Commercial Manager

Location

Humber region (4 days office, 1 WFH)

Contract

Permanent

Salary

Competitive with fantastic company benefits

Steel and/or Freight Forwarding Expertise Essential

Are you a commercially astute professional with proven experience in the steel market and/or freight forwarding sector? Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s leading port operator, is looking for a dynamic Commercial Manager to join our Humber team and play a key role in driving growth across these strategically important markets.

This role is ideally suited to someone who understands the commercial drivers, customer dynamics and supply chains associated with steel, bulk and freight forwarding activities, and who can translate that expertise into sustainable revenue and EBITDA growth.

About the Role

This is a pivotal, externally‑facing role focused on developing and growing business within the Humber region, with a particular emphasis on customers operating in or aligned to the steel industry and freight forwarding markets. You will be responsible for identifying new commercial opportunities, managing key customer relationships, and negotiating complex commercial agreements. Working closely with colleagues across operations, property and finance, you will develop tailored solutions that meet customer needs while supporting ABP’s long‑term strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, develop and secure new business opportunities, with a strong focus on steel and freight forwarding‑related customers and supply chains.
• Build and maintain long‑term relationships with key customers, stakeholders and industry partners.
• Lead commercial negotiations and manage contracts to maximise value and profitability.
• Work collaboratively across ABP to deliver customer‑led commercial solutions.
• Represent ABP externally at industry events, forums and networking opportunities.
• Support the development of commercial strategies, marketing materials and customer communications.
• Track market trends, customer activity and competitor movements to inform commercial decision‑making.
• Act as a trusted ambassador for ABP, consistently demonstrating our values and commercial professionalism.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven commercial experience with a strong track record of delivering profitable growth.
• Significant experience in sales, commercial management or business development.
• Essential experience and/or expertise within the steel market/industry and/or freight forwarding.
• Strong negotiation, influencing and presentation skills.
• High level of financial and commercial literacy, including experience with contracts, pricing and margin management.
• Confident relationship‑builder with excellent stakeholder management skills.
• Proactive, self‑motivated and comfortable managing multiple priorities.
• A collaborative, solutions‑focused approach with strong personal credibility.
• Degree in a relevant discipline.
• Experience within ports, logistics, shipping or wider supply‑chain environments, such as FMCG.
• Exposure to market analysis or strategic pricing.

Why Join ABP?

ABP plays a vital role in the UK economy, operating ports that support key national supply chains. You’ll be part of a forward‑thinking organisation, offered genuine autonomy in a commercially critical role, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact within strategically important markets.

When joining ABP you will find an environment that is both welcoming and challenging. We reward our employees well and offer a generous remuneration package, employer pension, private health insurance and a range of other benefits.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their background, which helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.

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