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 salary, flexible working options, and relocation support available.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a thriving company and make a real impact at a strategic level.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior commercial roles and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
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.
Head of Commercial in Wales employer: Zest Food Jobs
Contact Detail:
Zest Food Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial in Wales
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your achievements and how they relate to the role. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic thinking and leadership skills—this is your time to shine!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on the company and its competitors. Understand their products, market position, and recent news. This will not only help you answer questions but also show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial in Wales
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Commercial role. Highlight your achievements in driving revenue growth and managing multi-functional teams, as these are key to what we’re looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to show us your personality and passion for the role. Share your vision for the commercial strategy and how you can contribute to our exciting phase of growth and innovation.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to see how you lead and inspire teams. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your leadership capabilities and how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams in the food manufacturing sector.
Apply Through Our Website: To ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, make sure to apply through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Food Jobs
✨Know Your Commercial Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's current commercial strategy and recent developments in their product portfolio. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to shaping their future strategy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Head of Commercial, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples that demonstrate how you've successfully led multi-functional teams in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and mentor others, as well as how you’ve navigated challenges in previous roles.
✨Understand Market Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in food manufacturing, especially regarding short shelf life products. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could impact the company and suggest innovative ideas for new product development that align with consumer demands.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since this role involves working closely with the CEO and other senior leaders, be ready to engage in strategic discussions. Think about potential revenue streams and market positioning strategies you could propose, and practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.