Mackenzie Jones

Have an interview coming up and need some help preparing? Using the STAR method when answering interview questions can help you to provide structured answers that can clearly showcase your skills, experience and ability to handle different situations effectively. We've put together a guide on how to use this method, we hope this helps!

We’re excited to be partnering with leading FMCG brands on a number of Customer and National Account Manager opportunities across Manchester, Scotland, and Leeds! ▪️ National Account Manager - Cash ‘n’ Carry (Hybrid, Manchester) ▪️ Senior National Account Manager - Ireland (Hybrid, Manchester) ▪️ Regional Account Manager - Scotland (Field Sales, Edinburgh/Glasgow) ▪️ Business Development Executive (Field Sales, Leeds) For more information, please get in touch with Suzanne Farrin - suzanne.farrin@mackenziejones.co.uk 📧

We believe that diversity of thought is a powerful strength. By understanding and celebrating neurodiversity, we can help build more inclusive and equitable workplaces. Neurodiversity includes conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more. Providing the right support during recruitment processes can help make all the difference in giving neuro diverse talent a fairer, more positive experience. We want to do better, and we need your help..

Women In Leadership x Catherine Nicholls   Catherine Nicholls, Head of Channels and Own Label at AB World Foods, highlights the fast-paced nature of the FMCG industry and the need for leaders to be adaptable, decisive, and resilient. She explained that strong communication skills are essential, as is the ability to motivate and inspire teams to think big, while staying focused on delivery. To avoid burnout, Catherine prioritises balance, ensuring that her weeks include activities that energise her alongside more demanding responsibilities. As a full-time working mum, she acknowledges that achieving equilibrium between personal and professional life is an ongoing process. By planning her week with a mix of family, work, exercise, and downtime, she maintains a sense of control and fulfilment. Catherine shared some amazing advice for young women aspiring to leadership roles, encouraging them to pursue industries they are passionate about, regardless of gender representation. She stresses the importance of self-awareness - understanding personal values, strengths, and development areas. “It’s important to know your strengths and development areas, and work hard on both.” Thank you for sharing your insights with us Catherine, by taking part in these conversations we also expect to see more women succeed in these roles! 

Women In Leadership x Karen Wilkinson Karen Wilkinson, Marketing Director at Evergreen Garden Care, has always envisaged herself as a business leader, and had a clear vision of what that would look like. Karen spoke to us about what she thinks makes a successful leader in the FMCG industry and explained that regardless of what function you’re in, you’ve got to be able to talk ‘the language of business’ which means the language of finance, amongst other aspects. Karen's leadership journey has been shaped by key mentors who have supported her at different stages of her career, from her early days in banking to her time as a busy working mother. She credits both formal and informal mentors with giving her the confidence to push boundaries and take on new growth opportunities. Karen gave some great advice on how to avoid burnout: “Managing your energy is one of the critical success factors of FMCG leadership. Exercising in fresh air, whatever the weather, is a great way of keeping my energy high.” While also explaining that having someone to do it with, helps to hold each other to account for ‘turning up’. If you are looking for some recommendations on networking groups, events or podcasts to support your journey to leadership, Karen has shared some amazing options to have a look at! Thank you, Karen, for sharing your incredible journey as a leader, and for showing how mentorship can truly shape the path to success!

Women In Leadership x Dara Goolsby Dara Goolsby, Senior Director of Marketing at Sally Beauty, believes that successful leadership in the retail industry requires a balance of people management, strategic vision, and operational excellence. To maintain energy and avoid burnout, Dara strives for work-life integration and prioritises her well-being through exercise, mindfulness, and setting boundaries, which helps to sustain energy and focus. For young women aspiring to leadership roles, Dara emphasises the importance of developing strong commercial knowledge, staying informed about industry trends, and embracing data-driven decision-making. She encourages saying ‘yes’ to learning opportunities, gaining visibility, and, most importantly, being confident in their ability to grow and lead. We appreciate Dara for sharing her perspective with us and our audience, thank you! 

Women In Leadership x Becky Allan Becky Allan, Head of Sales at AB World Foods, believes that successful leadership in the FMCG industry is built on authenticity, self-awareness, and integrity. Leading with humility and confidence while fostering an open culture of trust empowers teams to thrive. Mentorship has been fundamental in Becky’s leadership journey. She credits her mentors for instilling confidence and belief in her abilities, always acting as her biggest supporters. A key lesson she carries forward is the ‘flip it’ mindset, turning challenges into opportunities with a positive and growth-oriented perspective. Becky explained that she is optimistic about the increasing representation of women in leadership roles within FMCG. Reflecting on the impact of seeing strong female leaders early in her career, emphasising the importance of role models in inspiring and encouraging diverse leadership. A huge thank you to Becky for sharing her experiences, conversations like these help drive meaningful change in the industry!

Women In Leadership x Milly Tuck Milly Tuck, Head of Brand Marketing at Little Moons, knows the importance of mentorship, networking, and strategies to promote gender equality and empower women. Before joining Little Moons and during Milly’s time at Cawston Press, she was part of JEDI Matters a collective of small and medium-sized businesses championing Justice, Equity, Diversion & Inclusion. Milly was also involved in launching Female+ Forward during her time at Cawston Press, an initiative focusing on a range of topics such as career progression. A key discovery from the group was the importance of focusing on equality and equity, recognising that everyone may need different levels of support to thrive which in turn shaped their approach to policies, initiatives and culture. Mentorship and networking have been invaluable to Milly’s journey to leadership and still speaks to her mentors from 10 years ago. In her current role at Little Moons, Milly said that she’s “lucky to work alongside inspiring female leaders like Co-Founder, Vivien Wong and CEO Joanna Allen” Thank you, Milly, for taking the time to discuss such important topics that will help drive change and success in the FMCG industry! 

We've loved sharing insights from incredible female leaders in FMCG over the past week, and we’re excited to keep the conversation going with another group of inspiring women! Once again, we’ll be spotlighting their journeys, leadership insights, and the challenges they’ve navigated, along with some incredible advice to inspire the next generation of female talent. Meet the leaders we’re featuring this week: ▪️ Milly Tuck – Head of Brand Marketing ▪️ Becky Allan – Head of Sales ▪️ Dara Goolsby – Senior Director of Marketing ▪️ Karen Wilkinson - Marketing Director UK & Ireland ▪️ Catherine Nicholls – Head of Channels and Own Label 

Women In Leadership x Ann Chambers Ann Chambers, HR Director at Ecotone (Kallo Foods UK), has built a leadership career defined by adaptability, and a passion for people. Her journey offers valuable lessons for current and aspiring leaders. Not all leaders have always had the objective to become a leader or had mentors to guide them, Ann explained that she just wanted to be good at what she did and the title that she gained, was still a surprise! Ann spoke about some of the things that she would like to see change or improve in FMCG, and what they’re working on internally at Ecotone to support this. Ann’s advice for aspiring leaders: “You are as good as they are – and probably even better. Stay true to yourself, influence and challenge in other ways.” Thank you, Ann, for taking the time to speak with us, your insights are a brilliant reminder of the power of self-belief, and leading with purpose.