Commercial Manager

Job Title: Commercial Manager – Food Packaging & Consumables Distribution

Location: Melbourne, Victoria

Industry: Wholesale / Distribution (Food Packaging & Consumables)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports to: General Manager

About Us

We are a well-established and growing distribution business specialising in food packaging and consumables, servicing a broad range of clients across the hospitality, food production, and retail sectors throughout Melbourne and beyond. We pride ourselves on operational excellence, a strong customer service ethos, and delivering reliable, cost-effective solutions to our clients.

As part of our continued growth and operational refinement, we are seeking a hands-on, commercially focused Commercial Manager to lead critical functions including finance, procurement, compliance, supplier management, and process improvement.

Role Overview

The Commercial Manager is a strategic yet hands-on leadership role, responsible for driving profitability, financial performance, cost efficiency, and operational excellence across the business. This individual will oversee the finance and procurement teams, lead financial reporting and compliance, liaise with suppliers, drive cost savings, enhance processes through technology, and lead key commercial functions with a strong eye for detail and continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate will have experience in a distribution or FMCG environment, with a strong commercial mindset, leadership skills, and a passion for systems, finance, and team development.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Operational Leadership

• Lead commercial activities across the business to ensure profitability and operational efficiency.
• Oversee and ensure timely, accurate, and compliant financial reporting, including budgeting, forecasting, P&L, and cash flow management.
• Ensure the business adheres to all relevant financial, regulatory, and tax compliance obligations.
• Identify and implement cost reduction strategies, margin improvement initiatives, and operational savings across procurement, warehousing, logistics, and administration.
• Develop and manage pricing strategies in collaboration with the sales team to maintain competitiveness and enhance gross margins.

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Lead the procurement team to ensure timely and cost-effective purchasing aligned with business needs and inventory targets.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, negotiate improved pricing, rebates, and service terms.
• Continuously review supplier performance and product sourcing for cost optimisation and reliability.
• Monitor market conditions and proactively manage risks related to pricing, availability, or supply chain disruption.

Technology & Systems

• Lead process and system improvements across procurement, finance, inventory, and reporting functions.
• Identify and implement technologies that enhance automation, reduce manual effort, improve cost tracking, and provide real-time insights.
• Work with IT and system providers to maximise the capabilities of the business's ERP and reporting tools.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a cross-functional team including the finance and procurement teams, with broader operational oversight as required.
• Build a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on ownership, continuous improvement, and commercial outcomes.
• Work cross-functionally with other departments including sales, warehouse, and customer service to align on goals and execution.

Key Skills & Experience

Essential:

• 5+ years' experience in a senior commercial, operations, or finance role in a distribution, FMCG, or wholesale environment.
• Proven oversight of finance, including financial reporting, compliance, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Demonstrated success managing procurement functions and leading cost-saving initiatives.
• Strong commercial acumen, including pricing, cost control, and margin improvement.
• Proficient with ERP systems and reporting tools (e.g., NetSuite, MYOB Advanced, Pronto, etc.).
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong understanding of financial and operational compliance obligations.

Desirable:

• Experience in the food packaging or consumables sector.
• Qualifications in business, finance, or supply chain management (e.g., CPA, CA, MBA, or equivalent).