At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the commercial strategy and inspire teams to drive growth in a dynamic food manufacturing business.
- Company: A growing, family-owned food manufacturer with a focus on innovation and expansion.
- Benefits: Competitive package, flexible working options, and relocation support available.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with direct influence on company strategy and growth.
- Why this job: Shape the commercial function and make a real impact in a newly created leadership role.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior commercial roles, strong leadership, and strategic thinking skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Wales (On-Site or Hybrid) | Executive Leadership Role | Competitive Package
We are partnering with a growing food manufacturing business to appoint a Head of Commercial. This is a newly created role to sit on the SLT, reflecting an exciting phase of growth, investment, and innovation across the business. As this company continues to expand its product portfolio and accelerate its NPD pipeline, this role will play a critical part in shaping and delivering the commercial strategy required to support that growth. The role is based in Wales and can be performed either fully on-site or on a hybrid basis (3 days per week on-site). Relocation support or consideration will be given to candidates open to moving to the area.
The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will take full ownership of the commercial agenda—leading Sales, Brand, and New Product Development (NPD) functions to deliver both immediate performance and long-term strategic growth. This role requires a self-starting, highly proactive leader who can bring their own point of view, challenge constructively, and operate confidently at a strategic level. You will work closely with the wider leadership team to define market positioning, unlock new revenue streams, and ensure the business remains competitive, innovative, and aligned with evolving consumer trends.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the overall commercial strategy to drive profitable growth
- Lead and inspire the Sales function, building strong retail partnerships and expanding into new channels including export and foodservice
- Oversee the NPD pipeline, ensuring delivery of innovative, market-led products from concept through to launch
- Define and lead brand strategy to maximise market presence and brand equity
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer insights to identify opportunities and mitigate risk
- Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing commercial team across multiple functions
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, Technical, and Supply Chain to ensure alignment and execution
We are seeking a commercially astute and strategic leader with a strong track record within food manufacturing (ideally short shelf life). You will bring:
- Significant experience in a senior commercial or sales leadership role
- Proven success in driving revenue growth and securing major retail partnerships
- A self-starter mindset, with the confidence to bring ideas, challenge thinking, and operate at a strategic level
- Strong leadership capability, with experience managing multi-functional teams (Sales, Brand, NPD)
- Deep understanding of the end-to-end NPD process and product innovation
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including P&L ownership and margin optimisation
- Experience building and developing brands within competitive markets
- A data-driven approach with strong analytical and decision-making skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels
Why Apply?
- Newly created role with the opportunity to shape the commercial function from the ground up
- Join a growing, family-owned business entering an exciting phase of expansion and innovation
- Direct reporting line to the CEO with genuine strategic influence
- High-impact, board-facing role with real ownership
- Flexible working model (on-site or hybrid)
- Relocation opportunities available for the right candidate
- Collaborative, forward-thinking leadership environment
If you are a strategic commercial leader looking for a role where you can truly make an impact and help shape the next phase of growth, we would welcome your application.
Commercial In in Wales employer: Zest Food Jobs
Join a dynamic and growing food manufacturing business in Wales, where you will have the unique opportunity to shape the commercial strategy from the ground up. With a flexible working model, a collaborative leadership environment, and direct influence on strategic decisions, this role offers not only competitive remuneration but also significant potential for personal and professional growth within a family-owned company committed to innovation and expansion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial In in Wales
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and connect with people 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 market positioning so you can discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for the commercial strategy and how you can drive growth. Highlight your leadership style and how you inspire teams to achieve results—this is key for a role like Head of Commercial.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial In in Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Commercial role. Highlight your achievements in driving revenue growth and leading teams, as these are key aspects we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We want to see how you lead and inspire teams. Share examples of how you've developed high-performing teams and fostered collaboration across functions. This will help us understand your approach to leadership and team dynamics.
Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, illustrate your ability to think strategically about commercial growth. Discuss any past experiences where you've defined market positioning or unlocked new revenue streams, as this is crucial for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. This ensures that your application goes directly to us and allows you to easily track your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Food Jobs
✨Know Your Commercial Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of commercial strategies in the food manufacturing sector. Be ready to discuss how you would develop and execute a commercial strategy that drives profitable growth, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership capabilities, especially in managing multi-functional teams. Think about times when you've inspired your team or successfully led a project, as this will demonstrate your fit for leading the Sales, Brand, and NPD functions.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role requires a strong analytical approach, come prepared with insights from your past experiences. Discuss how you've used data to drive decisions, optimise margins, or identify new revenue streams, showcasing your commercial and financial acumen.
✨Understand Market Trends
Research current market trends and competitor activities in the food manufacturing industry. Be ready to share your thoughts on how these trends could impact the company's strategy and how you would leverage them to ensure competitiveness and innovation.