If there is anything we have learnt about the CPG market over the years, it’s that whatever the trends are and however outside influences (such as tech) change the landscape, businesses still need to make things, market them, sell them and get them in the consumers’ hands! We have a really experienced team, who have been working in this market for many years and who can support across numerous disciplines including Sales, Marketing, Category & Shopper, Insight, Supply Chain & Operations & HR. We have an unrivalled network and understanding of how the FMCG market place works and our passion is in finding people with the ability to make a real difference with our key clients.
The CPG Team
Grace Middleton
Recruitment Consultant
I started my career in sales within the charity sector, before securing my first recruitment role in the education sector. Having recently joined the CPG team at Better Placed, my remit is the recruitment of Brand and Category roles across the north. I’m passionate about building long lasting relationships, an ethos which is very much aligned with the BPR values. For a confidential search about your career or hiring needs, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. A little about me…I’ve had the incredible experience of living in both South Korea and Australia, which gave me a deep appreciation for different cultures (and a bit of Korean language skills too).
Andrew Gibson
Joint Managing Director
I was one of the three founding members of Better Placed in 2001 and I've since been integral in building the business. My particular network has grown into many different areas over the years in recruitment, but always with a particular bias towards sales and marketing professionals into consumer markets.I now recruit senior executive and board level roles into both blue chip branded businesses as well as smaller, owner managed and private equity backed businesses. When I'm not recruiting for my clients, I am always looking for talent for Better Placed and making sure the business continues to attract people who care about the work we do and are constantly improving the way we do business.Outside of work I invest time and money in developing our house (which we started when the recession hit us back in 2008!), coaching and watching my kids play hockey and rugby and playing hockey and golf myself to keep (relatively) fit.
Andy Young
Partner - bpe search
I'm a Partner at bpe search and lead our Consumer Practice, working closely with clients across FMCG, direct-to-consumer and private equity-backed businesses. While my core focus is on the FMCG space, I also work with a wide range of organisations from PLCs to start-ups, including many SMEs where founders are still actively involved in the business.I’ve delivered leadership talent into General Management and functional Director roles, partnering with both local and international boards. I pride myself on building long-term, sustainable relationships based on trust, transparency and a genuine commitment to delivering for both clients and candidates.Before moving into executive search, I spent time in commercial roles at Diageo, Pladis / United Biscuits and Coca-Cola, which gave me a strong foundation in what great leadership looks like in fast-paced, brand-led businesses.
Alex Hamilton
Partner - bpe search
I’ve been with the business for over 10 years and I am now Partner of our US Operations, leading the growth of bpe search across North America. My focus is on senior-level appointments within the FMCG, Consumer Goods and D2C sectors, building on the experience I gained delivering leadership assignments across the UK and Europe.In the US, I work closely with a mix of founder-led, private equity-backed and corporate businesses, helping them navigate critical hiring decisions that shape growth. Whether I’m partnering with a founder or advising HR and Talent teams, my approach is always strategic, practical and informed by deep market knowledge.What drives me is the opportunity to connect ambitious businesses with leaders who will make a lasting impact. I enjoy the challenge of identifying the right person for each unique situation and seeing the difference that great talent makes.Over the past few years, I’ve helped establish and scale our presence in the US, building strong partnerships and opening up new opportunities for the business.
Sophie Brocklebank-Fowler
Business Manager
With over 8 years of experience recruiting into the CPG market, I specialise in marketing and commercial roles spanning brand, innovation, insights, analytics, category management, shopper and trade marketing and revenue growth. I work closely with a range of brand owners from global FMCG giants to fast-growing challenger brands and have developed a strong network of candidates across the marketing and commercial spectrum, from manager through to director level. I pride myself on offering a thoughtful, honest and consultative approach. Whether it’s advising on the right talent to drive a team forward or helping candidates take the next step in their careers, I take time to understand what makes people and businesses tick. My goal is always to make the right long-term match. I’m known for being approachable and responsive, with a strong grasp of what’s happening in the market, from candidate movement and salary shifts to how businesses are reshaping teams to support growth. If you're looking for a recruiter who genuinely cares about outcomes and relationships, I’d love to hear from you.
