Reports to
Head of retail and marketplaces
Direct reports
None
Contract
Fixed term contract – maternity cover
Accountabilities
GS1 was created for industry by industry to enable businesses to solve common challenges in the world of retail. GS1 gives industry the power to uniquely identify individual products in retail and is crucial to driving business strategy.
You will operate as part of the Retail and Marketplaces team, working closely with colleagues across retail, standards, regulatory and commercial functions to deliver GS1 UK’s retail ambitions. This role will grow the reach and impact of our work, focussing on 3 key priorities:
The transition to next generation of barcode GS1 QR: One of the most exciting innovations since the barcode, we are transitioning the UK market to QR codes powered by GS1 which will enable retailers to prevent the sale of expired or recalled stock and enable brands to drive consumer marketing, sales and digital insights. Engagement will be retailer led, focusing on enabling retail adoption at scale while supporting alignment across brands and solution providers where required.
The growth of our standards within apparel: GS1 identification standards have been the backbone of grocery retail for the last 50 years. We are now expanding the use of our standards in further retail categories with a priority focus on apparel. You will work with the UK apparel sector to influence industry on the benefits of using GS1 standards including how our identifiers can enable market access.
Managing our Retail Advisory Group (RAG): We have built a strong retail advisory group consisting of senior leaders across major brands and retailers. You will maintain and manage strong relationships with members of the RAG and lead preparations for 3-4 face-to-face group discussion sessions per year.
Lead a defined portfolio of retail accounts, initiatives and priority topics, taking end to end responsibility for strategy, engagement and outcomes, while working in partnership with colleagues across GS1 UK.
Amplify our presence in the market
Own and develop strategic account relationships with UK retailers, acting as the primary point of engagement for GS1 UK across priority retail accounts, ensuring strong retention, advocacy and long term value creation.
Lead structured account management activity across priority retailers, including account planning, stakeholder mapping, opportunity identification and coordinated engagement with internal GS1 UK teams.
Bring the purpose of our standards to life
Act as a subject matter expert for retail, bringing informed insight on retailer priorities, market dynamics and regulatory change to shape GS1 UK thinking, planning and external positioning.
Build our reputation
Enhance GS1 UK’s brand positioning, increasing its relevance within the retail sectors through relevant, targeted networking and building effective relations with key players.
Develop relationships and advocacy
Understand the requirements of UK retail including key players, government and regulators.
Identify, qualify and progress business development opportunities primarily with retailers, supporting the adoption and expansion of GS1 standards across retail operations, supply chains and regulatory initiatives.
Provide informed challenge and insight internally, helping teams align activity to retailer needs, market realities and strategic priorities.
- Proven experience in account management or senior stakeholder relationship management, ideally within or alongside large retailers.
- Demonstrable experience identifying and progressing business development opportunities through trusted client relationships.
- An understanding of how retailers value, prioritise investment and adopt industry standards.
- Extensive knowledge of the retail sector, their partners and trading communities.
- Track record of collaborative working with cross-functional teams delivering strategic plans.
- Proven skills in using Microsoft O365 applications. Knowledge of cyber security best practices in line with the UK Cyber Essentials framework, including secure working methods, identifying threats, and proper data management.
- Comfortable operating as a trusted partner to senior retail stakeholders and internal colleagues, balancing commercial acumen with sector leadership and long term relationship building.
- Ability to thrive in environments where change and ambiguity are the norm
- Can consistently navigate complexities while taking a solution and delivery focused approach
- Ability to make decisions and lead progress though clear and consistent messaging across all stakeholders
Why join us?
As a colleague at GS1 UK you will enjoy a supportive working environment along with a generous amount of benefits available to you.
A healthy work life balance (hybrid working with flexibility on start and finish times)
25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days every year
Join our social and charity team events
Generous pension scheme with employer contributions up to 12%
Life assurance policy (5x annual salary) to give you a peace of mind
Full range of benefits available (PMI, dental, travel, gym membership and many more)