Technical/Commercial Manager

Are you passionate about science and innovation? Do you thrive at the intersection of technical expertise and commercial strategy? If you're looking for a role where you can shape the future of fabric care products while driving global business success, this is the opportunity for you.

Our client is a highly respected $1.6B global company, known for developing, producing, and distributing a broad range of specialty chemicals, minerals, and niche products for the Consumer and Specialties industries. We are seeking a Technical/Commercial Manager to take a pivotal role in product development, global sales, and commercial strategy within the fabric care industry.

This is more than just a job-it's an opportunity to influence strategic decision-making, drive innovation, and position yourself for long-term leadership in a dynamic industry.

What You'll Be Doing

• Global Sales & Commercial Strategy: Lead and execute global commercial strategies for fabric care products, targeting key international accounts and high-growth opportunities. Partner with regional sales teams to expand revenue, strengthen client relationships, and identify new market opportunities. Work closely with distributors to drive regional and global sales objectives. Develop and deliver compelling technical and commercial proposals, ensuring alignment with customer needs. Conduct market analysis to anticipate trends, adjust strategies, and maintain a competitive edge.
• Innovation & Product Development: Collaborate with R&D, Product Line Management, and Engineering to bring groundbreaking fabric care formulations and technologies to market. Translate customer needs into innovative fabric care solutions, ensuring technical feasibility and commercial viability. Provide hands-on expertise in detergent formulations, surfactants, dyes, and perfumes to guide development and commercialisation. Lead customer trials, ensuring a smooth transition from prototype to full-scale commercial production. Support the development of technical specifications, SOPs, and equipment requirements to ensure consistency and performance.
• Driving Performance & Growth: Develop and implement sales forecasts, pricing strategies, and revenue models to maximise profitability. Negotiate contracts post-trials to secure long-term business growth. Identify operational challenges within customer processes and provide tailored solutions to improve efficiency and fabric care product quality. Stay ahead of industry trends and competitor movements to ensure continued leadership in fabric care innovation.
• Continuous Learning & Leadership Development: Lead 'Voice of Customer' initiatives to gather feedback and continuously enhance fabric care product offerings. Work closely with internal teams to refine strategies and drive fabric care formulation innovation. Establish training programs to keep internal teams and stakeholders up to date on technical advancements. This role offers a clear path to senior leadership for high performers, making it an exciting opportunity for those looking to take their career to the next level.

What You Bring

• A strong background in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering-this is essential.
• Expertise in fabric care detergent formulations, surfactants, dyes, perfumes, or related chemical applications is highly desirable.
• Experience in sales, account management, or business development within the fabric care or household care sector.
• A track record of working closely with R&D, product development, or formulation teams.
• Strong commercial acumen with a deep understanding of market strategy and profitability dynamics.
• A hands-on, independent thinker with a problem-solving mindset and a passion for innovation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills-comfortable engaging both technical and commercial stakeholders.

Additional Details

• Global scope: This is a self-directed role covering multiple markets, requiring international travel.
• Cross-cultural collaboration: You'll be working across different time zones and cultures, making adaptability key.
• Location & Mobility: A valid passport and full UK driving license are required.

Why Join?

This role isn't just about commercial success-it's about being at the forefront of fabric care innovation. You'll be part of a company that values technical expertise as much as business acumen, where your ideas can drive real change. If you're looking for a career-defining opportunity with long-term growth potential, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and take your career to the next level!