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.

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.

• 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

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.

• 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

• 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.

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