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 high-impact role with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions that shape the future of our projects and company culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading bid functions and contract negotiation in engineering or manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ 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 Ltd
Oliver Valves is an exceptional employer located in Knutsford, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation thrives. With over 45 years of industry leadership, we provide our R&D Technicians with competitive pay, comprehensive training, and ample opportunities for professional growth, all while fostering a supportive team culture that values hands-on skills and a proactive attitude. Join us to be part of a company that not only rewards your contributions but also invests in your future through excellent benefits and a commitment to employee development.
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