At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales growth, manage supplier relationships, and lead marketing strategies.
- Company: Somerset Solders Ltd, a growing SME with a clear future plan.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company pension scheme, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Take ownership in a senior role and make a real impact on the company's growth.
- Qualifications: Proven commercial management experience and strong sales leadership skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Somerset Solders Ltd is entering an important next phase of its development, with a refreshed leadership structure designed to support sustainable growth and clearer accountability. The company operates two established brands: Somerset Solders (specialising in soldering equipment, products and sundries for the electronics industry) and Somerset Workwear (providing professional workwear and PPE).
What you’ll be responsible for:
- Sales & revenue growth: Lead the sales strategy, build and manage a healthy pipeline across both brands, drive customer acquisition/retention/growth, and implement effective account management and segmentation.
- Pricing, margin & commercial discipline: Head up the execution of pricing and discounting within agreed frameworks, protect gross margin through disciplined decision-making, monitor performance trends, and provide insight on pricing pressures and opportunities.
- Supplier purchasing & availability: Own day-to-day purchasing, supplier communication and negotiations, manage lead times/MOQs/shortages, maintain strong relationships, and elevate any significant supplier risks.
- Marketing & demand generation: Lead commercial marketing execution within agreed budgets, manage external partners (e.g. PPC/digital agencies), track ROI and lead quality, and ensure close alignment between marketing and sales outcomes.
- Customer relationships: Serve as the primary commercial contact for large customers, lead negotiations and pricing discussions, resolve issues related to pricing/supply/terms, and elevate only exceptional or high-risk matters.
- Leadership & collaboration: Line-manage and develop the Sales Administrator team (x2), work closely with the Managing Director on strategy and growth planning, contribute market/competitor insight and customer feedback, and help foster a professional, collaborative and commercially focused culture.
What success looks like: In your first months you will take clear ownership of commercial execution, improve sales visibility/pipeline/forecasting, protect and improve gross margin, strengthen supplier and customer relationships, and reduce day-to-day commercial pressure on the Managing Director.
About you:
- Essential experience: Proven commercial management experience within an SME or similar environment; Strong background in sales leadership, pricing and customer management; Experience managing suppliers and commercial purchasing decisions; Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery; Strong commercial judgement and confident decision-making.
- Desirable experience: Experience in B2B, technical, manufacturing or distribution environments; Exposure to digital marketing or performance-based marketing (e.g. PPC); Experience managing or developing small commercial teams.
Personal attributes: Commercially astute and data-driven; Pragmatic, adaptable and comfortable in a growing SME; Confident operating with autonomy within agreed frameworks; Collaborative, accountable and outcomes-focused.
Why join Somerset Solders Ltd? A genuinely senior commercial role with real ownership and influence; Close partnership with the Managing Director; Opportunity to shape the commercial direction of a growing SME; A stable, well-established business with a clear future plan; Company pension scheme; Flexibility in working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance (office-based role with some flexibility considered). This role is designed for candidates who want responsibility, influence and the opportunity to make a visible impact in an SME setting.
Commercial Manager employer: Somerset Solders Ltd
Contact Detail:
Somerset Solders Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their products and services, especially in the context of sales and commercial management. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in Somerset Solders Ltd.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Commercial Manager. Highlight your successes in sales leadership and supplier management, and don’t forget to showcase your data-driven approach to decision-making.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Somerset Solders Ltd and ready to take on the challenge of driving growth and managing relationships.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Commercial Manager. Highlight your experience in sales leadership, pricing strategies, and supplier management. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Somerset Solders Ltd. Share specific examples of your achievements in commercial management and how you can contribute to our growth.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since we’re looking for someone commercially astute and data-driven, don’t forget to mention any relevant metrics or KPIs you've worked with. We love numbers that tell a story about your success!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset Solders Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of sales metrics and financial performance. Brush up on key figures related to sales growth, pricing strategies, and margin protection. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves managing a team and collaborating closely with the Managing Director. Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, particularly in developing teams and driving commercial success. Think about how you can convey your ability to foster a collaborative culture.
✨Understand the Brands
Familiarise yourself with Somerset Solders and Somerset Workwear. Know their products, target markets, and recent developments. This will not only show your interest but also allow you to discuss how you can contribute to their growth and align your strategies with their goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of scenarios where you've had to negotiate with suppliers or manage customer relationships under pressure. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.