Permanent | FMCG | Start ASAP
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.
The Role
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.
Key Responsibilities
Supply & Demand Planning
1. Lead demand planning in collaboration with Commercial and Finance teams
2. Build and maintain accurate forecasts using customer data, promotions, market trends, and historical performance
3. Balance customer service, capacity, cost, and waste
4. Identify supply risks and develop mitigation plans
Customer Service & Order Management
5. Oversee daily and weekly customer order processing
6. Maintain order files, delivery calendars, SKU data, and product set-ups
7. Communicate availability, shortages, and delivery risks
8. Support high service levels and OTIF performance
Stock Management
9. Own stock strategy across packhouses, production sites, and co-packers
10. Report daily stock and monitor stock cover, ageing, and shelf life
11. Investigate discrepancies and support stock counts and reconciliations
12. Drive waste reduction and working capital optimisation
Supplier, Procurement & Production Coordination
13. Liaise with suppliers on availability, lead times, and delivery schedules
14. Support procurement decisions, NPD launches, and promotions
15. Create and track purchase orders
16. Monitor supplier performance including OTIF, quality, and cost
17. Communicate and follow up on production plans
Logistics
18. Manage inbound and outbound logistics end-to-end
19. Coordinate transport bookings, delivery notes, and ASNs
20. Resolve delivery issues and performance failures
21. Manage transport partners, 3PLs, and warehousing
22. Drive logistics cost-reduction initiatives
23. Ensure compliance with customer and operational requirements
Operational Excellence
24. Lead S&OP and reporting cycles
25. Develop KPIs and dashboards to measure performance
26. Support finance with month-end reconciliation and queries
27. Implement process improvements, automation, and better data governance
People Leadership
28. Manage, coach, and develop the Commercial Operations team
29. Foster strong cross-functional collaboration
30. Build a high-performance, accountable culture
Compliance & Sustainability
31. Ensure regulatory and industry compliance
32. Promote sustainable sourcing and supply chain practices
33. Lead initiatives to reduce waste and carbon footprint
About You
34. 5+ years’ experience in supply chain, planning, logistics, or operations within FMCG
35. Proven people management experience
36. Experience with short shelf-life or fresh/chilled food supply chains preferred
37. Strong forecasting, inventory management, and logistics expertise
38. Process-driven mindset with a track record of continuous improvement
39. Commercially minded and customer-focused
40. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
41. Analytical problem solver with strong attention to detail
42. Advanced Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint skills
43. Clean UK/EU driving licence
44. Flexible with working hours, including rota’d weekend work
Working Pattern
45. Monday to Friday
46. 6:00am–3:00pm or 8:00am–5:00pm
47. 1-hour unpaid lunch break
48. Weekend cover on a rotational basis