Commercial Manager – South Normanton

Sentinel Fleet Management is a trusted UK-wide provider of comprehensive fleet services, offering scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, mobile repairs, grey fleet support, recharge management, and full compliance via tailored plans and technology-driven solutions. As part of the Guest Motor Group, Sentinel brings over a century of automotive service excellence and access to a national network of manufacturer-trained technicians and advanced IT systems.

What We Offer:

• Increased holiday entitlement with length of service
• Recruitment incentive awards
• Cycle to work scheme

Working Hours: 42.5 Hours per Week, Monday to Friday

Role Purpose and Responsibilities:

As Commercial Manager at Sentinel, you will be responsible for overseeing and improving the operational processes of the Cost Control and Administration Teams to ensure efficiency and effectiveness across these areas. Your main focuses will be on maximising profitability and growth through financial management, supplier relationships, robust processes and contract negotiations. This role demands an organised, proactive, process-driven individual with expert problem-solving and analytical skills.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee the day-to-day operations of the fleet administrative and cost control teams ensuring proper training and resources are available.
• Foster a positive team environment and encourage collaboration and communication.
• Ensure we meet our processing targets of WIP invoicing whilst maintaining efficient and timely cost control management within budget targets.
• Analyse costs and ensure any costs submitted are in line with agreements and SLAs.
• Support, oversee and manage supplier relationships and contracts, implementing SLA terms and regularly reviewing operational and financial performance levels based on KPIs set as well as accounts processes support.
• Support and manage overall Sentinel commercial processes such as customer contracts and routine RPI/CPI rate increases.
• Understand key terms of available services to effectively negotiate contracts.
• Support with implementation and termination of all customers in all areas to ensure smooth transitions and team awareness.
• Collaborate with various departments internal and external to ensure alignment on processes and proactively communicate any changes in contracts/costs/rates.
• Serve as a liaison between departments to facilitate effective communication and problem-solving.
• Manage and optimise day-to-day processes across departments to enhance productivity.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to streamline operations.
• Support employee development initiatives and carry out 6 monthly performance reviews, setting individual objectives in line with overall company objectives to deliver on financial and operational KPIs.
• Identify training needs within the teams and coordinate training programs to enhance operational skills.
• Support Head of Fleet Operations with ad-hoc tasks where required and provide performance reports, insights, and recommendations.

Skills Required:

• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities.
• Ability to lead and motivate teams effectively.
• Ownership, Integrity & Accountability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, CRM systems, and fleet management software.
• Proven track record in a fleet operations role within logistics, transport, or fleet management.
• Strong knowledge of mechanics and confident ability to apply knowledge when analysing repair costs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions.