Commercial Manager

Founder/Director: PT Executive. Independent FMCG Search & Selection Since 2004 The Business Our client is a fast‑growing food businesses, specialising in premium chilled and frozen food products. With a reputation for innovation, quality and agility, they are backed by significant investment and a bold 5‑year roadmap focused on both organic growth and smart acquisitions domestically and internationally. Their chilled foods portfolio is a key strategic growth engine, spanning authentic, category‑leading products across the likes of meal solutions. With deep sourcing capabilities and a trusted supply chain, they bring rich culinary heritage to UK shelves and manufacturing kitchens, blending authenticity with operational excellence. The business is poised to lead the category into its next phase of growth through NPD, channel diversification and digital transformation. Operating within a matrix‑led structure, their offering spans multiple categories with strong provenance, traceability and standout taste credentials. Their products are increasingly seen as the preferred choice for discerning consumers, supported by an ambitious NPD pipeline and a stronghold in both national and regional manufacturing. One of their top strategic priorities is the acceleration of the Business‑to‑Business (B2B) channel, targeting growth through food manufacturers, ingredient partners and commercial food solutions. To support this they are now seeking to appoint a Commercial Manager to lead the B2B commercial strategy and unlock new growth opportunities in this high‑potential channel. The Role As Commercial Manager – B2B, you will take full ownership of the UK customer base within the Business‑to‑Business channel. You will be responsible for both account development and new business generation, acting as the strategic lead and commercial driver of this fast‑growing area. ✅ Grow the Core & Grow Some More – You will manage and grow existing B2B customer relationships, while identifying and unlocking new strategic partnerships with manufacturers, ingredient buyers and other high‑value accounts. ✅ Lead the Commercial Strategy for B2B – Shape and execute a clear commercial plan, including full P&L ownership at contribution level. Influence wider business decisions based on your understanding of commercial impact and strategic priorities. ✅ Drive New Business Development – Take the lead on identifying white space and untapped opportunities. Be proactive in hunting, pitching and winning new accounts to diversify and expand the B2B channel. ✅ Customer Leadership & Strategic Partnerships – Build multi‑functional relationships with key B2B customers, negotiating long‑term agreements and Joint Business Plans (JBPs). Be a trusted partner in both tactical delivery and strategic planning. ✅ Category, NPD and Innovation Influence – Collaborate closely with NPD, marketing and technical teams to develop added‑value product solutions and bespoke innovations that meet the needs of manufacturing customers. ✅ Full Commercial Accountability – Manage product mix, pricing and promotional investment. Analyse performance, deliver growth and take full ownership of customer profitability. ✅ Operate at Pace with Influence – Engage confidently with cross‑functional teams, senior leadership and Executive Board stakeholders. Influence internal strategies and balance these against external demands with commercial clarity. ✅ Intellectual Stretch & Business Impact – This is not a typical account management role. You will operate with freedom, high visibility and direct impact. Expect to be challenged and empowered in equal measure. What You Get in Return ✅ Be part of a high‑growth, Northern‑based FMCG business with a supportive, entrepreneurial culture ✅ Trusted autonomy in a non‑political, action‑focused environment that rewards results and ideas ✅ Real commercial stretch and ownership, with exposure to B2B customers worth millions ✅ Fast‑paced, agile decision‑making environment without unnecessary bureaucracy ✅ Access to high‑quality products and brands, some of which are not yet on the UK market ✅ Intellectual challenge from a commercially brilliant Sales Director who will support your growth ✅ A pathway to more senior commercial roles in a growing organisation Candidate Requirements ✅ Strong experience in the B2B food or ingredients channel, with proven success in account growth and new business development ✅ Background in Own Label, Private Label or ingredient‑based solutions ✅ Commercially sharp and action‑focused, with strong P&L understanding and business acumen ✅ Visionary mindset – able to assess data, spot opportunity and craft compelling customer proposals ✅ Open, honest and high‑integrity communicator with the confidence to admit errors and learn quickly ✅ Self‑disciplined, proactive and focused on execution and impact ✅ Not defined by large corporate training alone – high‑potential candidates from flexible or entrepreneurial backgrounds welcome ✅ A true hunger to learn, win and grow – personally and commercially Seniority level Mid‑Senior level Employment type Full‑time Job function Sales and Business Development Industries Food and Beverage Manufacturing, Wholesale Food and Beverage, and Food and Beverage Services #J-18808-Ljbffr