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
Salary description
£55000.00 - £60000.00 per year