Commercial Manager – Profitability & Commercial Performance
Melbourne VIC | Full Time On Site
We are a well-established and growing national distribution business servicing the foodservice, hospitality and retail sectors. As we continue to scale and strengthen our operational performance, we are seeking a high-impact Commercial Manager to drive profitability, cost discipline and commercial excellence across the organisation.
This is a senior, hands-on leadership role suited to a commercially astute operator who thrives on analysing data, negotiating supplier value and implementing initiatives that deliver measurable financial outcomes.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Director, the Commercial Manager will lead key commercial functions including pricing governance, supplier negotiations, cost and process analysis, financial performance oversight and commercial operations (Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Financial Accounting, Compliance and Payroll).
This role plays a critical part in ensuring the business operates efficiently, competitively and profitably as it continues its growth trajectory.
Key Responsibilities
Profitability & Commercial Performance
- Analyse financial, operational and product performance data to identify profitability improvement opportunities.
- Conduct customer and product cost-to-serve analysis to ensure pricing structures & operations deliver sustainable margins.
- Continuously review the P&L to identify inefficiencies, cost leakage and margin improvement opportunities.
Strategic Negotiation & Supplier Management
- Lead commercial negotiations across key suppliers including product suppliers, freight providers (local and international), contractors, service providers, insurance brokers and technology partners.
- Deliver measurable commercial improvements through structured negotiation and supplier performance management.
Commercial Operations Leadership
- Lead the commercial operations team including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Payroll.
- Implement structure, accountability and process discipline across commercial functions.
- Partner with operational leaders to drive cross-functional efficiency improvements.
Process & Cost Optimisation
- Drive structured cost-reduction and operational efficiency programs across procurement, logistics, warehouse, administration and systems.
- Strengthen timely reporting, compliance, controls and commercial governance processes that support sustainable growth.
What We Are Looking For
- Exceptional commercial and financial data analysis capability.
- Proven experience delivering cost savings and commercial improvements through negotiation and operational initiatives.
- Demonstrated experience improving margins or profitability within a distribution, FMCG or operational environment.
- Experience with Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet reporting and analysis
- Strong leadership capability with experience leading commercial or finance teams.
- Highly commercial mindset with strong execution capability.
- ERP and reporting systems experience (NetSuite highly regarded).
Why Join Us
- High-impact leadership role influencing key commercial decisions
- Opportunity to drive meaningful operational and profitability improvements
- Work closely with senior leadership on strategic business initiatives
- Competitive remuneration aligned to experience and performance
Apply
If you are a commercially driven leader who enjoys improving profitability, negotiating value and implementing operational improvements, we would welcome your application.