At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial performance, drive customer growth, and negotiate contracts.
- Company: Established waste management firm transforming under new international ownership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, bonus, pension scheme, and on-site parking.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Join a senior leadership team and shape the future of a growing business.
- Qualifications: Experience in waste management or related sectors with strong negotiation skills.
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Commercial Manager will lead commercial performance across the business, focusing on customer growth, contract negotiation, profitability and strategic development. This is a high-impact role suited to a commercially driven individual who can build strong relationships, drive business growth and support the organisation's transition to a more corporate, performance-focused environment.
Our client is a well-established waste management and recycling business operating across the South East. Following a recent acquisition by an international group, the organisation is entering an exciting phase of transformation, investing in its people, processes and commercial capabilities to support future growth. This role offers the opportunity to join the senior leadership team and play a key role in shaping the commercial direction of the business.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing and developing existing customer relationships while identifying and securing new business opportunities.
- Leading commercial negotiations with customers, suppliers, disposal outlets and subcontractors.
- Monitoring and improving profitability across contracts and service lines.
- Taking ownership of commercial reporting and contributing to P&L performance.
- Supporting strategic business planning and growth initiatives.
- Working closely with operational teams to ensure efficient service delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Preparing commercial proposals, tenders and contract reviews.
- Identifying opportunities to improve margins, reduce costs and optimise operational performance.
- Developing strong relationships with key stakeholders across the business.
- Supporting the organisation's transition towards a more commercially focused culture.
- Managing and developing direct reports within the commercial function.
- Representing the business in meetings with customers, suppliers and industry partners.
The successful Commercial Manager will bring a blend of commercial acumen, operational understanding and relationship management expertise. We are looking for:
- Previous experience within the waste management, recycling, environmental services or related sectors.
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills with a proven track record of business development and account growth.
- Experience managing contracts, customers and supplier relationships.
- Commercially minded with a strong understanding of revenue, margin and P&L performance.
- Ability to influence and build relationships across all levels of an organisation.
- Experience operating within a fast-paced operational environment.
- Strong leadership capability and experience managing teams.
- An adaptable and resilient approach, with the ability to drive change and challenge legacy ways of working.
Operations Managers or similar leaders looking to move into a broader commercial leadership role are encouraged to apply.
Salary of £55,000
Company Car or Car Allowance
Fuel Card
Performance-related Bonus
On-site Parking
Pension Scheme
Opportunity to join a business undergoing significant investment and transformation in Crawley
Direct exposure to the Managing Director and senior leadership team
Genuine opportunity to shape the commercial direction of the business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in Crawley
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like Michael Page and learning about the latest trends in the industry.
✨Leverage Online Communities
Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at Michael Page!
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio
Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like Michael Page keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager in Crawley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Michael Page:This is your chance to really connect with the team at Michael Page. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨Know Your Logistics Tools
Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with Michael Page.
✨Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show Michael Page that you're a team player!
✨Understand the Big Picture
Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at Michael Page. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!
