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
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed