Commercial & Operations Director 

Lincoln (office-based)

£75/80k +  team bonus + future share options +  car/car allowance 

Benjamin Edwards are recruiting for an experienced and commercially driven Commercial & Operations Director to oversee the day-to-day running of a local Lincoln business while driving performance, profitability, and operational excellence. This is a pivot role and will enable the opportunity for career progression to develop into the MD position eventually.

This role would suit an individual who is currently operating as a Managing Director, Business Manager, Operational Finance Director,  Operations Director or someone who has been a key member of a senior leadership team within an SME. Experience within a product-based, manufacturing, engineering, stockholding, or distribution environment is essential.

You will play a pivotal role in aligning sales, operations, and finance to support sustainable growth and efficient business performance.

Key Responsibilities

Overall Leadership

• Oversee the daily running and performance of the business
• Ensure alignment between commercial, operational, and financial functions
• Support the delivery of strategic objectives set by the CEO/Board
• Drive a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement

Sales & Commercial Performance

• Monitor daily sales, profit reports, and overall performance
• Continue to develop new and ongoing business-to-business relationships
• Work closely with the Sales Manager to support and challenge the sales team
• Provide commercial insight to drive revenue growth and margin improvement
• Host and lead regular Sales Meetings to review pipeline, performance, and strategy

Stock Purchasing & Operations

• Work alongside the Purchasing Manager on large stock purchasing decisions
• Ensure optimal stock levels, cash flow management, and supply chain efficiency
• Oversee operational processes to ensure smooth and efficient business delivery
• Review performance and improvements

Finance, Legal & Governance

• Support planning and decision-making on large capital purchases and funding options
• Work closely with external accountants on year-end statutory requirements
• Review and interpret monthly management accounts to drive performance
• Authorise significant payments in collaboration with finance and banking partners
• Lead insurance policy negotiation and renewals
• Oversee legal matters across the business, including HR-related issues
• Manage and review IT and telecoms contracts and renewals
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 standards and Health & Safety requirements

Experience Required

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role (Managing Director, Operations Director, Business Manager, Operational Finance Director or similar)
• Strong commercial mindset with the ability to drive profit and performance
• Background in a product-based, manufacturing, engineering, stockholding, or distribution business
• Experience operating within an SME environment
• Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams (sales, operations, finance)

Skills & Competencies

• Strong commercial and financial acumen
• Operational leadership with a hands-on, pragmatic approach
• Ability to interpret data and drive performance improvements
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Strategic thinker with strong execution capability

Personal Attributes

• Results-driven and highly accountable
• Confident decision-maker with sound judgement
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced SME environment
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence at all levels
• Proactive, organised, and solutions-focused

Why Join

• Opportunity to take a leading role in the day-to-day and strategic success of the business
• High level of autonomy and influence
• Work closely with senior leadership and decision-makers
• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Benjamin Edwards, please do not hesitate to apply.