The Role – Commercial Director
An established and fast-growing service-led organisation operating within the UK food and fresh produce sector is seeking a strategic Commercial Director to join its executive leadership team.
With annual revenues exceeding £100m and a significant multi-site footprint across Kent, this business partners with major customers to deliver high-quality, value-added service solutions in a fast-paced, operationally complex environment.
This is a pivotal senior role reporting directly to the MD.The Opportunity
As Commercial Director, you will be accountable for the end-to-end commercial service provision cycle across a diverse customer base. You will drive strategic growth, protect and enhance margin, and strengthen senior-level customer relationships whilst leading cross-functional collaboration across Operations, Supply Chain and Customer Service.
This role requires a customer-first mindset combined with strong commercial governance, financial rigour and the ability to deliver scalable, profitable service models.Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the commercial strategy aligned with business growth objectives
- Own full customer lifecycle management: onboarding, service delivery, reviews, renewals and expansion
- Lead cross-functional collaboration to deliver commercially viable, customer-centric service solutions
- Build senior-level customer partnerships focused on long-term value creation
- Drive margin protection and revenue growth through pricing strategy and performance management
- Lead RFI/RFP responses with robust commercial analysis and delivery plans
- Oversee KPIs including service performance, quality metrics, SLAs and profitability per account
- Manage commercial budgets, forecasting and margin improvement initiatives
- Champion process standardisation, digital enablement and data-led decision making
- Drive continuous improvement and change programmes across multi-site operations
About You
You will be a proven senior commercial leader with:
- 10+ years’ commercial experience, with at least 5 years at senior leadership level
- Background in food production, fresh produce, manufacturing, packaging or FMCG
- Strong track record of revenue growth and margin improvement within service-based environments
- Experience managing complex, multi-site customer portfolios
- Advanced commercial acumen including pricing, risk management and contract governance
- Proven ability to influence at executive and board level
- Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making capability
- Experience leading cross-functional teams within operationally intensive environments
Postgraduate business qualifications (MBA or equivalent) are advantageous but not essential.Personal Profile
- Customer-centric and relationship-driven
- Strategic thinker with operational credibility
- Influential and collaborative leadership style
- High integrity, resilience and strong change leadership capability
- Commercially astute with strong financial oversight
What’s On Offer
- Six-Figure Executive Package + Up to 30% Bonus + Car Allowance + Benefits
- Private medical, pension and wellbeing support
- Opportunity to shape and scale a high-growth, people-focused business
If you are an experienced Commercial Director or Head of Commercial seeking a senior leadership opportunity within a dynamic, growth-focused food environment, we would welcome a confidential discussion.
Apply now or contact us directly for a discreet conversation.
