Job Description

The Role

Iberica Food is a fast-growing importer and distributor of authentic Spanish and Mediterranean food in the UK. We work with over 50 family-run suppliers and sell through wholesale, retail, and online channels.

We are seeking a

Commercial Manager

to lead our commercial strategy, improve profitability, and support company-wide growth. This senior role combines revenue accountability with margin management, supplier negotiations, product promotion, and cross-department leadership. The successful candidate will also act as

Deputy General Manager

, stepping in to manage the business when required.

You will report directly to the

Director

and provide regular performance updates to the

senior management team

.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Profitability

Define annual

sales and profitability objectives

in collaboration with the Director. Develop pricing and margin strategies to maximise profitability. Lead supplier negotiations to secure competitive terms. Monitor and analyse sales and cost data, producing profitability reports for senior management. Drive cost-optimisation projects across purchasing and supplier relationships.
Sales, Business Development & Product Promotion

Take full responsibility for delivering

overall company revenue

across wholesale (B2B) and online (B2C) channels. Directly manage the sales representatives, ensuring pipeline discipline, accountability, and performance improvement. Manage key food industry accounts while building strategic client relationships. Plan and deliver

product promotion campaigns

to grow sales across wholesale, marketplaces, and online platforms. Identify and develop new market opportunities. Ensure the sales team achieves defined targets consistently.
Leadership & Deputy Management

Act as

second-in-command

in the absence of the Director or Head of Operations. Lead, manage, and develop the sales and marketing team, setting clear targets and conducting regular performance reviews. Contribute to strategic planning and execution alongside the Director and Head of Operations. Ensure effective cross-department communication so sales, customer service, and operations remain aligned.
Customer & Market Support

Work with the Head of Operations to ensure operational reliability supports client needs (OTIF, stock availability). Safeguard client relationships during disputes or operational challenges. Represent Iberica Food at trade shows, events, and with key stakeholders.

Measures of Performance

Overall company revenue and Gross Profit (GP) targets met

, with sustainable year-on-year growth.

Improved profit margins

through effective pricing, supplier negotiations, and cost control.

Year-to-date sales growth

aligned with company targets.

Product promotion campaigns

delivered across B2B and B2C channels, with measurable sales impact.

Customer retention rates

maintained and improved through strong account management.

New wholesale accounts onboarded

and actively developed.

New supplier partnerships

established where commercially beneficial.

Orders delivered On-Time In-Full (OTIF)

to support sales and customer satisfaction (in collaboration with Head of Ops).

Stock availability maintained

for top-selling SKUs to ensure smooth sales execution (monitored with Head of Ops).

Timely and effective communication

with sales and customer service teams regarding pricing, lead times, promotions, and market updates.

Accurate and regular reporting

to the Director on sales, profitability, and performance against KPIs.

Sales team performance

managed effectively, with clear accountability for targets, activity, and client outcomes.

What's on Offer

Salary

: 35,000 - 40,000 base (depending on experience)

Performance Bonus

: Up to 15% of base salary, linked to EBITDA, profitability, and KPIs

Contract

: Full-time, permanent

Holidays

: 20 days + 8 bank holidays

Benefits

: Training and development budget Staff discount, pension, free parking Staff tastings and team meals

Start Date

: ASAP

Progression Path

: Clear route to

Head of Commercial / Deputy GM within 18-24 months

, based on performance and company growth

About You

This is a senior role requiring proven industry experience. Please only apply if you meet the following:

Significant experience in the

food/FMCG industry managing wholesale accounts

(essential). Strong financial and commercial acumen (pricing, margins, supplier negotiations). Proven track record of improving profitability and delivering revenue growth. Experience leading, managing, and mentoring a sales team. Comfortable stepping into wider

General Management responsibilities

when required. Knowledge of both

traditional marketing (trade shows, promotions)

and

digital marketing (SEO, paid ads, social campaigns)

. Experience planning and executing

product promotions

across B2B and B2C channels. Willingness to travel nationally to meet key clients, attend trade shows, and support business development. Hands-on, flexible, and motivated to thrive in a growing SME environment. Driving licence and own transport required.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of sufficient applications for this position.

No terminology in the advert you have seen is intended to discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or beliefs, sex or sexual orientation, and we will gladly accept applications from all sections of the community. We have an equality, diversity, and inclusion policy that supports this approach.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 35,000.00-40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Employee discount Free parking On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:

Henfield BN5 9BJ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

food/FMCG industry (wholesale/distribution): 3 years (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person