To lead and manage the commercial, purchasing and stock control activities across Scotland, ensuring an effective end-to-end supply chain function that supports business objectives. The role is accountable for maximising commercial income, improving sales profitability and contributing to the delivery of agreed EBITDA targets through effective procurement, inventory management and supplier engagement.
Role Summary
The Commercial Manager is responsible for overseeing supply chain, procurement and inventory activities across the Scotland business. Working closely with operational, sales and product management teams, the role ensures inventory is managed efficiently, supplier performance is maintained and commercial opportunities are maximised.
The role provides leadership to stock control teams, drives continuous improvement initiatives and ensures stock-related processes support customer service objectives while minimising working capital exposure and commercial risk.
Key Responsibilities
1. Commercial Performance and Profitability
• Contribute to the achievement of agreed EBITDA, profitability and budget targets.
• Maximise commercial income through effective management of product throughput and purchasing activities.
• Support the development and implementation of commercial strategies that improve sales profitability.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to enhance procurement performance and commercial returns.
• Provide commercial insight and recommendations that support business growth and operational performance.
2. Procurement and Supply Chain Management
• Lead the end-to-end supply chain function across the Scotland region.
• Coordinate stock purchases through existing supplier contracts and procurement agreements.
• Manage import purchasing activities where required.
• Work closely with the Product Management team to support stock availability across the UK network.
• Develop and maintain efficient purchasing processes that support business objectives.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve procurement performance and supplier value.
3. Stock Control and Inventory Management
• Monitor and control stock levels across Glasgow and Perth depots.
• Manage inventory performance against agreed stock-related KPIs.
• Ensure stock availability supports customer demand while optimising working capital investment.
• Coordinate stock procurement and stock movements across the wider depot network.
• Implement and maintain effective stock control procedures and best practices.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that improve inventory accuracy and performance.
4. Supplier and Customer Management
• Act as the key stock and procurement contact for major customers and suppliers.
• Develop and maintain effective supplier relationships.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive improvements to On Time In Full (OTIF) delivery performance.
• Support the resolution of supply-related customer issues and complaints.
• Work closely with suppliers to ensure continuity of supply and service excellence.
5. People Leadership and Development
• Lead and manage Stock Control teams across Glasgow and Perth.
• Conduct performance reviews, objective setting and development planning for team members.
• Provide coaching, support and training to maximise individual and team performance.
• Create a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and customer focus.
• Ensure team capability meets current and future business requirements.
6. Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with Sales Teams to maximise commercial opportunities while minimising inventory risk.
• Liaise with Product Management, Operations and other departments to ensure efficient supply chain performance.
• Collaborate with depot teams regarding stock procurement and stock transfers.
• Support the resolution of customer service issues related to inventory, procurement or product availability.
• Promote effective communication and collaboration across all business functions.
7. Reporting and Performance Management
• Produce regular reports and performance updates for the Regional Customer Service & Procurement Manager.
• Monitor business performance against targets and agreed objectives.
• Identify areas requiring corrective action and recommend improvement plans.
• Support budget management and performance review processes.
• Undertake additional responsibilities as reasonably required to support business objectives and operational effectiveness.
Safety Responsibility
• Provide management oversight and direction to direct reports.
• Promote compliance with company health, safety and environmental procedures.
• Ensure safe working practices are maintained within the supply chain and stock control functions.
• Support a positive health and safety culture across all locations.
Measures of Success
• Achievement of EBITDA, profitability and commercial income targets.
• Stock KPI and inventory performance achievement.
• Supplier OTIF performance and supply chain effectiveness.
• Working capital and inventory management performance.
• Team engagement, development and performance.
• Customer service and stock availability measures.
• Delivery of process improvements and commercial initiatives.
Experience and Capability
Essential
• Previous experience managing supply chain, procurement or stock control functions within a target-driven environment.
• Proven leadership experience with responsibility for team management and development.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of operating within a profit-driven business.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and procurement activities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to analyse performance data and implement corrective actions where required.
Desirable
• CIPS qualification or actively working towards professional procurement accreditation.
• Experience within a multi-site distribution or industrial environment.
• Knowledge and experience of SAP systems and processes.
• Experience managing imports and complex supply chain activities.
Skills Required
- Previous experience managing supply chain, procurement, or stock control functions within a target-driven environment
- Proven leadership experience with responsibility for team management and development
- Strong commercial acumen and understanding of operating within a profit-driven business
- Experience managing supplier relationships and procurement activities
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to analyze performance data and implement corrective actions
- CIPS qualification or active progress toward professional procurement accreditation
- Experience within a multi-site distribution or industrial environment
- Knowledge and experience of SAP systems and processes
- Experience managing imports and complex supply chain activities
What We Do
We are the global market leader in full-line range of chemical & ingredient products and value-added services. Our more than 17,500 employees provide tailor-made application, marketing and supply chain solutions. Our full-line portfolio comprises specialty and industrial chemicals and ingredients of a world-class supplier base. Building on our long-standing experience, unmatched global reach and local excellence, we work closely alongside our partners to make their business more successful. We operate a unique global network with about 600 locations in 72 countries.
