Commercial Manager at DAV Professional Placement Group

Overview:

• We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Commercial Manager to lead and oversee the commercial operations of our business. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in sales management, customer relationship oversight, marketing communications, team leadership, and cross-functional coordination. This role demands a strategic and proactive individual who can drive business growth through detailed market analysis, effective sales strategies, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring customer needs are met and internal processes are optimized.

Key Responsibilities:

Sales Management:

• Oversee weekly and monthly sales tracking, identifying opportunities and gaps within the market to support strategic business growth.
• Conduct comprehensive market size and share analyses to guide decision-making.
• Monitor competitor activities and devise proactive strategies to capitalize on industry shifts.
• Analyze profit margins and adjust pricing structures and sales strategies to maximize profitability.
• Develop and maintain accurate price lists aligned with market trends.
• Generate and present monthly sales forecasts with actionable insights.
• Ensure optimized inventory management, maintaining correct stock levels to meet customer demand.
• Supervise delivery schedules to guarantee on-time order fulfillment and high customer satisfaction.
• Prepare monthly sales reports detailing performance, market insights, and forecasts for senior leadership.
• Identify and pursue new sales opportunities, expanding the customer base and revenue growth.
• Review customer visit reports to ensure alignment with commercial objectives and continuous improvement.

Customer Management:

• Analyze industry and customer trends to enhance sales strategies and engagement.
• Manage customer inquiries, complaints, and feedback effectively.
• Oversee preparation of customer proposals to ensure alignment with needs and goals.
• Manage Customer Corrective Action Reports (CCAR) to resolve issues promptly.
• Lead price negotiations and manage communications regarding price increases.
• Determine and monitor the Economic Value to Customer (EVC) and Selling Price (SP).

Marketing & Communications:

• Coordinate advertising in industry-specific media to effectively promote products and services.
• Organize customer seminars and corporate events to build relationships and showcase offerings.
• Monitor market trends and implement strategies to ensure sales growth and competitiveness.
• Oversee corporate branding for the sales team to ensure consistency and professionalism.
• Manage annual customer satisfaction surveys for continuous improvement.
• Analyze lost and gained business to identify key reasons and develop corrective actions.

Team Leadership:

• Provide training on internal systems and processes, ensuring team proficiency.
• Support and guide the sales team on customer interactions, maintaining high standards of service.
• Develop the internal sales department, fostering a culture of teamwork and growth.
• Identify training needs across teams and arrange appropriate interventions.
• Conduct regular performance appraisals for team members, setting objectives and growth plans.
• Host weekly commercial meetings to align objectives and maintain communication.

Production Coordination:

• Facilitate effective communication between sales and operations to ensure alignment on goals.
• Oversee product development projects, ensuring timely delivery and market readiness.
• Manage project tracking to meet milestones and customer requirements.
• Ensure promised dates are accurately maintained for delivery and product launches.

Management & Administrative Duties:

• Track and analyze costs, identifying opportunities for improvements.
• Approve credit notes and conduct safety audits to ensure adherence to standards.
• Review internal sales systems, proposing improvements to enhance efficiency.
• Deliver management presentations summarizing key indicators, insights, and progress.
• Approve and manage daily purchase requisitions to ensure timely procurement.

Minimum Requirements:

• Degree in Design Technology/National Diploma in Design Technology (or equivalent).
• Minimum of 7 years' experience in a technical sales environment in manufacturing.
• At least 5 years of experience in sales management, customer management, production coordination, and marketing communications.
• Proficiency in CAD, Excel, and Syspro.