strategy: development and delivery of product strategy for growth of existing and new categories, including product sourcing, commercial planning, coordination of launches with marketing and operations. Launching new packaging formats to support customer needs, improve operational efficiencies and align with sustainability objectives. Lead the business’ journey to B Corp certification.

• Processes & Systems: management and optimised business use of ERP and CRM systems, ongoing process improvement initiatives, management of business technologies and its effectiveness/requirements for modernisation.

• Finance: budgeting and financial planning, financial reporting, senior management reporting, pricing strategy.

 

The Person​

This is an opportunity which will enable you to deliver tangible growth and development to this small, established business with a great story and an opportunity to scale up substantially. It requires a dynamic, forward-thinking, and commercially astute leader to identify, nurture, and harness new opportunities, adapt to market trends and challenges, and deliver impactful strategies that continue to increase reach and presence within the UK and internationally.

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• Organised, agile and decisive leadership with the ability to balance strategic business planning with hands-on SME operations.

• Collaborative and supportive mindset with a passion for nurturing all professional relationships and driving innovative growth in line with business and brand values.

• Entrepreneurial style -proactively identifies opportunities and solves challenges with practical solutions.

• Confident and engaging communication and presentation skills. Able to present a compelling proposition and ‘bring people along’.

• Drive passion, collaboration, ambition and initiative with the team, empowering them to achieve more both personally and for the wider business.

• Strong analytical and organisational skills with the ability to produce analysis from data derived from several sources.

• Ability to research the market and put together a strategic business plan with a commitment to track and monitor results.

• Responsibility for budgetary, financial and strategic planning.

• Excellent at building enduring and positive professional relationships at every level with all stakeholders.

• HoReCa -passion, interest and knowledge, particularly within the high-end/prestige channels.

• Flexibility of approach. Ability to adapt to a fast-moving business environment.

• A shared passion for the business story and brand, its aims and objectives and its place within the UK HoReCa sector.

• The team is based in Bristol and a regular office presence is required to promote positive team collaboration, support and engagement.