Commercial Manager
6 days ago
Gillingham
Commercial Manager Location: Kent (hybrid working) Reporting into: Site Director Salary: c. £60k (plus package) Are you a commercially driven leader with a passion for growth, innovation, and shaping strategy? I have partnered with a well‑established, BRC‑accredited food manufacturer to recruit a Commercial Manager who will play a pivotal role in accelerating business expansion and driving sustainable, profitable performance. This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior leadership position where you will take ownership of the Sales, Marketing and New Product Development functions, working closely with the Site Director to shape and deliver an ambitious commercial strategy. With significant investment, strong market presence and plans to double output within the next three years, this role offers the scope to make a meaningful and lasting impact. About the Role As Commercial Manager, you will bring clarity, direction and momentum to all commercial activity, ensuring sales growth, brand development and product innovation work seamlessly together to achieve strategic goals. You'll lead and develop high‑performing teams, build long‑term customer partnerships, and spearhead new opportunities that support both revenue and margin expansion. With a healthy balance of strategic influence and hands‑on leadership, this position is ideal for someone who thrives on taking ownership, making improvements, and bringing bold ideas to life. Key Responsibilities Shape, lead and deliver the commercial strategy in partnership with the Site Director Inspire, develop and manage the Sales, Marketing and NPD teams Drive revenue, profit and margin growth across existing and new customers Build trusted, long-term customer relationships and manage key accounts Identify and convert new business opportunities, including representing the business at trade events Lead the NPD pipeline to ensure commercially viable, customer‑centric innovation Oversee marketing activities that strengthen brand presence and support acquisition and retention Lead monthly commercial meetings and report on performance insights Implement strong CRM usage, sales processes and performance tracking Monitor market and food industry trends to inform strategy and innovation Promote continuous improvement across all commercial processes Contribute to wider business strategy as part of the senior leadership team Essential Skills & Experience Senior-level experience in Commercial, Sales Leadership or Key Account Management within food manufacturing Proven track record of delivering sales growth and improved margins Strong commercial acumen with the ability to turn strategy into measurable results Skilled negotiator with experience building long-term customer partnerships Exposure to NPD processes Experience driving continuous improvement and managing performance Customer‑centric mindset with a commitment to exceptional service Strong leadership capability, with a passion for developing people Salary & Benefits Starting from c. £60,000 per annum, dependent on experience Company car or monthly car allowance 28 days annual leave (including public holidays), increasing with service Additional paid Christmas shutdown leave Company pension Free onsite parking Employee referral bonus Health Cash Plan, Dental & Optical benefits Annual bonus scheme If this role looks of interest, please click apply and I will be in touch with more details