At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the commercial team, manage procurement and build strong supplier partnerships.
- Company: Speyside Cooperage, a respected supplier in the oak-cask industry for nearly 80 years.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working options with a focus on relationship-building and team collaboration.
- Why this job: Join a blend of tradition and innovation while driving commercial success in the spirits industry.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial acumen, leadership experience, and spirits industry knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About Us
For almost 80 years, Speyside Cooperage has played a vital role in the international oak‑cask supply chain. Established in 1947, we have grown from a traditional local cooperage into a globally respected supplier of high quality casks to whisky, bourbon and spirit producers around the world. Our work blends traditional coopering skills with modern standards and a deep understanding of what makes exceptional spirit maturation possible.
We are looking for a dynamic Commercial Manager to lead our commercial, sales and procurement functions with decisive, high‑impact leadership to power our next stage of growth. If you are a commercially sharp, relationship-driven, analytical thinker, we want to hear from you.
What You Will Lead
The role of Commercial Manager is to lead and develop the commercial function across Speyside Cooperage, overseeing procurement and sales activities while ensuring strong customer and supplier relationships, operational alignment and sustainable profitable growth. The role will manage a small commercial team and work closely with operations, finance and senior leadership across the group.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the commercial team setting clear KPIs and driving high performance.
- Manage procurement of oak, barrels, components and materials across UK and international markets.
- Build strong supplier partnerships and negotiate pricing, contracts and supply agreements.
- Manage key customer relationships across whisky, bourbon and wider spirit sectors.
- Support revenue growth through account development and sourcing new business opportunities.
- Align commercial activity with operations, stock planning and financial targets.
- Deliver accurate forecasting, reporting and commercial insights.
What You Bring
- Strong commercial acumen and understanding of margins, profitability and market drivers.
- Spirits industry experience, developed network and a strong understanding of the international oak-cask supply chain.
- Proven leadership experience with the ability to motivate and develop a team.
- Excellent negotiation and relationship‑building skills.
- Analytical mindset with confidence interpreting data and trends.
- Clear, confident communication across all levels.
This role requires someone who builds strong customer and supplier relationships and makes timely informed decisions. You will be measured on procurement performance, revenue and margin delivery, customer service levels, commercial reporting accuracy and team leadership.
Location
Based at our Alloa site, this role combines time on the ground with our team, time on the road building relationships with customers and flexibility for occasional home working.
If you’re excited by the blend of tradition, craftsmanship and commercial challenge, we would love to hear from you. Apply now or reach out for a confidential conversation.
Commercial Manager in Alloa employer: Speyside Cooperage Ltd
At Speyside Cooperage, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values tradition and innovation in equal measure. Our collaborative work culture fosters strong relationships and encourages professional growth, offering employees the chance to lead impactful projects within the dynamic spirits industry. Located in Alloa, our team enjoys a blend of hands-on experience and flexibility, making it an ideal environment for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in Alloa
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the spirits industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or clients, be ready to discuss your experience and how it aligns with their needs. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your commercial acumen and leadership abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Research is key! Before any meeting or interview, make sure you know the ins and outs of the company and its position in the oak-cask supply chain. This will help you tailor your conversation and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their growth.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After any interaction, whether it’s an interview or a casual chat, send a quick thank-you note. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to reinforce those strong relationships we talked about!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager in Alloa
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Commercial Savvy:Make sure to highlight your commercial acumen in your application. We want to see how you understand margins, profitability, and market drivers, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant experiences!
Tailor Your Application:Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to the role of Commercial Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show us that you’re a perfect fit for our team at Speyside Cooperage.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills:We’re looking for someone with proven leadership experience. Share examples of how you've motivated and developed teams in the past, as this will really make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Speyside Cooperage Ltd
✨Know Your Industry Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the spirits industry, especially the oak-cask supply chain. Familiarise yourself with current trends, key players, and market drivers. This will not only show your passion but also demonstrate your commercial acumen.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience. Think about times when you've motivated a team or driven high performance. Be ready to discuss how you set KPIs and align your team's goals with broader business objectives.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Since the role involves managing supplier partnerships and negotiating contracts, be prepared to discuss your negotiation strategies. Share specific instances where you successfully negotiated pricing or terms, and explain how you built those relationships.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, as effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you would communicate across different levels of the organisation and with external partners. Confidence in your delivery can make a significant impact.
