Commercial Controller
Commercial Controller

Commercial Controller

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
K

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to drive growth and manage key customer relationships.
  • Company: Join Kerry Dairy Ireland, a leader in sustainable dairy solutions with a rich heritage.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, hybrid working, and a matched pension scheme.
  • Why this job: Be part of a community that innovates to solve global food challenges and inspires life.
  • Qualifications: Degree-level qualification and proven experience in commercial roles are essential.
  • Other info: This is a 12-month fixed-term contract for maternity cover based in Staines.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Job Description

Requisition ID: 60159 
Position Type: FT Fixed Term 
Workplace Arrangement:  #LI-Hybrid 

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Kerry Dairy Ireland business as a Commercial Controller on a 12-month Fixed Term Contract for maternity cover, to be based at our Staines office.

This role leads a high-performing commercial team to drive growth across key national accounts. You’ll own the P&L, shape sales strategy, manage customer relationships, and collaborate cross-functionally to deliver revenue, margin, and budget targets.

What will I be doing?
  • Team Leadership & Development
    Lead and inspire a high-performing commercial team, providing guidance, coaching, and support to achieve individual and collective goals.
  • Customer Management
    Develop and execute strategic account plans for key national accounts. Nurture and grow relationships with existing customers while identifying opportunities to drive business within these accounts.
  • Strategic Leadership
    Develop and execute effective sales strategies aligned with overall Dairy Consumer Foods (DCF) goals. Analyse market trends, competitive landscape, and consumer behaviour to identify growth opportunities and formulate strategies to capitalize on them.
  • Revenue & Margin Generation
    Drive revenue and margin growth through effective negotiation, pricing, and promotional strategies. Monitor sales performance and implement corrective actions to ensure achievement of sales targets.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
    Collaborate with marketing, supply chain, finance, and other internal teams to ensure seamless execution of sales initiatives. Provide insights and feedback to shape product development, marketing campaigns, and inventory planning.
  • Performance & Budget Delivery
    Take full P&L responsibility for the business unit. Monitor account performance and market trends to ensure delivery of the DCF budget. Own the business risks and opportunities tracker, implement strategies to capitalize on opportunities, and take corrective action to minimize risks. Prepare reports and presentations for senior leadership, tracking performance and highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommended strategies.
  • Contract Negotiations
    Lead negotiations for contracts, pricing, and terms with key accounts. Ensure agreements align with Kerry’s negotiation approach and maintain a balanced strategy that fosters strong partnerships.
What do I need to be successful?

In Kerry Dairy Ireland we understand that people have very different career trajectories and experiences. In order to be successful in this role we would be looking for the right competencies and aptitudes as well as your proven track record of success in a similar role and environment.

These include:

  • Degree-level qualification.
  • Proven experience as a Commercial Controller, leading across major multiples, with in-depth knowledge of the FMCG and food industry is essential.
  • Strong track record of achieving and exceeding sales targets.
  • Ability to interpret data and translate it into actionable insights.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities.
  • Proven leadership and team management skills.
  • Passion, energy, and determination.
  • Growth mindset and entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and teamwork abilities; skilled at building relationships.
  • Effective time management skills.
What will I get in return?

At Kerry Dairy Ireland, we believe in giving talented, curious people the opportunity to make a difference. We work as a team, searching for the best ways to inspire food and nourish life. We are a community of innovators, working across disciplines to solve global food challenges with a fresh approach. We want you to achieve whatever you put your mind to.

We also offer:

  • 25 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
  • Matched pension scheme up to 10%
  • Hybrid working
  • Single cover private medical
  • Benefits platform offering discounts and cashback on major retailers.
About Kerry Dairy Ireland

Kerry Dairy Ireland is a vertically integrated farm-to-fork business with a very substantial consumer foods presence and a leading nutritional and dairy ingredients division, delivering high-quality dairy solutions with a focus on sustainability and innovation. From partnering with local family farms to producing world-class dairy products, we ensure every step of our value chain reflects our commitment to excellence.

With over 50 years’ experience in milk processing, dairy and nutritional technology advancement, and product innovation, we are a key stakeholder in the global food industry and creators of a strong portfolio of market leading dairy brands including Cheestrings, Charleville and Coleraine Cheese, Dairygold, Golden Cow and our new SMUG range. Our from food, for food culture and deep-rooted connection to our 2,800 milk suppliers differentiates our business and offers captivating opportunities for our customers and consumers.

