Senior Commercial Manager

ZipRecruiter; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading chilled food company is seeking a Senior Commercial Manager to oversee key retail accounts, including M&S and Morrisons. This pivotal role involves strategic planning and execution to drive growth in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the chilled food sector and a proven ability to negotiate and manage pricing strategies effectively.

Benefits

Car allowance

Annual bonus up to 20%

33 days holiday including statutory

Private healthcare

Travel and mileage expenses covered

Hybrid working flexibility

Qualifications

• Strong commercial experience within the chilled food sector.
• Previous experience managing major grocery retailers.
• Proven track record of price negotiation, CPI management, and margin improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the commercial agenda across M&S and Morrisons.
• Build and deliver robust commercial plans, including CPI management and pricing strategy.
• Manage and mentor the site commercial admin team.

Skills

Commercial experience

Price negotiation

CPI management

Margin improvement

Job description

Job Description

About the Company - Join a fast-moving, category-leading chilled food business. We are seeking a commercially focused, results-driven Senior Commercial Manager to take ownership of two high-profile retail accounts—M&S and Morrisons—within our chilled portfolio. This is a pivotal role in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, offering both strategic oversight and hands-on delivery in a category that continues to grow in complexity, seasonality, and consumer demand.

You’ll play a central role in leading commercial strategy, building cross-functional plans, and driving growth across value-added categories. This role requires a strong communicator, tough negotiator, and commercially astute leader who can bridge insight, innovation, and operational execution.

About the Role - Lead and manage the commercial agenda across M&S and Morrisons, acting as the key strategic contact. Build and deliver robust commercial plans, including CPI management, pricing strategy, and margin development.

Take ownership of the Christmas campaign for M&S, a year-round strategic project with high visibility. Work cross-functionally with insight, NPD, and operations teams to ensure alignment across innovation, delivery, and customer needs. Manage and mentor the site commercial admin team, while guiding the work of shared NPD and insight resources.

Influence internal and external stakeholders to deliver growth-focused strategies that align with retailer priorities. Bring insight-led recommendations to enhance shelf presence, pricing, and product mix across chilled poultry lines. Embed consistent ways of working (WOW) within your team and across accounts to streamline communication and process.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the commercial agenda across M&S and Morrisons, acting as the key strategic contact.
• Build and deliver robust commercial plans, including CPI management, pricing strategy, and margin development.
• Take ownership of the Christmas campaign for M&S, a year-round strategic project with high visibility.
• Work cross-functionally with insight, NPD, and operations teams to ensure alignment across innovation, delivery, and customer needs.
• Manage and mentor the site commercial admin team, while guiding the work of shared NPD and insight resources.
• Influence internal and external stakeholders to deliver growth-focused strategies that align with retailer priorities.
• Bring insight-led recommendations to enhance shelf presence, pricing, and product mix across chilled lines.
• Embed consistent ways of working (WOW) within your team and across accounts to streamline communication and process.

Required Skills

• Strong commercial experience within the chilled food sector.
• Previous experience managing major grocery retailers.
• Proven track record of price negotiation, CPI management, and margin improvement.
• Experience in managing and leading seasonal campaigns, particularly Christmas, would be a major advantage.

Preferred Skills

• Deliver a revitalized category and pricing strategy for the Ready-to-Eat offer.
• Lead and embed consistent ways of working across the team and customer engagement.
• Build structure, energy, and insight into the Christmas strategy and execution.
• If you're missing retailer experience but bring deep protein knowledge and commercial flair, we’re still interested.

Pay Range and Compensation Package - £60,000 - £80,000 base salary, £6,000 car allowance, Up to 20% annual bonus, 33 days holiday including statutory, Private healthcare, Travel and mileage expenses covered, Hybrid working flexibility.

Equal Opportunity Statement - Include a statement on commitment to and inclusivity.