Michael Thomas
Partner- bpe search
I lead the Industry & Manufacturing Practice for bpe search working in both consumer and industrial markets to deliver leadership assignments across Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering and Technical functions as well as General Management and MD appointments.Before joining the team, I had built my extensive network and expertise through lead roles in global plc, executive search and privately owned recruitment businesses including a successful spell co-running his own venture.I have developed a reputation for quality of service, integrity and professionalism and my approach is honest, constructive and consultative. I pride myself on delivering high quality shortlists and on building lasting, mutually beneficial partnership within my network
Thomas McGlinchey
Director
Over the past seven years in recruitment, I have partnered with start-ups, SMEs, and blue-chip CPG companies across the UK and helped them to expand and attract talent to their commercial teams, facilitating an increase their market share and reach. My approach is characterized by attention to detail and genuine care and I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built as a result.My specialism is the recruitment of Commercial Roles for CPG companies in the UK. I recruit from NAE level right through to Director across all routes to market. I also specialise in recruiting MS&P/RGM roles in addition to E-Com Sales specialists.As someone who has worked in the industry, I am well-equipped to guide and develop careers based on my own experiences and past mistakes. Having worked in commercial roles, I understand the challenges of seeking a new position or advancement. I have interviewed with companies such as Red Bull, Nestle, and Dunbia, and am familiar with the complexities of the recruitment process. Over the years, I have successfully placed hundreds of candidates who have not only remained with their companies but have also advanced in their careers. I invite you to check out my testimonials on LinkedIn, which I hope will give you the confidence that you’re in the safest hands in the industry!
Leah Ross
Delivery Consultant
With a focus on talent delivery and research, I support the CPG team at Better Placed by uncovering high‑quality, hard‑to‑find marketing and commercial talent across the consumer goods space.My role is all about going deeper into the candidate market, identifying individuals who aren’t actively looking but are perfectly aligned to the roles we’re working on. I work closely with our consultants and clients to understand each brief in detail, ensuring that every search is targeted, relevant and insight-led.From mapping out competitor teams to tracking salary shifts and market trends, I bring a layer of intelligence that supports faster, smarter hiring decisions. Clients value the depth of research I provide, while candidates appreciate a considered, personalised approach that puts fit and long‑term potential first.Whether you're scaling a team or making a key strategic hire, I help ensure no stone is left unturned.
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From QR Codes to Compostable Packs: Packaging Trends UK Shoppers Love
Packaging is no longer just a protective layer. It is a brand storyteller, a sustainability statement and a powerful connection point between product and shopper. Whether you're a brand leader looking to build loyalty or a candidate seeking your next challenge in the CPG space, understanding what resonates with consumers is crucial. The UK market is evolving fast, and packaging trends are right at the centre of it all. So what are shoppers loving right now, and what does that mean for talent and hiring in the consumer goods world?Sustainability First Consumers are making more conscious choices, and packaging is often their first impression. Compostable, recyclable and reusable packaging is no longer a nice to have. It is expected. Brands across FMCG are redesigning packaging strategies to reduce waste and meet sustainability targets. What this means for clients: Candidates with experience in sustainable sourcing, packaging innovation or circular design are increasingly in demand. What this means for candidates: If you have worked on packaging projects that cut carbon, reduced materials or eliminated plastic, make sure it is front and centre on your CV and LinkedIn profile.Smart Packaging is Getting Smarter QR codes were the quiet achievers during the pandemic, and they have stuck around for good reason. Today, they link shoppers to immersive brand experiences, ingredient traceability and loyalty schemes. Some brands are even using them to promote social causes or share exclusive content. What this means for clients: You need marketers and brand leaders who understand how to connect the physical product to the digital world. What this means for candidates: If you have experience launching campaigns that blend physical and digital experiences, this is the time to showcase that work.Minimal Design, Maximum Impact Less is more. Consumers are drawn to clean, honest and simple packaging. It signals transparency, trust and quality, especially in food, drink, beauty and wellness categories. What this means for clients: Designers and brand professionals who get this and know how to deliver it are highly valuable. What this means for candidates: If you have a portfolio that shows this kind of work, especially for challenger brands, it can really set you apart.Formats That Fit Modern Lives Refillable packs, shelf-stable pouches and single-serve options are growing in popularity. Convenience and sustainability can go hand in hand, and shoppers expect both. What this means for clients: You need agile supply chains, innovative product teams and commercially minded brand managers. What this means for candidates: Cross-functional experience is a huge asset, especially if you have worked across R&D, operations and marketing.Packaging is where brand, product and purpose meet.Whether you are looking to hire someone to lead your next packaging transformation or you are a candidate ready to help shape the future of CPG, I would love to chat.
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