COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Wren Laboratories Ltd is the company behind Optibac Probiotics, the UK’s most recommended range of friendly bacteria supplements. We believe in cultivating an environment where talent thrives, ideas flourish, and every team member plays a crucial role in our collective success.

As scientists discover more about the important role of the gut in overall health and wellbeing, the global demand for probiotic supplements is increasing dramatically and as the experts in friendly bacteria, specialising entirely in live cultures, we are committed to producing a high quality supplement range containing some of the most researched strains in the world, developed in the world’s leading laboratories.

Our award-winning range is sold in the UK, Ireland and many international markets via multiple different sales channels including pharmacies, health food stores, grocery, online retailers, marketplaces and Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners.

Pioneers of the probiotics supplement category, Optibac has long been championing the gut health revolution, tirelessly educating professionals and consumers alike on the benefits of friendly bacteria in maintaining overall health and wellbeing.  Our continual mission is to ‘empower millions of people to change their lives with the power of probiotics’.

A highly ambitious company who believe in really making a difference to people's lives through their product range, maintaining a vibrant & inspiring workplace and to giving back to wider society through charitable giving. To date Wren Labs has donated over £1.5m to charitable causes.   

As a family-run business we have a strong focus on work-life balance and ensuring contributions are recognised and valued.

MAIN PURPOSE & SCOPE OF THE JOB 

To lead and be accountable for all of Wren Laboratories current and future international distributor-based business assigned to you; translating company strategy into effective and actionable business plan that drive long term, sustainable growth, and agreed short term revenue and profit targets.

Flexibility is essential at Wren Laboratories, with all teams working closely together to support and develop the ‘Optibac’ brand, so occasional additional support duties may be required in other areas of the business.

TASKS & RESPONSIBILTIES

Regional Scope: TBC and changes can be made yearly. However, Middle East and Asia are focus areas for FY26/27

This document outlines the duties required of the post to indicate the level of responsibility. It is not a comprehensive or exhaustive list and duties may vary from time to time, but these would not change the general character of the job or the level of responsibility.

• Develop and Implement International Commercial Strategies: Collaborate with the Head of International to devise and execute a clear, long-term international growth strategy. Lead the development and implementation of actionable commercial plans that align with the company’s overall business objectives, considering specific market dynamics, cultural nuances, and future growth opportunities. Drive strategic initiatives that ensure sustainable, scalable growth across international markets, while balancing short-term revenue goals with long-term success.
• Business Planning: Set business objectives and manage the annual budgeting process.
• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key distributors and partners in international markets, attending trade shows/exhibitions where required, and carry out market visits as agreed with the distributor and Head of International.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams such as Marketing, Technical, and Finance to ensure seamless execution of commercial strategies.
• Financial Management: Monitor and analyse financial performance, including sales forecasts, budgets, and profitability; adjust ensure business objectives are met.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure all commercial activities comply with relevant international laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Operational Effectiveness: Oversee daily operations of the international team.  Support the transition of new business to the international team, consulting at the agreement phase. Allocate account management resources as appropriate and prioritise business actions.
• Communication: Proactively communicate needs, opportunities, and results across the company.  Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual reports/statements and general business analyses.

KNOWLEDGE, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• International outlook with a with solid cultural empathy and adaptability to different ways of doing business
• 5+ years of commercial management
• Demonstrable record of profitable sales and business development.
• Experienced orchestrator of potential brand partnerships and collaborations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.   

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Proven ability to create and execute long-term growth strategies aligned with corporate objectives.
• Strong Commercial Acumen. Ability to utilise data to assess performance, identify opportunities, and drive strategic decisions.
• Demonstrable ability to inspire, mentor, and develop teams, with a focus on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Experience in implementing structured performance management and supporting team members’ professional growth.
• Advanced negotiation skills and proficient in building and finalising distribution contracts and agreements.
• The power to be understood, great spoken and written communication skills.
• A persuasive collaborator who can manage senior internal and external stakeholders and confidently prioritise. 
• Willing to ‘get hands dirty’ to where necessary, but able to actively delegate.
• Advanced MS Office capability.

DESIRABLE SKILLS & ABILITIES

•  Fluency in English is essential, other languages are a plus.