Senior Commercial Manager Contract Manufacturing

Zendbox | eCommerce Fulfilment Specialist; Whetsted; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Uncapped commission and performance-bо

Company pension

Private healthcare

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Ongoing professional development

Collaborative, entrepreneurial culture

Job summary

Zendlabs, a leading UK contract manufacturer specialising in sports nutrition, health & wellness, is seeking an Experienced Senior Commercial Manager to lead strategic growth. You'll work with the senior leadership to win new manufacturing contracts and develop long-term partnerships.

This hunter role focuses on identifying new markets, expanding high-value accounts, and delivering sustainable commercial growth while representing our capability across formulation, NPD, blending, packaging, and

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' commercial experience in contract manufacturing.
• Proven success selling sports nutrition manufacturing services.
• History of winning new manufacturing contracts.
• Established network in sports nutrition and health & wellness.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Experience managing RFQs and commercial tenders.
• Excellent commercial negotiation skills.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Full UK driving licence.

Skills

Commercial acumen

New business development

Contract manufacturing

Negotiation

RFQ management

Presentation skills

Driving licence

Job description

About Zendlabs

Zendlabs is one of the UK's fastest growing contract manufacturers

About Zendlabs

Zendlabs is one of the UK's fastest growing contract manufacturers specialising in sports nutrition, health & wellness, nutraceuticals and functional food products. We’ve invested over £1 million in our purpose-built manufacturing facility, clean room, automation and product development capabilities to create a world-class manufacturing partner for ambitious brands. From start-ups launching their first product through to established international brands, we provide formulation, product development, manufacturing, packaging, fulfilment and supply chain solutions, helping customers bring innovative products to market quickly and successfully. As we continue to invest in our people, technology and facilities, we’re looking for an experienced commercial leader to play a pivotal role in the next stage of our growth.

The Opportunity

This isn't another Business Development role.

We're Looking For An Experienced Senior Commercial Manager Who

understands contract manufacturing inside out and has a proven track record of winning and developing strategic manufacturing partnerships. You'll already have experience working for a contract manufacturer within sports nutrition, food supplements or nutraceuticals and bring an established network of brand owners, founders, procurement teams and commercial decision makers. You'll work directly with the senior leadership team to shape our commercial strategy, identify new markets, win major accounts and position Zendlabs as one of the UK's leading contract manufacturing partners. This is a true hunter role focused on winning new business, developing long-term strategic partnerships and delivering sustainable commercial growth.

Our Manufacturing Capabilities

You’ll represent a business offering:

• Product formulation
• NPD
• Powder blending
• Protein products, Hydration products, Greens
• Functional nutrition
• Sachets
• Stick packs
• Pouches
• Tubs
• Capsules
• Retail-ready packaging
• BRCGS accredited manufacturing
• Warehousing & fulfilment

Requirements

Essential Experience

• Minimum 5 years' commercial experience working for a contract
• Proven experience selling sports nutrition, food supplement or nutraceutical manufacturing services.
• Demonstrable history of winning new manufacturing contracts
• Existing network within the sports nutrition and health & wellness
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes
• Experience managing complex commercial sales cycles
• Experience managing RFQs and commercial tenders
• Excellent commercial negotiation skills
• Strong presentation skills
• Full UK driving licence

Personal Attributes

• Entrepreneurial
• Commercially driven
• Highly competitive
• Consultative
• Self-motivated
• Credible with founders and senior executives
• Curious and innovative
• Collaborative
• Results focused
• Comfortable working autonomously

Benefits

What We Offer

• Competitive basic salary
• Uncapped commission and performance bonus
• Company pension
• Private healthcare
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Hybrid working
• Ongoing professional development
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial culture where your ideas genuinely matter.

Why Join Zendlabs?

We're building something genuinely different. This is an opportunity to join a business at an exciting stage of its growth, where you'll have genuine influence over the commercial direction of the company. You'll work directly with the leadership team, help shape strategy and play a key role in building one of the UK's most respected contract manufacturers. If you're ambitious, commercially driven and want to make a lasting impact rather than simply maintain existing accounts, we'd love to hear from you.