Commercial Operations Manager

Can you managing the practicalities of a short shelf-life supply chain. You handle the demand planning, stock levels, and logistics required to move fresh produce from packhouses to retailers. You are responsible for ensuring product availability while managing the specific cost and waste challenges that come with chilled FMCG goods.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supply & Demand Planning: You lead the forecast process with Commercial and Finance teams. You turn customer data and market trends into supply plans that balance capacity against waste.
• Stock Management: You own the stock strategy across all packhouses and co-packers. This involves tracking inbound deliveries, production outputs, and investigating any discrepancies or shelf-life issues.
• Logistics & Order Management: You oversee 3PLs and transport partners. You book slots, resolve delivery failures (damages, delays, or temperature breaches), and ensure all customer labelling and ASN requirements are met.
• Supplier Coordination: You track supplier OTIF and quality performance. You also manage the PO process, production plan communication, and supply planning for New Product Development (NPD) launches.
• Operational Improvement: You lead S&OP cycles and develop the KPIs and dashboards used to track performance. You are expected to identify where automation or process changes can reduce costs.
• Team Leadership: You manage the Commercial Operations team, defining clear responsibilities and ensuring collaboration across departments.

Requirements:

• Experience: 5+ years in FMCG supply chain or logistics. Experience with short shelf-life or fresh/chilled food is preferred.
• Technical Skills: Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills are essential for forecasting and reporting.
• Analytical Mindset: You need to be data-driven and able to implement process improvements based on performance evidence.
• Flexibility: A clean UK/EU driving licence is required. You must be able to work a rota that includes weekend shifts to meet the demands of the harvest cycle.

The Details:

• Location: Chichester area.
• Focus: OTIF delivery, waste reduction, and cost efficiency.
• Salary: 45,000 - 50,000 DOE + discretionary annual bonus.
• Flexible Hours: Either 6am - 3pm or 8am - 5pm (mon-fri)