Exciting New Vacancy - Head of Commercial Operations

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced individual to support the Assay Master / CEO in leading the office into its next phase of growth and success. Could this be you? Read on for more details...

Job Title

Head of Commercial Operations

The Company

The Sheffield Assay Office is a dynamic and innovative company steeped in history. Set up by an Act of Parliament in 1772, the Office provides first class Assay, Analytical and Hallmarking services to customers all over the world. Jewellery and items of precious metals are assayed each year and bear the distinctive Sheffield “Town” mark. The Sheffield Assay Office (SAO) has a world-wide reputation in other arenas too, particularly in cutting-edge analytical services and seeks to develop and grow its commercial operations.

The Role

An exceptional opportunity exists for an experienced individual to support the Assay Master / CEO, leading the office into its next phase of growth and success. It is likely you will already have a proven track record of success in a highly commercial role and be looking to apply these skills.

Reporting to the Assay Master / CEO Key responsibilities include:

• Customer retention and development, including key account management of Hallmarking business.
• Ensure seamless collaboration between sales, marketing, finance, and customer service.
• Drive initiatives to increase revenue and profitability.
• Collaborate with finance and product teams on pricing and margin strategies.
• Development of alternative revenue streams alongside the Assay Master and Analytical Services Director and identify new business opportunities, partnerships, and markets.
• Maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and partners that influence revenue and reputation.
• Working with the Assay Master / CEO to set sales budgets and to monitor on a monthly basis. Previous experience on this would be expected.
• To serve as a spokesperson for the company when required by the Assay Master / CEO.
• Ensure transparency and maintain open lines of communication with all stakeholders and professional bodies within the trade to help maintain the office’s reputation.
• To support or represent the Assay Master / CEO at events both within the city and further afield when required and prepared to speak at events.
• Be prepared to attend conferences both in the UK and overseas when required by the Assay Master.
• Enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty through operational excellence.
• Implement feedback loops and continuous improvement initiatives.

The Person

• You will have a proven experience in a commercial role in your career to date, specific industry experience is not essential, however you will need to demonstrate an understanding of the industry.
• You will need to spend time within the business understanding our unique industry to develop into the role.
• You will be able to demonstrate experience of successfully developing strategic plans and implementing to ensure positive outcomes and delivering growth.
• You will have had exposure to corporate governance and management best practice as well as having strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• You operate with a high level of integrity and ethical standards.
• You will be able to demonstrate a passion for innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• A technical background is not essential, but it would be beneficial, as the role requires you to absorb and understand processes and operating procedures.

Interested applicants should send a full CV and cover letter detailing qualifications and experience to Caroline Naylor at caroline@craconsultants.com.

The closing date for applications is Friday 22^nd August, 2025. All direct applications will be forwarded to Caroline Naylor at CRA Consulting.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Sheffield Assay Office is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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The Sheffield Assay Office was established in 1773, under an Act of Parliament and today the company assays and hallmarks the precious metals - silver, gold, platinum and palladium. Sheffield Assay Office is one of only four UK assay offices who all work to uphold the Hallmarking Act of 1973 and continue to ensure consumer protection for customers purchasing precious metals.

To find out more about the whole range of services offered by Sheffield Assay Office, such as our hallmarking and analytical services, please email us at info@assayoffice.co.uk or complete the contact form on our website at http://www.assayoffice.co.uk/contact-us ,

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