posted: 4th July 2024

Interim Commercial Director

Location: South Coast, UK

Day Rate: £600 – £800 p/day

Company Overview:

We are working with a leading processing and manufacturing business seeking an influential and results-driven Interim Commercial Director. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in developing and executing comprehensive commercial strategies to achieve sustainable business growth, ideally with some international exposure.

Role Overview

As the Interim Commercial Director, you will play a key role in driving commercial strategies and overseeing all aspects of business operations. This includes sales, operations, manufacturing/processing, commercial engagements, IT, and services. You will work closely with the CEO and Chairman to lead the Sales, Services, Processing, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Production units, focusing on operational and sales growth, profit margins, and P&L.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Shape and develop comprehensive commercial strategies to achieve sustainable business growth.
• Utilise expertise in sales management and strategic planning to drive commercial activities.
• Take ownership of customer relationships by negotiating with key decision-makers.

Operational Oversight:

• Provide support and assistance to operations as required.
• Directly manage department managers, ensuring alignment with company objectives and standards.
• Oversee and manage budgets, ensuring financial targets are met.

Quality and Safety:

• Uphold environmental, health, and safety standards.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement in quality performance.
• Facilitate the sharing of lessons learned and optimise operations.

Supply Chain Management:

• Prepare and submit monthly reports on supply chain performance.
• Collaborate closely with the supply chain team to optimise regional operations.

Efficiency Improvement:

• Drive efficiency initiatives globally using a continuous improvement approach.
• Implement regional and global company initiatives, including best practices, quality improvements, and standardised software usage.
• Collaborate with other functions within the region to optimise operations and achieve company goals.

Requirements & Qualifications: 

• Degree qualification in manufacturing, chemical, or engineering discipline preferred.
• Proven experience in the processing space (manufacturing/engineering or chemical industries).
• Demonstrable track record in a significant commercial role, ideally with international exposure.
• Experience in managing operations to achieve bottom-line profitability.
• Experience in shaping, embedding, and coaching a team in a results-oriented environment.
• Strong influencing and networking skills, able to build key stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to combine strategic thinking with a deep understanding of customer needs.
• High level of financial acumen and income forecasting skill sets.
• Passion for quality performance and continuous improvement.

Competitive day rate and the opportunity to shape the future of the company’s commercial strategies.