Commercial Manager

Laborare Group Limited; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global supplier in the coatings industry is seeking a Commercial Manager to drive sales performance and manage a regional team. This pivotal role involves developing strategies, strengthening customer relationships, and identifying new business opportunities across diverse sectors. The ideal candidate has proven sales leadership experience in coatings or chemical industries, strong team management skills, and a hands-on approach. The Commercial Manager will report to senior leadership and collaborate closely with technical teams, all while being willing to travel across the UK and Ireland.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in sales leadership within the coatings, chemical raw materials, or specialty chemicals industries.
• Experience managing and developing multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong commercial understanding of coatings formulations and/or raw materials.
• Willingness to travel across the UK & Ireland as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 7 Account Managers and 3 Product Managers.
• Develop and execute the UK & Ireland commercial strategy to achieve revenue, margin, and market share targets.
• Strengthen relationships with key customers and partners.
• Identify new business opportunities and drive market penetration.
• Work closely with technical teams for customer needs.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and pricing.
• Report on sales performance, forecasts, and KPIs.

Skills

Sales leadership

Team management

Commercial understanding of coatings formulations

Negotiation skills

Excellent communication

Strategic thinking

Education

Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or Scientific discipline

Job description

Our client are a leading global supplier of raw materials to the coatings and construction markets, recognised for our technical expertise, customer focus, and innovative product portfolio. As we continue to expand our footprint across the UK and Ireland, we are seeking a dynamic and commercially driven Commercial Manager to lead our regional team and accelerate growth across the coatings and construction markets.

As Commercial Manager you will take full responsibility for driving sales performance, developing strategic customer relationships, and leading a high-performing team of Account Managers (7) and Product Managers (3). This is a pivotal role for a hands‑on leader with strong market insight and a passion for delivering value to customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 7 Account Managers and 3 Product Managers, fostering a culture of performance, accountability, and collaboration.
• Develop and execute the UK & Ireland commercial strategy to achieve revenue, margin, and market share targets.
• Strengthen relationships with key customers and partners across decorative, industrial, automotive, protective coatings, and construction sectors.
• Identify new business opportunities and drive market penetration for both established and new product lines.
• Work closely with technical teams to ensure customer needs are translated into product development and technical support initiatives.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and pricing dynamics to inform strategic decisions.
• Report on sales performance, forecasts, and KPIs to senior leadership.

Candidate Profile

• Proven track record in sales leadership within the coatings, chemical raw materials, or specialty chemicals industries.
• Experience managing and developing multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong commercial understanding of coatings formulations and/or raw materials.
• Degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or a Scientific discipline is advantageous but not essential.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Strategic thinker with a hands‑on approach and strong customer focus.
• Willingness to travel across the UK & Ireland as required.

Seniority level

• Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Sales, Business Development, and Management

Industries

• Chemical Manufacturing, Wholesale Chemical and Allied Products, and Chemical Raw Materials Manufacturing