Head of Commerce

Suma Head of Commerce

As Head of Commerce, you are ultimately responsible for the successful functioning of the Commerce teams; sales, marketing, stock purchasing and Suma branded product development. You will have an overview of Commerce and will monitor the activities of, and provide support and direction to, team coordinators.

You are responsible for shaping, delivering and executing Commerce objectives detailed in our business plans and strategy.

Main Tasks

Commerce strategic planning, this includes creating business plans, in line with the overall strategy given by the board and turning strategic goals into SMART objectives. Review progress and build sufficient knowledge of operations, direction and strategy within the Commerce area to enable you to report to the board. Provide leadership on the overall Commerce function at Suma, communicating, coordinating and offering support to enable teams in the area to fulfil their objectives. Communicate, coordinate and provide support to enable teams in the Commerce area to fulfil their business plans. Work with Compliance and Health & Safety to ensure good practice as defined by relevant policies and legislation. Work with Logistics, Finance and IT to ensure delivery of the strategic vision and mission plan, and to collaborate on cross-functional initiatives. Measure customer satisfaction and adapt our offering, as required. Work with the member council to ensure engagement and consultation with the teams within your area. Oversee the performance of all Commerce teams, ensuring teams are meeting their targets and fulfilling the business needs as required by the business plans. Work collaboratively with other leaders, officers and coordinators as part of a cohesive team, drawing on their specific areas of expertise, and providing Commercial advice where required. Champion the Commerce function and Suma Brand across the business. Develop and organise the Commerce structure according to business need.

Responsible for leading by example, modeling behavior you want to see in your teams, as well as demonstrating accountability. The expectation is that you are able to hold yourself accountable for your actions and decisions, as well as the actions and decisions of those who report to you. Agree, review and report on Commerce related risks, implement mitigation plans, and ensure the risk register is updated. As a budget holder, you have formal, delegated responsibility to manage a budget and follow all of Suma's agreed financial procedures and policies. Communicate information directly to the membership and workforce about commerce developments that may result in changes to their roles, responsibilities or requirements. You should aim to help co-workers understand any changes and the reasons for any such changes.

Authority

The role has authority over all aspects of the Commerce area. They are responsible for ensuring that Commerce supports the commercial aspects of Suma's business plan and strategic goals. This includes carrying out reviews for Commerce Coordinators.

This work is supported by the Commerce People Development Coordinator, who will provide pastoral care and development support for all Commerce workers, as well as recruitment and disciplinary issues.

Commitment

This is role is a minimum of 4-5 days per week.

Job Requirements for Head of Commerce

Essential

Strong leadership skills and experience Strong communication skills both verbally and in writing Ability to create and maintain strategic initiatives Motivational skills to get the most out of people and progress goals Ability to negotiate in a cross functional structure, bringing together groups of people with apparent contradictory aims Experience of delivering change at an organisational level Excellent people management skills High level of problem-solving ability High level of self-management and prioritisation skills Able to adapt to the unique environment of a worker owned cooperative Track record of personal and professional development Resilient in difficult situations

Useful Knowledge / Experience

Cooperative working, especially worker coops Vegan / Vegetarian sector Food wholesaler, especially ethical sector eCommerce Sales & Marketing Brand Awareness/Development

Reward

Suma is a unique organisation, doing business fairly.

People are genuinely at the heart of what we do.

We offer generous pension, holiday, maternity/paternity, sick pay.

Healthcare plan and Employee Assistance Programme.

Free onsite vegetarian canteen, lunch, drinks and snacks.

Free onsite parking, safe bike space and car sharing encouraged.

Flexible working negotiable. Hybrid working negotiable.

Professional qualification pathway up to level 7.

All workers are paid an equal hour rate, equivalent to £35,859 per annum (based on a 5 day week).