Location
Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England
Industry sector
Engineering
Job type
Permanent | Full Time
Job start date
ASAP
Posted date
20/03/2026
Closing date
17/04/2026
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.