At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales strategy, manage purchasing, and execute marketing for two dynamic brands.
- Company: Join Somerset Solders Ltd, a stable and innovative SME with a friendly team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, flexible working, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior role with ownership and influence over commercial direction.
- Qualifications: Strong sales leadership experience and ability to manage suppliers and customer relationships.
Commercial Manager Based Radstock BA3 4BS About Us The company operates two established brands: Somerset Solders specialising in soldering equipment, products and sundries for the electronics industry serving clients across the UK and internationally.
Somerset Workwear - a leading supplier of ESD clothing, healthcare uniforms, hi-vis and trade workwear, and safety footwear, supported by an in-house embroidery and customisation service.
Together, our brands support manufacturing, engineering, healthcare, and industrial environments supplying the tools and consumables they rely on, as well as the garments their team’s wear About the role We would like you to lead the commercial performance of the business across sales, purchasing and marketing, working in close partnership with the Managing Director.
This role will suit someone who enjoys working as part of a team, who takes ownership of outcomes and combines strong commercial judgement with practical execution.
What you’ll be responsible for
- Leading the sales strategy, build and manage a healthy pipeline across both brands, drive customer acquisition/retention/growth, and implement effective account management and segmentation.
- Margin management, performance trends, and provide insight on pricing pressures and opportunities. Supplier purchasing & availability
- Oversee day-to-day purchasing, be responsible for supplier communication and negotiations, manage lead times/MOQs/shortages. Marketing Strategies
- 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
- Leadership & collaboration
- Line-manage and develop the Sales Administrator team, work closely with the Managing Director on strategy and growth planning, contribute market/competitor insight and customer feedback Essential experience
- 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) Personal attributes
- Commercially astute
- Confident operating with autonomy within agreed frameworks
- Collaborative, accountable and outcome-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
- Joining a knowledgeable friendly team
- A stable, well-established business with a clear future plan
- Company pension scheme / onsite Parking
- Flexibility in working arrangements to support a healthy work-life balance (office-based role with some flexibility considered)
- Bonus based on business growth to be fully explained at interview 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 Workwear
Somerset Solders Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly small-team environment where employees can thrive. With flexible working hours, opportunities for hybrid work, and a commitment to employee growth through training on the company ERP system, we ensure that our team members feel valued and empowered. Additionally, our generous holiday entitlement and unique benefits like a 20% staff discount make working with us both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager
✨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 Commercial Manager at Somerset Workwear!
✨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 Somerset Workwear or be willing to refer you for that Commercial Manager 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 Somerset Workwear who’s on the lookout for their next Commercial Manager 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 Commercial Manager role at Somerset Workwear!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager
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 Somerset Workwear. 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 Somerset Workwear
✨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 Somerset Workwear. 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!
