Commercial Manager

Established in 1997 as the first manufacturer of sushi for the UK supermarket industry, Taiko has evolved into the most innovative manufacturer of Sushi, Food To Go, Prepared Meals and Snacking products in the UK, supplying Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury’s to name a few. Over the past 25 years Taiko has launched more first to market Sushi and Food to Go products than any other sushi manufacturer in the UK.

• Degree educated/higher level education or equivalent in work experience
• An ability to communicate well at multiple levels within the internal organisation, and the same with customers, partners and suppliers
• Experience of working in the Grocery and Foodservice sectors for a medium/large organisation; an understanding of how UK retailers operate
• An ability to see the cross-functional implications of decisions relating to customer
• A can-do attitude and a willingness to work on building new processes, new ways of working, new business and new products
• Tenacity and a desire to keep going when things get difficult
• Aptitude to present both positive and difficult positions well to customers and stakeholders
• Experience in the process of lunching new products into customers
• A passion for great food

• Constantly monitor customer profitability and make interventions to keep the profitability at target levels
• Work with customers, the NPD team and our wider stakeholders to scope new concepts and launch new products
• Troubleshoot daily deliveries to customers and communicate with any relevant personnel internally and externally
• Work with customers to agree promotional and marketing plans
• Monitor the external marketplace – frequently visit stores, restaurants and kiosks to ensure we are aware of trends and products, and the general situation out in the marketplace
• Identify new customers and partnership opportunities, scope the commercial viability of these and drive these through to commercial success within the business
• Complete daily paperwork associated with the commercial function – we’re a small team and everyone has to pitch in to get things done
• Complete new line forms and other information required by customers to load new products onto retailers commercial platforms
• To prepare for any presentation/submission of the new products to the Customers, discussing with NPD team and attend the meetings with them or the other meetings where the sales of our products are discussed with our customers or new customers

We're proud to offer:

• Opportunity to grow your career alongside with us with available apprentice program
• Brilliant support services designed to enhance your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
• Annual discretionary bonus subject to business and overall performance
• Discretionary Life Assurance
• Discretionary Income Protection
• Group Personal Pension
• Private Medical Cash Plan
• Bespoke reward platform including access to retail, cinema & gym discounts.
• 50% off your food every time you dine with us for you and 3 friends.
• Contribute towards our award-winning sustainability initiatives that delivers progress against 9 UN sustainability goals. We're committed to responsibly sourcing and all our seafood, therefore we only use source sustainable fish. All our packaging is recyclable and 80% of our packaging is already made from recycled plastic.
• Annual Awards ceremony celebrating our success and offering winning Managers free trips to Japan.

About us:

Come roll with us and be part of something big. Celebrate global success across:

• Over 1500 retail kiosks globally (YO!, Panku, Mai Taiko Snowfox & Bento)
• Our Taiko manufacturing and distribution centre
• 63 YO! restaurants
• 50 major retail partners
• 3700 locations globally From Hawaii to Aberdeen

Our Values

• Own it, Care About it, Make it Exceptional, Win Together

Ready to Roll?

Come roll with us and play a key role by bringing people together to celebrate better food for everyone the Japanese way...