Our dairy comes from some of the world’s richest grazing land and is produced by a network of Irish family farms that have one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. Through a combination of expertise, innovation, and sustainability, Kerry Dairy Ireland is proud to shape the future of dairy while meeting the diverse needs of our farmers, customers, and communities.

Headquartered in Tralee, Co. Kerry, we operate multiple manufacturing facilities in the southwest of Ireland, including Listowel, Charleville, Newmarket, and Farranfore. Additionally, we manage 29 Farm & Home stores throughout the region, ensuring comprehensive coverage and service. In Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom, our presence extends to key locations in Portadown, Coleraine, and Ossett.

Globally, Kerry Dairy Ireland employs over 1,600 dedicated professionals across Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK, USA, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and China. In 2024, we achieved a turnover of approximately €1.3 billion, reflecting our commitment to excellence and growth.

Get in touch today!

In Kerry Dairy Ireland we benefit from the knowledge of our colleagues who bring a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, lifestyles and experiences. One team fostering an inclusive culture that, above all, inspires food and nourishes life. One culture where everyone brings their unique perspectives and experiences to help make us better, together. We are committed to nurturing an environment of positivity and inclusiveness, where everyone can be at their best, both personally and professionally.

Our recruitment, selection and assessment process are based on the skills and competencies of the specific roles and based entirely on merit.  We are committed to and value Diversity and Inclusion in all recruitment processes within Kerry and do not discriminate based on gender, race, class, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, political beliefs, veteran status, marital status or any other protected characteristic.

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry Dairy Ireland (KDI) employee will not solicit candidates through a non-KDI email address or phone number. In addition, KDI does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). KDI will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by KDI will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.

Please note: We do not accept CVs or candidate profiles from recruitment agencies where KDI terms of business have not been signed. Additionally, we will not consider or agree to payment of any recruiter fee under these circumstances. This also applies to CVs or candidate profiles sent directly to any KDI Hiring Managers.

Recruiter: #LI-ND1 
Posting Type: LI 

Commercial Controller employer: Kerry

Kerry Dairy Ireland is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where talented individuals are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the food industry. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive benefits including 25 days of annual leave, a matched pension scheme, and opportunities for hybrid working, all while being part of a community dedicated to innovation and sustainability. Located in Staines, our team thrives on diverse perspectives and experiences, ensuring that everyone can contribute to our mission of inspiring food and nourishing life.
K

Contact Detail:

Kerry Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Commercial Controller

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the FMCG and food industry trends. Understanding the current market dynamics will help you speak confidently about how you can drive growth in the role of Commercial Controller.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the dairy and FMCG sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights that could set you apart during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing high-performing teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've inspired and developed team members to achieve collective goals.

✨Tip Number 4

Brush up on your negotiation skills. Since the role involves leading contract negotiations, being able to articulate your approach and past successes in this area will demonstrate your capability for the position.

We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Controller

Commercial Acumen
Team Leadership
Customer Relationship Management
Strategic Planning
Sales Strategy Development
Revenue Generation
Margin Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Performance Monitoring
Contract Negotiation
Data Interpretation
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Time Management
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a Commercial Controller, particularly in the FMCG and food industry. Use specific examples of how you've achieved sales targets and led teams.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention your understanding of Kerry Dairy Ireland's values and how your skills align with their goals.

Highlight Leadership Skills: Emphasise your leadership and team management abilities. Provide examples of how you've inspired and developed teams to achieve collective goals, as this is crucial for the role.

Showcase Analytical Skills: Demonstrate your ability to interpret data and translate it into actionable insights. Include examples of how you've used market trends and consumer behaviour to drive business growth.

How to prepare for a job interview at Kerry

✨Understand the Role Thoroughly

Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the responsibilities and expectations of a Commercial Controller. Familiarise yourself with key terms like P&L, sales strategy, and customer management to demonstrate your knowledge and readiness for the role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As this role involves leading a high-performing team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight any coaching or mentoring experiences that showcase your ability to inspire and develop others.

✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions

Expect questions about your approach to developing and executing sales strategies. Be ready to discuss market trends and how you've previously identified growth opportunities. Use specific examples to illustrate your strategic thinking and analytical skills.

✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Abilities

Effective communication is crucial in this role, especially when collaborating cross-functionally. Prepare to discuss how you've built relationships with various stakeholders and how you ensure clear communication within your team and across departments.

Commercial Controller
Kerry

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