Commercial Manager – Additives, Polymers, Pigments & Solvents

Merritt Recruitment Limited.; West Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading chemical distribution firm in the UK is seeking a Commercial Manager to lead their Sales Team. The ideal candidate will develop and implement strategies to achieve financial targets and expand market presence. This role requires a strong commercial background in chemicals or related industries, proven success in team management, and excellent communication skills. The position offers competitive salary and an extensive benefits package, promoting professional growth within a collaborative team culture.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Extensive benefits package

Collaborative team culture

Qualifications

• Strong commercial background within chemicals, polymers, or related technical industries.
• Proven success in managing sales teams and delivering growth strategies.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and solutions-focused.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement commercial strategies to achieve financial targets.
• Lead, coach, and motivate a high-performing commercial team.
• Identify new business opportunities and drive pipeline development.

Skills

Commercial strategy development

Team leadership

Relationship management

Market analysis

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or Business

Tools

CRM systems

MS Office

Job description

Location: Office Based in SE, Hybrid with regular travel
Are you ready to take the lead in a dynamic, growing chemical distribution business? Our client, a successful and expanding multinational distributor, is seeking a Commercial Manager to head up their Sales Team focused on a broad range of manufacturers in the UK. This is an exciting opportunity to shape strategy, drive growth, and make a real impact in a market-leading organization.

As Commercial Manager, you will:

• Develop and implement commercial strategies to achieve financial targets and expand market presence.
• Lead, coach, and motivate a high-performing commercial team.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Identify new business opportunities and drive pipeline development.
• Collaborate with marketing and product teams to align sales efforts with business objectives.
• Monitor performance, analyze market trends, and present forecasts to senior management.
• Represent the company at industry events and networking opportunities.
• This role offers the chance to enhance your leadership and commercial skills within a fast-paced, innovative environment. You’ll work closely with technical, marketing, and product development teams to deliver solutions that meet customer needs.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Degree in Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or Business (or equivalent experience).
• Strong commercial background within chemicals, polymers or related technical industries (adhesives, composites, plastics, medical devices, compounding).
• Proven success in managing sales teams and delivering growth strategies.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Analytical mindset with strong numeracy and data interpretation skills.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and solutions-focused.
• Comfortable with CRM systems and MS Office.
• Must have a UK driving licence and the right to work in the UK (sponsorship not provided).

Why Join?

• Work for a global leader in chemical distribution with a strong reputation for innovation.
• Be part of a collaborative, supportive team culture.
• Competitive salary and extensive benefits package.