Lincoln (office-based)
£75/80k + team bonus + future share options + car/car allowance
Benjamin Edwards are recruiting for an experienced and commercially driven Commercial & Operations Director to oversee the day-to-day running of a local Lincoln business while driving performance, profitability, and operational excellence. This is a pivot role and will enable the opportunity for career progression to develop into the MD position eventually.
This role would suit an individual who is currently operating as a Managing Director, Business Manager, Operational Finance Director, Operations Director or someone who has been a key member of a senior leadership team within an SME. Experience within a product-based, manufacturing, engineering, stockholding, or distribution environment is essential.
You will play a pivotal role in aligning sales, operations, and finance to support sustainable growth and efficient business performance.
Key Responsibilities
Overall Leadership
Oversee the daily running and performance of the business
Ensure alignment between commercial, operational, and financial functions
Support the delivery of strategic objectives set by the CEO/Board
Drive a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement
Sales & Commercial Performance
Monitor daily sales, profit reports, and overall performance
Continue to develop new and ongoing business-to-business relationships
Work closely with the Sales Manager to support and challenge the sales team
Provide commercial insight to drive revenue growth and margin improvement
Host and lead regular Sales Meetings to review pipeline, performance, and strategy
Stock Purchasing & Operations
Work alongside the Purchasing Manager on large stock purchasing decisions
Ensure optimal stock levels, cash flow management, and supply chain efficiency
Oversee operational processes to ensure smooth and efficient business delivery
Review performance and improvements
Finance, Legal & Governance
Support planning and decision-making on large capital purchases and funding options
Work closely with external accountants on year-end statutory requirements
Review and interpret monthly management accounts to drive performance
Authorise significant payments in collaboration with finance and banking partners
Lead insurance policy negotiation and renewals
Oversee legal matters across the business, including HR-related issues
Manage and review IT and telecoms contracts and renewals
Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 standards and Health & Safety requirements
Experience Required
Proven experience in a senior leadership role (Managing Director, Operations Director, Business Manager, Operational Finance Director or similar)
Strong commercial mindset with the ability to drive profit and performance
Background in a product-based, manufacturing, engineering, stockholding, or distribution business
Experience operating within an SME environment
Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams (sales, operations, finance)
Skills & Competencies
Strong commercial and financial acumen
Operational leadership with a hands-on, pragmatic approach
Ability to interpret data and drive performance improvements
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
Strategic thinker with strong execution capability
Personal Attributes
Results-driven and highly accountable
Confident decision-maker with sound judgement
Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced SME environment
Collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence at all levels
Proactive, organised, and solutions-focused
Why Join
Opportunity to take a leading role in the day-to-day and strategic success of the business
High level of autonomy and influence
Work closely with senior leadership and decision-makers
Competitive salary and performance-based incentives
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Benjamin Edwards, please do not hesitate to apply
Salary description
£75000.00 - £80000.00 per year