Commercial Director jobs
Logistics isn’t the kind of business where thousands of customers each spend a little money; a company will usually have a relatively small number of clients, and losing a single large client – or gaining one – are big news. That’s why it’s worthwhile investing a good deal of effort into seeking out new openings and keeping existing clients happy, and the commercial director will be in charge of this side of the business.
Depending on the size of the company, the commercial director will either be manning the phones and selling the company in person or will be overseeing a sales and marketing team with commercial managers in the middle. Reporting to the general management of the organization, he or she will be charged with delivering the sales figures within a set budget, achieved both from winning new contracts and accounts and developing existing ones.
Often, the commercial director will be completely familiar with the overall goals, requirements and capabilities of the company to the degree that promises of delivery will be able to be made without having to go to management. With this autonomy comes responsibility, of course, but that’s why the CD can be a lucrative and highly valued position.
The skills required
A commercial director needs to be able to deliver set targets, often on his or her own initiative. This can make it a high pressure job, particularly when potential customers are not biting, and applicants will need to demonstrate that they can handle it.
An open, honest and personable nature will be essential, paired with a willingness to know their own employer’s business intimately enough to answer any request thrown at them. Large companies will not be susceptible to the hard sell; they will be dealing with multi-million-pound orders and will think in terms of figures, so although sales experience would be of use, an ability to think on your feet and come up with viable deals will be valued.
Good communication both in person, with presentations and in writing will be essential, as will basic word processing and spreadsheeting.
Commercial Director Jobs in Basingstoke
Situated in north-east Hampshire, less than 50 miles from London and just 16 miles from Reading, Basingstoke is a lovely town that has expanded significantly since the end of the 20th century. Today, it offers a variety of possibilities for those seeking Commercial Director vacancies.
With its beginnings as a Saxon village, Basingstoke was a fairly large settlement at the time of the Domesday Book, with a population of around 200, three water-powered flour mills and a weekly market.
By the 13th century, this population had nearly tripled and the town was granted a charter in 1257 - at the time, its economy mainly relied on the production of wool and cloth.
The railway arrived in Basingstoke in 1839, simplifying transport and trade between the town and London, as well as offering connections the following year to Winchester and Southampton.
Later in the 19th century, Thomas Burberry set up his first shop in Basingstoke, and his brand grew to become a household name - one which continues to be known for its luxury fashion and tartan pattern, although the company is now headquartered in London.
These days, Basingstoke is an economic hub and home to the UK headquarters of a number of large financial, insurance and technology companies - including Motorola, Sony Professional Solutions, Sun Life, The Automobile Association and ST Ericsson. Meanwhile, pharmaceuticals facilities are operated by the likes of Mercona, Valeant, Steris, Shire and Biomerieux.
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Cast UK’s logistics opportunities
There are countless reasons people have for looking for a new job. You might be moving to a new area, you might be seeking more fulfilment or you could, of course, simply want more money! Whatever the reason, if you’re in the logistics, procurement or supply chain business, it’s worth knowing that Cast UK is the consultancy that many employers and candidates come to first.
We were founded by people who came from these backgrounds, and all our own staff are from the same fields, so we know what employers and candidates are looking for and expect to get. We always have jobs and representatives covering the whole of the UK, so it’s always worth having a look at what’s available.
Seen a position you like? Please get in touch and we can put the wheels in motion. We have long-standing relationships with both employers and employees, and it’s these connections that let us match jobs with people with a superb success rate.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Commercial Director for your business or find you a job as a Commercial Director then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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