Proper Cornish
Senior Commercial Manager - Retail
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Join Our Team as a Senior Commercial Manager - Retail
Help shape the future of one of the UK's leading pastry brands.
We're looking for an experienced commercial leader to manage and develop key retail accounts, drive profitable sales growth and identify new business opportunities across the UK retail sector. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing food manufacturer with ambitious plans, strong brand heritage and the backing of an international food group.
About Proper Cornish
Proper Cornish is a well-established, proudly Cornish business based in Bodmin, specialising in high-quality pasties and pastry products enjoyed by customers across the UK. Founded in 1988, we employ approximately 300 colleagues and generate an annual turnover of approximately £37 million, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern food manufacturing.
As part of a growing group, we have recently joined IDAK and benefit from the backing of a major private equity organisation, providing long-term investment, stability and support.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced, commercially driven and relationship-focused Senior Commercial Manager - Retail to join our Sales Team. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated sales professional with strong retail sector experience to manage and grow a portfolio of major retail accounts while identifying and securing new profitable business opportunities.
Reporting to the Head of Sales (Savoury), you will take full ownership of an established customer base within the Retail channel, driving sales and margin growth across both Proper Cornish and group manufactured products. You will work closely with customers, internal stakeholders and cross-functional teams to develop strategic partnerships, identify opportunities for growth and deliver innovative product solutions.
The role requires a highly commercial individual with strong negotiation skills, excellent analytical ability and an in-depth understanding of the food industry. You will be comfortable operating at a senior level, managing complex customer relationships, negotiating contractual agreements and influencing key stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.
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- Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week
- Days of work: Monday to Friday
- Location: Home based (with some site-based), with regular travel across the UK and occasional European travel
- Salary: Competitive
- Bonus: Performance related bonus
- Car: Fully funded company car
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and grow an existing portfolio of retail accounts.
- Identify, develop and secure new profitable business opportunities.
- Deliver sales and margin growth in line with agreed budgets and targets.
- Convert both private label and branded opportunities into new business.
- Develop and implement strategic account plans to maximise sales growth.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key customer contacts.
- Work closely with Supply Chain, NPD and R&D teams to deliver customer requirements and forecasts.
- Negotiate trading agreements, pricing and contractual terms.
- Manage commercial issues and resolve customer concerns professionally and effectively.
- Support the preparation and delivery of annual sales budgets and forecasts.
- Represent Proper Cornish at customer meetings, industry events and exhibitions.
- Support the wider Sales Team and provide cover for the Head of Sales when required.
About You
- Previous experience in a senior commercial, national account management or business development role within the food industry.
- Proven track record of delivering sustainable sales growth.
- Strong understanding of the retail sector and customer management.
- Excellent negotiation, influencing and relationship-building skills.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to analyse sales data and identify opportunities.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Highly organised, self-motivated and able to work independently.
- Strong IT skills and experience using relevant business systems.
- Willingness to travel regularly throughout the UK.
- Commitment to our values of Quality, Friendly, Customer, Honest and Passion.
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Why Join Proper Cornish?
- Join a respected and growing food brand with strong heritage.
- Play a key role in shaping the future growth of our retail channel.
- Work closely with major UK retailers and industry-leading partners.
- Be part of an ambitious and collaborative commercial team.
- Opportunity to influence strategic decisions and new product development.
Proper Perks
- Company-funded Health Cash Plan
- Death in Service plan
- Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 helpline)
- Mental Health First Aiders
- Free use of spa & golf facilities in St Austell
- Employment anniversary cash awards
- £500 colleague referral bonuses
- Subsidised staff canteen
- Free pasties and pastries every day
- Huge discounts on pasties, pastries, cakes and tarts
- Weekly free fruit
- Birthday voucher for the canteen
- Regular staff BBQs
- Monthly colleague treats
- Christmas celebrations and goodies
- Local business discounts
- Strong internal communication and colleague engagement initiatives
- Excellent career development opportunities
If you are an experienced commercial professional with a passion for building customer relationships, delivering growth and developing new opportunities within the retail sector, we would love to hear from you.
Apply Today!
Closing Date: 30 October 2026
Please note that this vacancy may close early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage early submission of applications.
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