building high-performing
retail operations
leadership
Connecting retailers and consumer brands with operational leaders who deliver excellence, efficiency and experience.
In retail, FMCG and food service environments, great operations leadership is what turns strategy into customer experience. From store and regional management to merchandising, compliance and multi-site execution, the right people keep teams motivated, margins healthy and customers returning.
At ELR Executive, we specialise in recruiting senior retail operations professionals who blend commercial insight with hands-on leadership. We connect businesses with leaders who drive performance, streamline processes and build high-engagement teams that deliver exceptional results in dynamic, customer-focused environments.
Why Leading FMCG, Food & Beverage manufacturing and Fresh Produce Businesses Partner with ELR Executive
Our Services
Leveraging our 30 years of experience in executive search in FMCG, food & beverage manufacturing and fresh produce, we specialise in delivering tailored solutions for executive and senior roles.
Deep Industry Expertise
Over two decades recruiting leadership talent across FMCG, including bakery and confectionery.
Proven
Success
98% placement success rate and a 100% retention rate.
Deep Industry Connections
298 partnerships with Australia's growth-focused food brands.
Faster Time-to-Hire
4-6 week average delivery, accelerating leadership impact.
Leadership Backed by Real-World Experience
John Elliott - Founder / Director
Our founder, John Elliott, brings firsthand leadership experience as a former CEO in food and beverage manufacturing, offering practical insight into the complexities of the bakery and confectionery sectors.
Why Work with John
Proven Expertise
Having successfully led businesses through periods of significant industry change, John understands the leadership traits essential for navigating challenges like supply chain volatility, health-conscious consumer trends, rapid product innovation, and global market expansion.
Results-Driven Approach
John’s methodical search process is designed to deliver high-performing leaders who are both a fit and a catalyst for your business's growth. His experience ensures ELR Executive is uniquely positioned to find leaders who combine strategic thinking with hands-on operational excellence.
Confidential Consultation
Our clients benefit from advice grounded in real-world executive experience — ensuring every search is focused on finding leaders who will transform businesses, not just fill positions.
CompLete Recruitment Solutions for retail operations leadership
From national retail chains to emerging food and lifestyle brands, we partner with organisations to appoint operational leaders who deliver excellence in execution.
Our expertise covers the sectors and functions that ensure retail networks run efficiently, profitably and with a customer-first mindset.
National Retail Chains & Consumer Goods Brands
Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) & Foodservice Brands
Specialty Food, Beverage & Lifestyle Retailers
Franchise & Multi-Site Retail Networks
E-Commerce, D2C & Omnichannel Operations
Retail Operations &
Regional Leadership
Multi-Site &
Area Management
Merchandising, Planning
& Visual Execution
Customer Experience
& Service Excellence
Compliance, Safety & Operational Standards
How We
Deliver Results
At ELR Executive, our approach is built around your strategic growth. Every step is designed to minimise disruption, accelerate leadership effectiveness, and maximise your investment in exceptional talent.
Strategic Discovery
We map your future goals, challenges, and cultural DNA.
Market Mapping
Targeting both active candidates and hard-to-reach passive talent.
Precision Assessment
Technical, behavioural, and strategic capability analysis.
Leadership Integration
Ensuring seamless transitions and cultural alignment.
Data and Insights That Matter
482
Senior executives placed across Australia
3500+
Interviews with high-calibre leadership candidates
4-6 wks
Average placement timeframe, significantly faster than industry norms
Our Clients Say It Best
ELR Executive is the go-to for anyone in FMCG or food & beverage manufacturing looking for top talent. John and his team are true experts who understand the industry inside out. They take the time to really get to know your business and find the perfect fit for those hard-to-fill roles. Their professionalism and dedication set them apart – highly recommend!
Susan Gorman
Head of Sales, Growth & Strategy - ICONS/RAUXEL
Insights for FMCG & Food & Beverage
Discover exclusive insights from top FMCG and Food & Beverage leaders with our latest report, from industry trends and challenges to strategies that will shape the industry in the year ahead.
Expertise Across Every Role and Sector across FMCG
Specialising in C-suite, NED, executive management, heads of department, and senior management roles tailored to various functional areas and categories.
Functional Areas
Finance
People & Culture
Marketing
Procurement
Operations
Retail Operations
Sales
Supply Chain & Logistics
Technical
Categories
Bakery & confectionery
Beers & spirits
Beverage manufacturing
Dairy
Food manufacturing
Fruit & vegetable processing
Health & wellness
Meat & poultry processing
Pet Food Manufacturing
Pharmacy, vitamins & supplements
Retail operations
Wine
Why Partner with ELR Executive?
In-Depth Business Insight
We take the time to develop highly tailored strategies that are unique to each business and that meet our client's expectations, ensuring strategic matches to deliver results.
Solution Orientated
Our approach is more than just filling roles; we create customised solutions that always deliver. With our thorough talent mapping, we ensure you’re connected with the best leaders in the FMCG industry.
Access to Top-Performing Talent
Leveraging our vast FMCG network and precise talent mapping, we secure active and passive candidates who align perfectly with your business vision and objectives. Your success is our success.
Enduring Partnership for Success
We’re committed to your long-term success and offer continued support beyond a single placement. From executive search to senior management recruitment and talent mapping, we’re with you throughout the entire employee lifecycle, ensuring lasting impact and growth.
Reach out to discover how we can support your business and build a lasting partnership that drives long-term success.