Commercial Director (Materials/Metals)

Salary: Competitive- can discuss on screening calls

Vacancy Title: Commercial Director (Materials/Metals) Contract Type: Permanent Location: Chester Industry: Manufacturing COMMERCIAL Salary: Competitive- can discuss on screening calls Start Date: REF: J Contact Name: Hannah Williams Contact Email: 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 PowerPoint skills.
• Familiarity with AI tools
• Degree qualified, with an MBA or equivalent considered beneficial.