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.