Commercial Manager

ZipRecruiter; Slough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company as you step into a pivotal leadership role in international trade within their Export Sales Office. You will drive commercial success by managing contract lifecycles, leading a high-performing Sales Admin team, and shaping strategic initiatives. This position offers significant responsibility, global impact, and a chance to influence the company's performance across diverse international markets.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in international trade, export sales, and commercial contracts.
• Strong command of banking and financial instruments in a global trade setting.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing customer service teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of commercial contracts from drafting to negotiation.
• Ensure seamless order processing and oversee bank guarantees and logistics.
• Lead and inspire a Sales Admin team while tracking KPIs and managing budgets.

Skills

International trade

Commercial contracts

Banking and financial instruments

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Solutions-focused mind

Education

Graduate Membership of the Institute of Export (IOE)

Job description

Job Description

Take Your Career Global: Lead Sales Operations at the Heart of International Trade

Location: Export Sales Office | Role Type: Full-Time | Team Leadership + Global Scope

We're hiring for one of the most exciting commercial roles in our client's business – a rare opportunity to step into a pivotal leadership position within their Export Sales office. If you have a passion for international trade, commercial contracts, and high-performing teams, this is your moment.

Why This Role Stands Out:

You’ll be the strategic anchor for all things sales administration and commercial contract management. From overseeing complex deal structures and trade finance to leading a driven and dynamic Sales Admin team, this is a chance to blend operational excellence with international impact.

You’ll work closely with Business Development Managers and Sales Account Managers, negotiating large-scale international contracts, shaping finance solutions, and ensuring world-class customer service delivery across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.

Your Key Responsibilities:

Commercial Contract Management

• Own the full lifecycle of commercial contracts – from drafting to negotiation and compliance.
• Shape strategies around letters of credit, bonds, and structured trade finance in partnership with the Group Centre of Excellence.
• Stay ahead of the curve on Incoterms, global export/import laws, and international compliance requirements.
• Project manage the commercial and logistical aspects of major deals from tender through delivery.

Sales Administration & Customer Fulfilment

• Ensure seamless order processing, from supplier engagement to customer payment.
• Oversee bank guarantees, credit terms, and global logistics.
• Produce high-impact reports (sales forecasts, debtor updates, monthly dashboards) to guide senior leadership decisions.
• Work closely with banks, Export Credit Agencies, freight forwarders, and other key stakeholders.

People Leadership

• Lead, inspire and grow a Sales Admin team of 8, with 2 direct supervisor reports.
• Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, and development.
• Drive process efficiency, track KPIs, and champion a high-performance culture.
• Manage team budgets and succession planning with an eye on strategic growth.

What You Bring to the Table:

• Proven experience in international trade, export sales, and commercial contracts
• Strong command of banking and financial instruments in a global trade setting
• Experience leading and developing high-performing admin or customer service teams
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing, and analytical skills
• Attention to detail and a solutions-focused mindset
• Bonus: Exposure to engineering or industrial businesses serving Africa and the Middle East
• Graduate Membership of the Institute of Export (IOE) a plus

Stakeholder Network:

You’ll liaise with:

• Internal: Management, Sales, Finance, Credit Control
• Group: Logistics, Legal, Compliance, Finance COEs
• External: Global customers, freight and logistics partners, international banks, chambers of commerce

Ready to Make Your Mark?

This role isn’t just another admin job – it’s a strategic leadership opportunity with global visibility, real commercial influence, and team-building at its core.

Apply now or message us for a confidential conversation.

Let’s take your expertise global.