At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales and build relationships in the industrial ingredients sector.
- Company: Join a leading company focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Collaborate with cross-functional teams and explore innovative opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic role with real growth potential.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience and strong interpersonal skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Scope of Role
The Commercial Manager will operate both autonomously and as part of a cross-functional commercial team, working to an agreed strategic plan alongside the Senior Commercial Manager and Commercial Director. The role requires a proven commercial background within the industrial ingredients, food manufacturing or processing sectors, with responsibility for maintaining and growing existing business while securing profitable new opportunities aligned with the company’s long-term growth strategy. The role covers customers allocated to the job holder as well as newly identified prospects, supported by the wider commercial, technical, NPD and operational teams. Regular engagement with manufacturing sites, supply chain, technical teams and customer stakeholders is essential.
Key Areas of Responsibility
- Maintain, develop and optimise sales volumes, values and profitability across the existing customer base.
- Achieve sales, margin and profitability targets for assigned customers.
- Identify, qualify and secure new opportunities that deliver sustainable, profitable growth.
- Build and manage short- and long-term commercial plans aligned with annual budget targets.
- Act as the primary commercial interface, developing strong relationships across customer functions.
- Evaluate product range suitability in collaboration with the Senior Commercial Manager and Technical/NPD teams.
- Deliver customer-specific plans in line with the wider commercial strategy.
- Present customer performance, risks and opportunities internally.
- Explore immediate and long-term opportunities for value creation and innovation.
- Identify and champion NPD opportunities focused on functional benefits and differentiation.
- Lead commercial elements of new product launches and business development projects.
- Report indicators of customer success or risk, including sales trends and profitability.
- Prioritise focus based on strategic value, growth potential and volume.
- Execute pricing in line with agreed frameworks.
- Provide accurate forecasts to internal supply chain teams and external partners.
- Negotiate and manage pricing agreements, rebates and promotional support.
- Identify and pursue opportunities with new customers.
- Manage customer-level P&L performance with the Senior Commercial Manager.
Person Specification
- Proven track record in Sales and Account Management, preferably in an industrial bakery-facing role (Essential)
- Interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team player (Essential)
- Well presented and articulate (Essential)
- Computer literate with good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint (Essential)
- Flexible and driven by results (Essential)
- Effective written and verbal communication at all levels, both internal and external (Essential)
- Ability to work closely on projects and innovation with NPD and Technical Support Managers in the Test Bakery / Baking Centre in Bicester (Essential)
- Full driving licence (Essential)
- Manufacturing and industrial bakery experience (Essential)
Key Competences (Qualifications & Experience)
- Educated to A Level standard or above (Desirable)
- Computer skills, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint (Essential)
- Sales experience within industrial markets (Essential)
- Baking experience within an industrial bakery (Desirable)
- Operational experience within industrial bakeries (Desirable)
- Technical knowledge of functional ingredients (Desirable)
COMMERCIAL MANAGER - INDUSTRIAL in Bicester employer: Bakels Group
As a leading player in the industrial ingredients sector, our company offers an exceptional work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises professional growth, with opportunities to engage directly with cross-functional teams and contribute to impactful projects. Located in Bicester, our state-of-the-art facilities provide a dynamic setting for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the food manufacturing industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land COMMERCIAL MANAGER - INDUSTRIAL in Bicester
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your proven track record in sales and account management. Share specific examples of how you've maintained and grown business in previous roles – numbers speak volumes!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every company is different, so do your homework! Understand their commercial strategy and align your pitch accordingly. Show them how your experience in the industrial ingredients sector can help them achieve their goals.
✨Apply Through Us!
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings. Applying directly through us not only gives you access to exclusive roles but also shows your commitment to being part of our team. Let’s land that dream job together!
We think you need these skills to ace COMMERCIAL MANAGER - INDUSTRIAL in Bicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience in sales and account management, especially within the industrial ingredients or food manufacturing sectors. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements:When writing your application, don’t just list your responsibilities. Instead, showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve maintained and grown business, secured new opportunities, or hit sales targets. Numbers speak volumes!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your written application clear and concise. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure your communication style reflects the professionalism we value.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bakels Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of sales volumes, margins, and profitability. Brush up on your past achievements and be ready to discuss specific figures that showcase your success in maintaining and growing business.
✨Build Relationships
This role requires strong interpersonal skills. Prepare examples of how you've built and maintained relationships with customers and cross-functional teams. Think about times when your collaboration led to successful outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Industry Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with the industrial ingredients and food manufacturing sectors. Be prepared to discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the market. This will show your potential employer that you're not just a fit for the role but also passionate about the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Think of scenarios where you had to identify new opportunities or manage risks. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
