Commercial Director (Materials/Metals)

Contract Type: Permanent Location: Chester Industry: Manufacturing COMMERCIAL Salary: Competitive- can discuss on screening calls Start Date: 2026-09-08 REF: J91987999 Contact Name: Hannah Williams Contact Email: Hannah. Williams@russell-taylor.co.uk Vacancy Published: 2 months ago

Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, Private Medical Insurance & Company pension. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Commercial Director to join a leading materials manufacturer. Supplying customers across global markets, the business manufactures high-performance materials used in a range of critical industries including automotive, renewable energy, aerospace, defence and advanced engineering. This is a strategic leadership role offering responsibility for the full commercial function, overseeing both the procurement of critical raw materials and specialist products. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will play a pivotal role in driving commercial performance, developing long-term customer and supplier partnerships, and supporting the continued growth of the business.

The Role: As Commercial Director, you will take ownership of the commercial strategy and lead a team responsible for procurement, sales and commercial operations. Working closely with production, technical and finance teams, you will ensure security of supply, maximise commercial opportunities and deliver sustainable profitable growth. This is a varied role combining strategic leadership with hands‑on commercial management in a highly specialised manufacturing environment. Develop and deliver the company's commercial strategy to support business growth. Lead, mentor and develop a high‑performing commercial team across procurement, sales and commercial operations (team of 3-5 people) Establish commercial KPIs Prepare board‑level reports and present commercial performance and market insights. Develop and implement sourcing strategies for critical raw materials. Build and manage relationships with global suppliers. Negotiate long‑term supply agreements to ensure security of supply and competitive pricing. Monitor commodity markets, pricing trends and geopolitical risks to support purchasing decisions. Work closely with technical and quality teams to qualify new material sources. Drive sales growth across advanced material product ranges. Develop new business opportunities across UK, European and international markets. Manage key customer relationships, pricing strategies and commercial negotiations. Produce accurate sales forecasts aligned with production capacity. Work closely with manufacturing, planning and finance teams to align supply and demand. Support commercial budgeting, forecasting and margin improvement initiatives. Contribute to strategic planning and operational decision making.

About You: Significant senior commercial leadership experience within a metals manufacturer, industrial materials, speciality chemicals or a similar manufacturing environment. Happy to travel up to 50% of the role- based on site but travelling to Europe around 2-3 times a month, with occasional international travel. Proven experience managing both procurement and sales functions. Strong knowledge of raw material sourcing, supplier negotiations and commercial contracts/pricing etc. Experience developing commercial strategies that deliver sustainable business growth. Proven Leadership/mentor experience. Excellent communication and presentation skills with experience engaging senior stakeholders and board‑level audiences. Strong commercial and financial acumen. Experience using CRM and ERP systems together with advanced Excel and Power Point skills. Familiarity with AI tools Degree qualified, with an MBA or equivalent considered beneficial.