Commercial Manager / General Manager Designate
About the Opportunity
Our client is a well-established and profitable steel trading and distribution business with a strong reputation built over several decades in the Australian market.
The business recently entered a new phase of growth through a strategic partnership with a large international trading organisation, providing enhanced financial strength, global sourcing capabilities, and long‐term investment support.
As part of a planned succession strategy, the current Director is preparing for retirement and is seeking an experienced industry professional to join the business and ultimately assume broader leadership responsibilities.
This represents a rare opportunity to combine the autonomy and influence of a smaller entrepreneurial business with the resources and stability of a major global organisation.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced steel industry professional to lead sales growth, customer engagement, supplier relationships, and commercial performance across the business. Working closely with the current Director during a structured transition period, you will gain exposure to all aspects of the operation while helping drive the next phase of growth. For the right individual, this role offers a genuine pathway to senior executive leadership and potential appointment as Director.
Key Responsibilities
Sales & Business Development
* Develop and execute strategies to increase revenue and market share.
* Identify and secure new business opportunities across key industrial sectors.
* Maintain and strengthen relationships with existing customers.
* Negotiate commercial agreements and pricing arrangements.
* Monitor market trends and competitor activity to identify growth opportunities.
Trading & Procurement
* Manage supplier relationships and purchasing activities.
* Identify sourcing opportunities to enhance profitability and customer service.
* Monitor inventory requirements and market pricing movements.
* Collaborate with customers to ensure supply continuity and service excellence.
Commercial Leadership
* Drive business performance through effective planning and execution.
* Contribute to strategic decision‐making and business development initiatives.
* Support operational improvements and process optimisation.
* Participate in budgeting, forecasting, and commercial planning activities.
Succession & Business Leadership
* Work alongside the current Director throughout a structured handover period.
* Develop a deep understanding of the customer base, supplier network, and business operations.
* Lead and mentor employees while maintaining a positive and collaborative culture.
* Prepare to assume broader leadership responsibilities as part of the long‐term succession plan.
About You
The ideal candidate will bring:
* Significant experience within the steel industry, preferably in trading, distribution, sales, or commercial management.
* Strong knowledge of steel products, supply chains, and market dynamics.
* A proven track record of developing customer relationships and generating business growth.
* Commercially astute with strong negotiation and decision‐making capabilities.
* An entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate autonomously.
* Leadership experience, or a genuine aspiration to progress into a senior executive role.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
* Must hold Permanent Residency of Australia or Australian citizenship.
What's on Offer
* A genuine succession opportunity with a clear pathway toward executive leadership.
* The chance to lead and grow an established, profitable business.
* High levels of autonomy and influence over business direction.
* Support from a financially strong international organisation.
* Exposure to global trading and sourcing networks.
* Competitive remuneration package with performance‐based incentives.
* Long‐term career growth and potential progression to Director level.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
Opportunities of this nature are uncommon within the Australian steel industry.
This role offers the unique combination of entrepreneurial freedom, established customer relationships, business stability, and a clearly defined succession pathway. It is ideally suited to an ambitious commercial professional who is seeking to step into a broader leadership position and make a lasting impact on the future of the business.
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