Commercial Controller

Role Overview

We are seeking an accomplished and commercially astute Commercial Controller to lead our strategy and growth across the Wholesalers, and Foodservice sectors.

This senior position will manage and develop a team of four account managers, ensuring they deliver on business objectives while fostering strong client partnerships. The successful candidate will take ownership of shaping the commercial strategy, driving new opportunities, and strengthening the company’s position as a market leader.

This is a home-based role, but the candidate must be within a commutable distance of our sites - Based in the East Midlands and Yorkshire

Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Strategy

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of four account managers, driving high performance, engagement, and professional growth.
• Define and execute the commercial strategy for Manufacturing (B2B), Wholesalers, and Foodservice channels.- Sysco, Bidfoods, Booker are of interest
• Set clear objectives, KPIs, and growth targets aligned with company strategy.
• Champion cross-functional collaboration, ensuring the commercial team works seamlessly with production, supply chain, and technical functions.

Commercial Growth & Business Development

• Own and lead relationships with senior stakeholders across major manufacturing, wholesale, and foodservice accounts.
• Drive growth through strategic business development, identifying and converting new opportunities across targeted channels.
• Lead commercial negotiations, ensuring profitability and sustainable partnerships.
• Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and category performance to anticipate shifts and guide strategic planning.

Account & Customer Management

• Oversee account management activities across the team, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality service.
• Develop long-term customer plans for key accounts, focusing on profitability and value creation.
• Build senior-level relationships with clients, acting as an escalation point for complex or strategic matters.
• Ensure the business maintains its reputation for exceptional customer service and technical excellence.

Sales Forecasting & Reporting

• Provide robust and accurate sales forecasting across all channels.
• Deliver insight-led reporting to the Sales Director, highlighting risks, opportunities, and performance against objectives.
• Use data and analytics to inform decision-making, ensuring commercial activity is evidence-based and strategically aligned.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience in a senior commercial role within the UK food or ingredient manufacturing industry, would be of interest to us
• Strong track record of managing teams, with proven leadership and people development skills.
• Deep knowledge of the UK manufacturing, wholesale, and/or foodservice landscape.
• Exceptional negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrable success in delivering sales growth and shaping strategy.
• Familiarity with UK food safety, technical, and quality standards.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Leadership – ability to set vision, direction, and inspire a team.
• Commercial Acumen – understands markets, margins, and commercial levers to drive growth.
• Customer Centricity – committed to building lasting partnerships and delivering value.
• Analytical Thinking – uses insight and data to shape decisions and strategies.
• Collaboration – builds trust across teams and functions to deliver results.
• Resilience & Adaptability – thrives in a dynamic environment and manages change with confidence.