Commercial Operations Manager

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Operations Manager to lead and optimise end-to-end supply chain operations within a fast-paced FMCG environment. This is a senior, hands‑on role responsible for delivering best‑in‑class service, driving operational excellence, and ensuring product availability while controlling cost and waste.

Reporting to the Head of Commercial Operations, you will take ownership of supply and demand planning, customer service, stock management, logistics, and supplier performance. You’ll play a critical role in aligning commercial priorities with operational execution, leading a high‑performing team and driving continuous improvement across the supply chain.

• Lead demand planning in collaboration with Commercial and Finance teams
• Build and maintain accurate forecasts using customer data, promotions, market trends, and historical performance
• Balance customer service, capacity, cost, and waste
• Identify supply risks and develop mitigation plans

• Oversee daily and weekly customer order processing
• Maintain order files, delivery calendars, SKU data, and product set‑ups
• Communicate availability, shortages, and delivery risks
• Support high service levels and OTIF performance

• Own stock strategy across packhouses, production sites, and co‑packers
• Report daily stock and monitor stock cover, ageing, and shelf life
• Investigate discrepancies and support stock counts and reconciliations
• Drive waste reduction and working capital optimisation

• Liaise with suppliers on availability, lead times, and delivery schedules
• Support procurement decisions, NPD launches, and promotions
• Create and track purchase orders
• Monitor supplier performance including OTIF, quality, and cost
• Communicate and follow up on production plans

• Manage inbound and outbound logistics end‑to‑end
• Coordinate transport bookings, delivery notes, and ASNs
• Resolve delivery issues and performance failures
• Manage transport partners, 3PLs, and warehousing
• Ensure compliance with customer and operational requirements

• Lead S&OP and reporting cycles
• Develop KPIs and dashboards to measure performance
• Support finance with month‑end reconciliation and queries
• Implement process improvements, automation, and better data governance
• Manage, coach, and develop the Commercial Operations team
• Foster strong cross‑functional collaboration
• Build a high‑performance, accountable culture

• Ensure regulatory and industry compliance
• Promote sustainable sourcing and supply chain practices
• Lead initiatives to reduce waste and carbon footprint

• 5+ years’ experience in supply chain, planning, logistics, or operations within FMCG
• Experience with short shelf‑life or fresh/chilled food supply chains preferred
• Strong forecasting, inventory management, and logistics expertise
• Process‑driven mindset with a track record of continuous improvement
• Commercially minded and customer‑focused
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Analytical problem solver with strong attention to detail
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills
• Clean UK/EU driving licence
• Flexible with working hours, including rota’d weekend work