Commercial Sales Manager in Newport

HCI Systems, established in 2012 and now part of the Prodrive group of companies, is one of the leading providers of high-quality electrical wiring solutions. Supporting customers in various sectors from Marine, Defence, AgriTech to a core business around Motorsport & Automotive, supplying multiple high-level racing series and high specification automotive style projects. Based in Newport, Shropshire, HCI Systems Limited have grown rapidly in recent years to become leaders in vehicle electrical systems and wiring harnesses. The company has an enviable reputation based on high quality wiring harness design and manufacture for low voltage and electric vehicles as well as providing complimentary technologies such as power management systems, switch panels and bespoke electronics systems working to customer specifications. Our world-class team has over 30 years of experience designing and manufacturing wiring looms.

Background to the Role

This is not a traditional Sales Manager role. We're looking for someone who enjoys building as much as selling. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will take ownership of developing our commercial capability, helping create a scalable sales function that supports our long-term growth strategy. Initially, you will lead business development, account management and commercial activities whilst working closely with our engineering and operational teams. Over time, you will help develop the commercial structure, processes and people needed to support continued expansion, with the opportunity to progress into a broader Commercial Manager role. This role will suit someone who enjoys rolling their sleeves up, understands that successful sales start with understanding how products are actually designed and manufactured, and wants to leave a lasting mark on a growing engineering business.

This is an opportunity to join a successful and growing business at an exciting point in its development. Working directly with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, you will have genuine influence over the future direction of the business, helping shape our commercial strategy whilst developing a high-performing commercial function. This role offers significant scope for personal development and career progression. For the right individual, there is a clear opportunity to evolve into a broader Commercial Manager position as both the business and the commercial team continue to grow. If you are looking for a role where you can genuinely make a difference, influence strategic direction and help build something special, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Business Development
• Develop new business opportunities across Motorsport, Defence, Aerospace, Marine and Specialist Engineering sectors.
• Identify target markets and build strategic growth plans.
• Build relationships with key decision-makers and key stakeholders.
• Manage the full sales pipeline from prospecting through to contract award.
• Develop long-term customer partnerships rather than transactional sales.
• Identify opportunities to expand HCI's capabilities into new markets.
• Commercial Leadership
• Develop and implement a structured commercial strategy aligned with company objectives.
• Introduce and continuously improve CRM, reporting and sales processes.
• Produce sales forecasts, pipeline reports and commercial KPIs.
• Work closely with the CEO on business planning and strategic growth initiatives.
• Support pricing strategies, tenders, quotations and commercial negotiations.
• Ensure commercial activities align with the operational capabilities of the business.
• Customer & Account Management
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing customers.
• Act as the senior commercial contact for key accounts.
• Support the preparation of major quotations, bids and tenders.
• Ensure customers receive exceptional service throughout the project lifecycle.
• Identify opportunities for account growth, repeat business and cross-selling.
• Work collaboratively with customers to understand future requirements and position HCI as a long-term partner.
• Cross-Functional Working
• Work closely with Engineering, Operations, Production, Purchasing, Planning and Quality teams.
• Develop a thorough understanding of HCI Systems' products, capabilities and manufacturing processes.
• Represent the business with confidence and credibility when engaging with customers and stakeholders.
• Ensure customer requirements are effectively communicated and delivered across all departments.
• Developing the Commercial Function
• Support and mentor existing commercial colleagues.
• Develop structured sales processes and commercial best practice.
• Introduce meaningful CRM reporting and pipeline management tools.
• Work alongside the Prodrive Group marketing team to develop engaging marketing activities.
• Support the recruitment, development and growth of the commercial team as the business expands.

Who are we looking for?

Our ideal candidate will have experience within engineering, manufacturing, motorsport, automotive, defence, aerospace or a similar technical environment. More importantly, you will combine commercial thinking with a practical, hands-on approach. You enjoy solving problems, working closely with technical teams and building long-term customer relationships based on trust, knowledge and credibility. You will have a proven track record in sales, business development or commercial management, together with strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills. You will be confident communicating complex technical solutions, developing sales processes and commercial reporting, and building productive relationships both internally and externally. You will be a collaborative leader with the energy, resilience and ambition to help shape the future commercial success of HCI Systems. A willingness to spend time on the shop floor learning the business and understanding our products and processes is essential.

We are an equal opportunities employer. At the Prodrive Group we are committed to attracting and nurturing the best talent and creating an inclusive workplace. We value individual differences and diversity amongst all staff so that everyone has the widest opportunities to maximise their potential. We aim to ensure that no job applicant is placed at a disadvantage by practices or requirements which disproportionately impact protected groups and which are not justified by the demands of the job. If you feel you are right for this role, we welcome your application. Come and make a difference.