Commercial manager

Job Title: Commercial Manager Salary: GBP48,000 - GBP52,000 Location: Letchworth Excellent Salary Good work-life balance, Monday to Friday, 08:00 am - 17:00 pm. Opportunity to become a shareholder after 6 months of employment. Benefits package after 6 months including life insurance, pension, cycle to work scheme, and optional healthcare coverage. About our client: Founded in 2001 with a distinctive vision and a philosophy of employee ownership, our client has rapidly grown to become one of the largest packaging distributors in the UK. Recognised for their exceptional growth, including being awarded lsquo;Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies in the Midlands rsquo; and lsquo;The Sunday Times Track 100 Fastest Profit Growth in the UK rsquo;. Due to accelerating growth, our client is seeking a Commercial Manager to join their dynamic team. Role Overview: As the Commercial Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the commercial and operational functions of the regional distribution centre (RDC). Your primary focus will be on managing profitability and ensuring an excellent customer experience. This role entails leading teams responsible for customer service, procurement, and logistics, with occasional supplier and customer interface, emphasising the importance of strong interpersonal skills and rapport-building. Key Responsibilities: People: * Motivate and lead a team of approximately 20 staff members, with direct reports. * Foster effective teamwork, communication, and planning between business functions. * Address personnel issues as needed and facilitate team development through training and continuous improvement initiatives. Operations: * Ensure compliance with health and safety standards and drive continuous improvement. * Efficiently process enquiries and drive internal sales. * Manage certifications including BRCGS, ISO9001, and ISO14001. * Oversee warehousing, logistics, and product quality. * Facilitate effective communication within and between business functions. RDC Profitability: * Proactively drive process and efficiency improvements. * Manage operational costs and deliver value for money. * Achieve key performance indicators (KPIs) including margin expectations, inventory management, and debtor management. * Maximize unique selling propositions (USPs) and cultivate supplier relationships. Reporting: * Prepare monthly reports on RDC performance and other required metrics. * Conduct risk assessments, fire safety checks, and maintain employee attendance records. * Conduct customer and supplier performance reviews and provide other reports as needed. Key Skills and Essential Experience: * Excellent communication skills and a positive, outgoing demeanour. * A strong desire to enhance stakeholder experience. * A strong academic background. * Proximity to the RDC (within 30-40 minutes travel time during rush hour). * A proactive, task-oriented approach with a focus on quality and accountability. * Strong self-motivation, initiative, and IT proficiency. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. * Great planning, organisation, and delegation skills. * The ability to lead and troubleshoot effectively. Additionally, the successful candidate will demonstrate: * Gravitas and likability, able to gain respect and lead by example. * Strong teamwork and leadership abilities. * The capacity to multitask and remain composed under pressure. * A holistic approach with attention to detail