Job Title: Commercial Director
Location: Cheshire UK
Salary: GBP120K – GBP135K + 20% Bonus + Car Allowance
Hrs: 08:30 – 17:00hrs (flexibility required) + extensive travel
Contract: Permanent
Company and Role
Our client is a highly reputable $1.6B Global Company, specialising in developing, producing, and distributing a broad range of specialty Chemicals, Minerals & Niche Products for Consumer and Specialities industries.
We are seeking a Commercial Director to be responsible for Key Major Account handling and European Commercial Sales for Fabric Care. You will also drive growth in revenue & profits with key major clients in addition to new clients, to deliver an aspirational goal of additional $30M profitable business in a span of 3–5 years.
Key Responsibilities of the Commercial Director;
General;
* Interface with key customer contacts periodically to maintain a healthy business relationship especially with Global Major accounts. Periodically review prices and proactively manage price–volume.
* Manage distributors to ensure regional strategies are executed.
* Growth in business with existing (both multinational and regional companies) through marketing existing technologies as well as developing new technologies.
* Research and contact new prospects, develop projects with these prospects and convert projects into new business.
Prospecting
* Undertake Market survey's and conduct market analysis.
* Continuously interact with key/major customers to understand trends and needs.
* Drill down/prioritize to most suited projects based on the company's strengths and growth plans.
* Develop proposals for customers after working with Global/Product Line Management, R&D, Engineering, and Operations Teams.
Commercial management (Including Trials)
* Provide volume and price forecasts per company standards, meeting key deadlines.
* Periodically review price–volume by accounts and take corrective action as deemed necessary.
* Coordinate with company's support resources including R&D to develop technical & commercial proposal.
* Develop initial trial order at the new/existing account. Organise for right equipment, people and product for trials.
* Once successful trials are completed, negotiate for the regular sales.
* Work with R&D and Operations team to develop standard procedures, specifications and equipment (including Capex proposals) so that product reliability is maintained after commercialisation.
Performance management and training
* Track revenue and profits at customer level.
* Track improvement projects.
* Implement training and development activities for stake holders when trials are undertaken.
* Identify operational challenges customers face, translate them into led solutions, especially on quality.
Continuous improvement
* Forecast emerging trends within key competitors, the current market.
* Periodically initiate 'Voice of customer' programs to ensure the business gets feedback from customers for continuous improvement.
* Collaborate with regional commercial leadership, and functional leaders (i.e. manufacturing and R&D) to implement product strategies that would be in line with customer demands.
As the Commercial Director, you will have the following skills & qualifications;
* Minimum of 10 years Sales experience, ideally to household segment OR manufacturing/quality control experience in a detergent manufacturing company.
* Knowledge about detergent formulations, surfactants, dyes, perfumes etc. would be advantageous.
* A strong Chemistry or Chemical Engineering background is desired.
* Strong understanding of P&L dynamics and a commercial bias is required.
* Must be a "hands–on" and independent individual with a systematic problem–solving approach.
* Exceptional interpersonal skills and a strong technical competency.
Additional Information;
* This role is a self–directed role with a wide geographical scope.
* Applicants must the ability to work with different time zones and cultures.
* Extensive global travel is envisaged, therefore, candidates must have a valid passport and full UK driving licence.