Commercial Operations Manager

Commercial Operations Manager 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