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 supply chain for spirits.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Based in Alloa with a mix of on-site and remote work opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team blending tradition with modern commercial challenges in the spirits industry.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial acumen, leadership experience, and excellent negotiation skills.
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.
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 employer: Speyside Cooperage Ltd
At Speyside Cooperage, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values tradition and innovation in equal measure. Our Alloa location offers a collaborative work culture where employees are empowered to lead and develop their skills, particularly in the dynamic role of Commercial Manager. With a focus on strong relationships, professional growth opportunities, and a commitment to sustainable practices, we provide a rewarding environment for those looking to make a significant impact in the spirits industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and market position, so you can show how your skills align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in the spirits industry and your commercial acumen can drive growth at Speyside Cooperage. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Commercial Manager role. Highlight your commercial acumen, leadership experience, and any relevant industry knowledge to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for Speyside Cooperage. Share specific examples of how you've built relationships and driven growth in previous roles.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since we're looking for someone with an analytical mindset, don’t shy away from including examples where you've interpreted data or trends to make informed decisions. We love seeing how you think!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Speyside Cooperage Ltd
✨Know Your Casks
Familiarise yourself with the oak-cask supply chain and the spirits industry. Understand the nuances of how different casks affect maturation and flavour profiles. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight specific KPIs you set, how you motivated your team, and the results achieved. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the commercial team effectively at Speyside Cooperage.
✨Master Negotiation Scenarios
Be ready to discuss your negotiation strategies and experiences. Think of a few scenarios where you successfully negotiated contracts or pricing agreements. This will showcase your relationship-building skills and commercial acumen, which are crucial for this role.
✨Data-Driven Insights
Brush up on your analytical skills and be prepared to discuss how you interpret data to drive business decisions. Bring examples of how your insights have led to revenue growth or improved procurement performance. This will highlight your analytical mindset and confidence in making informed decisions.
