Commercial Manager

Commercial Manager job description & role information

For employers looking to fill a Commercial Manager vacancy, the following sample position description can help you to attract the best candidates for the role. By tailoring this position description according to your company's specific job requirements, you have an excellent interview tool for comparison purposes.

For job seekers looking for a Commercial Manager role, this job description details what the role may involve and what skills and experience are required to give you the best chance of securing the position.

Role outline:

Typically reporting to the CFO, COO or to the Business Unit heads, the Commercial Manager partners with the management team and is responsible for the operational and financial performance of the business unit. 

Typical job duties and responsibilities:

The Commercial Manager has responsibilities that vary depending on the size and type of organisation. Typical job duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Development of financial plans including budgeting and forecasting for the short and long term

• Analysing the business performance, including the profitability, revenue, pricing and cost of goods sold 

• Managing budgets, expenses and pricing and commercial arrangements

• Lead role in advising around pricing for commercial contracts

• Driving efficiencies to ensure contracts remain financially viable and delivered on budget

• Partnering with business managers to drive financial performance

• Supporting the Sales and Marketing department by conducting an analysis of commercial opportunities

• Preparing models to assess future profitability of identified opportunities

• Supervising staff -  often a Management or Divisional Accountant and reviewing work

• Taking a lead role in solving commercial issues that may arise

Skills and attributes:

Some of the more common skills and attributes most needed for a Commercial Manager may include, but are not limited to:

• Ability to identify issues and areas for improvement through analysis

• Exposure and conceptual understanding of contract law and pricing

• Strong commercial acumen and business understanding

• Ability to manage both internal and customer relationships

• Excellent leadership qualities

• Team orientated, with strong relationship and interpersonal skills 

• Advanced negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Excellent numeracy skills

• Intermediate to advanced computer software skills, including Excel and other accounting packages

• Degree qualified

• Professional Accounting qualifications such as CA or CPA 

Salary guide:

$140 - $180k + Super

Progression:

• Financial Controller

• Operations Manager

• COO

For hiring managers ready to recruit a Commercial Manager, download our job description template.

For job seekers who need to write or update their resume, download our resume guide and template.