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 Edinburgh
Known for its romantic skyline, beautiful castle and fascinating history, Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and the second most populated city north of the border.
People have been living in Auld Reekie, as it is affectionately known by locals, since at least the Bronze Age and throughout the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Scottish Reformation in the 16th century, it flourished as a market town, a royal burgh and a centre of commerce and culture.
During the Industrial Revolution, the city began to spread outwards in every direction. As more people came to the city, tenement flats were built and factories and businesses established. While Glasgow may have overtaken the capital during this period in terms of economy and population, Edinburgh maintained its prominence and continued to thrive.
After devolution in 1999, Edinburgh became the home of the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Executive. Today, the city is the heart of the Scottish government. It also plays an important part in other sectors, such as finance, publishing, media and tourism, offering a wealth of opportunities for those seeking Commercial Director jobs.
Companies based in Edinburgh today include Edinburgh University Press, The Scotsman, HBOS, the Royal Bank of Scotland, Scottish Widows, Rockstar North and Caledonian Breweries.
In addition, the city hosts the Edinburgh Festival every year. Comprising a number of different events like the International Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe, this is a month-long celebration of music and theatre, comedy and the arts.
Popular locations
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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