At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive growth by managing key retail accounts and identifying new business opportunities.
- Company: Dynamic company representing top manufacturing partners in the chilled and frozen sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, performance bonus, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Based in Stoke with flexible working hours and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a thriving team and make a real impact in the FMCG retail space.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial management within FMCG retail and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
Salary: £60,000 – £65,000 per year, plus car allowance and performance bonus.
Contract: Permanent, full time.
Closing Date: 08/07/2026.
About the company
We work on behalf of carefully selected manufacturing partners specialising in chilled and frozen categories for the retail, foodservice and manufacturing sectors. We represent our partners in the UK market, operating as a dedicated UK office to provide support, resources and knowledge for long-term business growth.
Role overview
As Commercial Manager, you will drive growth by managing and developing key customer accounts and identifying new business opportunities across a diverse range of categories.
Key responsibilities
- Manage and grow a portfolio of key retail accounts, including major multiples and discounters, delivering sales growth and profitability.
- Identify and secure new business opportunities through new listings and strategic customer development.
- Lead commercial negotiations, pricing reviews, tender submissions and joint business planning activities, building and maintaining strong relationships with customers and manufacturing partners.
- Coordinate forecasting, stock planning, logistics and promotional activity with manufacturing partners, supporting new product development projects from concept to launch.
- Deliver accurate forecasting, budgeting and sales reporting, providing insights into performance, risks and opportunities, while monitoring market trends and customer performance.
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a commercial manager or similar role within FMCG retail, with a strong track record of managing and growing chilled and/or frozen goods categories.
- Excellent commercial acumen and proven ability to influence at senior levels.
- Strong relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills.
- Highly self‑motivated, capable of operating across several different categories.
- Established network within retail accounts and understanding of category trends in frozen and chilled foods.
Location & Working hours
Based in Stoke, with a hybrid office element. Monday to Friday. Commute from Stafford, Nantwich, Burton upon Trent, Derby, Macclesfield, Northwich and surrounding areas.
Commercial Manager - Retail in Stoke-on-Trent employer: Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
As a Commercial Manager at our company, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to driving growth in the chilled and frozen goods sectors. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional development, offering competitive salaries, performance bonuses, and a supportive hybrid working environment in Stoke. With opportunities for career advancement and a focus on building strong relationships with key retail accounts, we are committed to your success and the long-term growth of our partners.
Contact Details:
Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Retail in Stoke-on-Trent
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd, so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Retail in Stoke-on-Trent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd, customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
