Commercial Manager Plants

The Commercial Manager plays a critical role in driving the growth and performance of MM Plants\’ customer portfolio, supporting the Head of Commercial to deliver strategic initiatives, expand online customer bases, and build strong customer relationships. This role involves working cross-functionally to optimise operational delivery, strengthen customer engagement, and drive profitability by identifying and leveraging commercial opportunities.

The successful candidate will bring passion for the plant and horticulture retail space, a strong understanding of commercial levers to influence performance, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while delivering sustained value.

Responsibilities

• Act as a primary point of contact for key customers, maintaining and building robust relationships.
• Understand and anticipate customer needs, delivering tailored solutions to meet their requirements.
• Ensure swift and comprehensive responses to all customer requests and queries.
• Oversee accurate maintenance of records in systems such as Rubicon, including product codes, BOMs, hardware, and pricing.
• Drive process efficiency and ensure internal deliverables are aligned with customer expectations.
• Monitor and review performance indicators, proactively implementing improvements.
• Lead or support the planning and execution of category and range reviews, coordinating stakeholders effectively.
• Ensure commercial projects meet deadlines, budgets, and KPIs.
• Work cross-functionally with NPD, Technical, Packaging, Planning, and Supply Chain teams to ensure seamless product launches and service delivery.
• Facilitate communication between internal teams to ensure customer goals and process improvements are clearly understood and actioned.
• Oversee sales forecasts, peak season planning (including Christmas, Spring, Easter), and coordinate resources to ensure customer demand is met.
• Communicate clearly to both customer and internal stakeholders throughout peak periods.
• Maintain regular contact with customer buying, product development, technical, and supply chain teams.
• Ensure prompt responses to ad-hoc customer requirements and issues.
• Host and coordinate site visits for customers and growers to provide a high-quality experience.
• Track and manage changes to plant product ranges, pricing, and specifications, distributing updated information internally as necessary.
• Ensure continuous accuracy of sales and operations forecasting by capturing and responding to customer feedback and market trends.
• Lead or contribute to product presentations for customers, adhering to gate and approval processes.
• Support NPD teams on new plant product launches, ensuring all details are captured and communicated in both customer and internal systems, including prices and hardware requirements.
• Resolve commercial or operational issues efficiently, working with relevant teams to maintain service excellence.
• Ensure that plant product specifications, packaging (hardware), and processes fulfill all customer and regulatory criteria.
• Plan and manage operational arrangements for seasonal sales peaks, ensuring resources and systems enable timely fulfilment and quality outcomes.
• Maintain and review system data – product codes, BOMs, and hardware – to guarantee accurate reporting and operational efficiency.
• Identify and implement opportunities for continual process improvement.

What you can already do

• Strong background in managing customer accounts and delivering commercial outcomes within FMCG, retail, or a similar fast-paced business.
• Passion for customer environments, with proven experience in driving growth and performance via retail strategies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and provide actionable insights to support growth and profitability.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to manage relationships with internal teams and external customers.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., Rubicon) and familiarity with product specifications, BOMs, and production planning.
• Proven ability to plan and execute projects, demonstrating strong organisational and time management skills.
• Knowledge of forecasting and peak planning methodologies, particularly within retail or wholesale environments.
• Experience working with product development (NPD) and successfully launching new products into the market.
• Familiarity with category management and data-backed decision-making.
• Trusted: Dependable and accountable, consistently meeting high standards.
• Passionate: Shows enthusiasm and dedication to achieving operational goals.
• Dynamic: Adapts to challenges with innovative solutions and a proactive approach.
• Work Together: Builds strong relationships and fosters a team-oriented culture.