Our Client are a leading food manufacturer specialising in the snack sector, helping bring the latest trends to their customers’ shelves.  They are currently looking for a specialised Senior Commercial Manager to drive their business forwards.

This Senior Commercial Manager role will be responsible for the relationship and profitability of key customers across multiple categories

The Business

The commercial vision is to create “one trusted empowered team, building collaborative partnerships that deliver sustainable growth by meeting the changing needs of the consumer”.

Aspiring to grow the business, enhance profitability, and become the recognised supplier of choice.

The Role

The primary function of this role is to build close and trusted relationships with the customer and internal teams, ensuring we are active leaders within the categories we operate.

You will ensure we deliver against our budget commitments and growth agenda outlined in the business Category & Commercial Strategy, as well as leading the internal team to deliver against a robust joint business plan, developed with the customer.

Key Responsibilities

• Day-to-day management of multiple key client categories, with the support of a Commercial Executive
• Lead the relevant NWTs to ensure the team exceeds customer expectations
• Grow and develop sales with current customers/categories in line with/exceeding business targets (responsibility for gross margin & GSV)
• Lead customer negotiations, supported by the Head of Commercial, aligning with Group category colleagues when required
• Develop a customer JBP to align customer and business strategies
• Work in partnership with the Category and NPD colleagues to ensure viable products are developed that deliver for the consumer and the customer whilst meeting/exceeding business financial requirements
• Develop strong relationships with customer and internal stakeholders
• Understand and build a knowledge of major competitors
• Develop a sound financial understanding for costing products and devising promotional programmes
• Develop robust sales forecasts, alongside the Planning team and in collaboration with the customer, to deliver industry-leading service levels
• Review the success of each launch/promotion – ensure robust post-launch reviews are carried out and learnings implemented for subsequent briefs
• Identify and deliver on E2E opportunities to reduce complexity and add value to the business and its customers. Leading and developing a continuous improvement culture in all aspects of account management.
• Provide support and development for direct reports, encouraging personal and professional development opportunities

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Financial and commercial acumen
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work at all levels – day-to-day problem solving through to long-term strategy development
• A strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Negotiation skills
• Good analytical ability
• Preparing external reports and persuasive arguments to the customer
• Understanding of internal systems – forecasting and financial models
• Commercial modelling – cost price negotiations, promotions
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Passion for food
• Chilled food experience

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree education or equivalent business experience

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Sales revenue/gross margin targets to be achieved

BEHAVIOURS/DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA

• Passionate team player
• Good leadership skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, engaging with internal and external stakeholders, across multiple categories
• Confident providing updates to senior stakeholders within the business
• Relationship building
• Desire to deliver best in class service to customers

To find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please get in touch or apply with your CV today.