Commercial Manager in Radstock

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). We are now seeking a Commercial Manager to lead the commercial performance of the business across sales, purchasing and marketing, working in close partnership with the Managing Director. This is a senior, hands-on commercial leadership role within an SME environment. It will suit someone who enjoys autonomy, takes ownership of outcomes, and combines strong commercial judgement with practical execution.

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 escalate 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 escalate 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 12–18 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.