Senior Commercial Manager

Zest Food Jobs; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Zest Food Jobs in Somerset is recruiting a senior National Account Manager to lead major UK retailer relationships and drive commercial performance. The role reports to the Commercial Director, with deputy responsibilities and a seat on the Senior Leadership Team.

You will manage two direct reports and collaborate with Operations, Finance, Technical and Development teams to deliver growth and profitability. On-site presence 2–3 days/week with client visits.

Qualifications

• Significant experience as National Account Manager or Senior National Account Manager within food or drink manufacturing.
• Direct account management experience with major UK retailers.
• Strong commercial acumen including pricing, forecasting and margin management.
• Experience leading cross-functional customer projects.
• Experience managing or developing junior team members.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Own and grow major strategic customer accounts, delivering sales, margin and profitability targets.
• Lead customer reviews, forecasts, budgets, pricing and commercial proposals.
• Manage contract renewals, negotiations and cost recovery initiatives.
• Lead customer-facing NPD and commercial projects from concept to launch.
• Act as deputy to the Commercial Director and provide continuity during absences.
• Manage, develop and coach direct reports.
• Support wider marketing and commercial administration activity.

Skills

National account management

Retail account management

Pricing & budgeting

Team leadership

Driving licence

Education

Degree qualified or equivalent

Job description

Somerset, South West England | 2–3 days per week on-site, plus customer visits

A rare opportunity to join the commercial team of this rapidly growing, established food and beverage manufacturing business in a newly created role. This is a senior, customer-facing role reporting to the Commercial Director, with deputy responsibilities and a seat on the Senior Leadership Team.

The successful candidate will manage two direct reports and will work closely with Operations, Finance, Technical and Development teams to deliver commercial performance and support the wider growth strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and grow major strategic customer accounts, delivering agreed sales, margin and profitability targets
• Lead customer reviews, forecasts, budgets, pricing and commercial proposals
• Manage contract renewals, negotiations and cost recovery initiatives
• Lead customer-facing NPD and commercial projects from concept to launch
• Act as deputy to the Commercial Director, providing continuity during absences
• Manage, develop and coach direct reports
• Support wider marketing and commercial administration activity

Experience & Qualifications

• Significant experience as a National Account Manager, Senior National Account Manager, or similar, within food or drink manufacturing
• Direct account management experience with major UK retailers
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including pricing, forecasting, budgeting and margin management
• Experience leading cross-functional customer projects
• Experience managing or developing junior team members
• Full UK driving licence
• Contract manufacturing background (client or manufacturer side)
• Experience of Joint Business Planning (JBP)
• Knowledge of plant-based, dairy or beverage sectors
• Degree qualified or equivalent commercial experience

This is a business that invests in its people as much as its products — boasting excellent staff retention and genuine opportunities for career development and progression. It has also invested heavily in infrastructure, new production lines and NPD capability, reflecting a clear commitment to long-term growth and innovation. This newly created role offers the chance to make a real impact from day one, with strong support and visibility at senior leadership level.