Commercial Operations Manager
9 days ago
Totton
Commercial Operations Manager Location: Southampton Salary: £50,000 – £60,000 per annum Reporting to: Managing Director Department: Commercial & Business Operations Direct Reports: Sales, Customer Service, Administration, Planning & Back‑Office Support Post: Full time, Permanent Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday (1-hour unpaid lunch) Role Purpose The Commercial Operations Manager will lead all commercial, administrative and back‑office functions for a Manufacturing business, ensuring the business operates efficiently, delivers excellent customer service, and drives increased sales and turnover. Working closely with the Manufacturing Operations Manager — who oversees all shop‑floor production — this role owns everything outside of physical manufacturing, including sales management, order processing, customer communication, planning, compliance, administration, and commercial performance. This is a key leadership role responsible for building a more structured, scalable and commercially focused operation. Essential Key Skills & Experience needed • Proven experience in commercial operations, sales operations or business administration leadership., • Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems and commercial reporting tools., • Background in manufacturing, packaging, plastics, FMCG or similar operational environments., • Strong understanding of sales processes, customer service and order management., • Excellent organisational skills with the ability to streamline processes and improve efficiency., • Confident communicator able to work closely with production and senior leadership., • Strong commercial awareness with the ability to drive growth and improve margins., • Experience managing teams across sales, admin or back‑office functions., • Understanding of compliance frameworks such as BRCGS, EPR obligations, and H&S systems Key Responsibilities Commercial Leadership & Sales Growth • Lead and manage the sales function, ensuring proactive customer engagement and growth of existing accounts., • Develop and implement commercial plans to increase turnover and profitability., • Identify new business opportunities and support the MD with strategic customer development., • Monitor sales performance, pipeline activity and forecasting accuracy., • Ensure pricing, quotations and commercial decisions are consistent, competitive and profitable., • Manage recruitment, training and mentoring of the sales team to build capability and performance. Planning & Cross‑Functional Coordination • Work closely with the Manufacturing Operations Manager to align production plans with customer demand., • Ensure accurate forecasting, capacity planning and order prioritisation., • Coordinate between sales, admin and production to ensure smooth end‑to‑end delivery., • Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction. Compliance, Accreditation & Regulatory Responsibilities • Maintain knowledge and understanding of BRCGS Food Contact Packaging accreditation requirements and ensure commercial processes support compliance., • Work with the Manufacturing Operations Manager to manage and maintain Health & Safety systems across commercial and operational interfaces., • Oversee Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations, ensuring accurate reporting, data capture and compliance with UK packaging legislation., • Manage any other compliance‑related matters including documentation, audits, customer requirements, and regulatory updates. People Leadership • Manage and develop the sales, admin and back‑office teams., • Set clear objectives, performance standards and development plans., • Build a positive, accountable and customer‑focused culture