Senior Commercial Manager
Somerset, South West England | 2-3 days per week on-site, plus customer visits
A rare opportunity to join the commercial team of this rapidly growing, established food and beverage manufacturing business in a newly created role. This is a senior, customer-facing role reporting to the Commercial Director, with deputy responsibilities and a seat on the Senior Leadership Team.
The successful candidate will manage two direct reports and will work closely with Operations, Finance, Technical and Development teams to deliver commercial performance and support the wider growth strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and grow major strategic customer accounts, delivering agreed sales, margin and profitability targets
- Lead customer reviews, forecasts, budgets, pricing and commercial proposals
- Manage contract renewals, negotiations and cost recovery initiatives
- Lead customer-facing NPD and commercial projects from concept to launch
- Act as deputy to the Commercial Director, providing continuity during absences
- Manage, develop and coach direct reports
- Support wider marketing and commercial administration activity
Experience & Qualifications
- Significant experience as a National Account Manager, Senior National Account Manager, or similar, within food or drink manufacturing
- Direct account management experience with major UK retailers
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including pricing, forecasting, budgeting and margin management
- Experience leading cross-functional customer projects
- Experience managing or developing junior team members
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable
- Contract manufacturing background (client or manufacturer side)
- Experience of Joint Business Planning (JBP)
- Knowledge of plant-based, dairy or beverage sectors
- Degree qualified or equivalent commercial experience
This is a business that invests in its people as much as its products - boasting excellent staff retention and genuine opportunities for career development and progression. It has also invested heavily in infrastructure, new production lines and NPD capability, reflecting a clear commitment to long-term growth and innovation.
This newly created role offers the chance to make a real impact from day one, with strong support and visibility at senior leadership level.
As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website http://www.zestfoodjobs.co.uk/privacy-policy/
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Senior Commercial Manager employer: Zest Recruitment
Join a dynamic and growing food importer and distributor that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work culture. As a National Account Manager, you will benefit from comprehensive training, exposure to an exciting product range, and opportunities for international travel, all while enjoying a supportive team environment and a clear path for career progression. With 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays and a company car, this role offers not just a job, but a meaningful career in the thriving food industry.
