Commercial Operations Manager

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.