At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial sales and bid governance for a global engineering business.
- Company: Oliver Valves, a £100m innovative engineering firm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression to director level, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on margin improvement and risk reduction.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions that shape the future of our projects and company culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in bid management, contract negotiation, and commercial leadership.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: Knutsford, Parkgate Industrial Estate (Office Based)
Working Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am till 5pm. 40 hours per week
We’re looking for a senior commercial leader to take ownership of bid governance and commercial decision‑making at Oliver Valves, a £100m global engineering business. This role sits at the centre of how we win work. You will lead the internal sales and bid function, ensuring all opportunities are commercially sound, contractually robust, and operationally deliverable.
You will act as the gatekeeper for major bids — reviewing scope, challenging assumptions, and approving or rejecting opportunities based on margin, risk, and delivery capability. Working closely with engineering, supply chain, and operations, you will ensure alignment before orders are accepted, reducing downstream issues and improving overall contract performance.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has led bid and/or commercial functions within engineering or manufacturing
- Is experienced in contract review and negotiation (LDs, warranties, liabilities)
- Has operated formal bid governance and approval processes
- Is confident challenging senior stakeholders and making difficult commercial decisions
- Focuses on margin, risk, and quality of order intake — not just revenue
You will play a key role in improving margin, reducing risk exposure, and embedding a more disciplined, commercially focused culture across the business. This is a high-impact role with a clear path to director level.
Head of Commercial Sales in Knutsford employer: Oliver Valves Group
At Oliver Valves Group, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. As an On-Site Supplier Quality Engineer, you will benefit from our commitment to employee development through continuous training and growth opportunities, all while working in the vibrant and culturally rich setting of China. Join us to be part of a team that values quality and excellence in precision machining, ensuring your contributions make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Sales in Knutsford
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Head of Commercial Sales at Oliver Valves Group!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Oliver Valves Group or be willing to refer you for that Head of Commercial Sales position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Oliver Valves Group who’s on the lookout for their next Head of Commercial Sales star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Head of Commercial Sales role at Oliver Valves Group!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Sales in Knutsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Oliver Valves Group. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oliver Valves Group
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Oliver Valves Group. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
