The Commercial Sales Manager is accountable for the commercial performance of the sales function across a truck dealership, van centre or commercial vehicle group. Responsible for leading and developing the sales team, managing the order bank, protecting gross profit, building manufacturer relationships and driving fleet and business account development, it is one of the most commercially demanding management roles in the transport and automotive sector.
Unlike its passenger car equivalent, commercial vehicle sales management requires a deep working knowledge of operator economics, vehicle specifications, whole-life cost modelling, fleet procurement processes and manufacturer build and delivery programmes. The Commercial Sales Manager who combines these technical and commercial foundations with strong leadership and pipeline management skills is a rare and highly sought-after professional in the UK market.
Venatu recruits Commercial Sales Managers for permanent and contract roles across franchised truck and van dealerships, multi-franchise commercial vehicle groups and fleet and B2B commercial vehicle sales operations throughout the UK. This role sits within our truck and van recruitment division. For senior appointments at Dealer Principal or Group Director level, visit Venatu Executive.
Who We Recruit For
We place candidates with:
- Franchised truck dealerships across major manufacturers including DAF, Volvo, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Scania, Iveco and Renault
- Light commercial vehicle and van centres and multi-franchise LCV groups
- Multi-site commercial vehicle dealer groups
- Commercial vehicle rental and contract hire businesses with sales management requirements
- Fleet and national account commercial vehicle operations
- Manufacturer and OEM commercial vehicle sales management functions
- Used commercial vehicle operations with dedicated sales management structures
Roles We Place
- Commercial Sales Manager
- Truck Sales Manager
- Van / LCV Sales Manager
- Head of Commercial Sales
- New Vehicle Sales Manager (Commercial)
- Used Vehicle Sales Manager (Commercial)
- Fleet Sales Manager (Commercial Vehicle)
- Group Commercial Sales Manager
- Interim Commercial Sales Manager
Who Can Apply
Strong Commercial Sales Manager candidates typically come from:
- Experienced Commercial Sales Managers at franchised truck or van dealerships looking for a new manufacturer, larger territory, multi-site group responsibility or improved package
- Senior Commercial Sales Executives with a consistent top-performer track record and the commercial maturity and people skills to take on team leadership and P&L accountability for the first time
- Fleet Managers or National Account Managers from commercial vehicle operations who want to step into a management role with broader responsibility for sales team performance
- Aftersales or General Managers from commercial vehicle backgrounds who want to move into or return to a dedicated sales management function
- Commercial vehicle manufacturer field sales managers who want to move into dealership-side sales management and bring OEM network knowledge and relationship capital with them
People management experience and the ability to develop, motivate and performance-manage a commercial sales team are non-negotiable requirements at this level. Venatu assesses leadership capability alongside commercial vehicle sector credentials for all Commercial Sales Manager candidates.
Commercial Sales Manager Salary Guide
| Role | Base Salary Range | OTE Range |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Sales Manager (Single Site) | £40,000 - £55,000 | £60,000 - £80,000 |
| Commercial Sales Manager (Multi-site) | £50,000 - £65,000 | £72,000 - £95,000 |
| Head of Commercial Sales | £55,000 - £70,000 | £80,000 - £110,000 |
| Group Commercial Sales Manager | £60,000 - £80,000 | £90,000 - £120,000 |
| Interim Commercial Sales Manager | £450 - £700 per day |
Most roles include a company vehicle. Bonus structures are typically tied to a combination of unit volume, gross profit per unit and fleet penetration targets. Venatu benchmarks total package expectations with each client before beginning a search. Visit the HR Hub for broader context on commercial vehicle management remuneration.
What the Role Involves
Responsibilities vary by dealership size and structure but typically include:
- Leading, developing and managing the commercial vehicle sales team including target setting, performance review and individual coaching
- Managing the new and used vehicle order bank, ensuring stock levels, build slot allocation and delivery pipeline align with monthly and quarterly targets
- Setting and protecting gross profit per unit targets across new, used and fleet channels
- Developing and managing key fleet and business accounts directly and through the sales team
- Holding manufacturer relationships and managing manufacturer sales target programmes, support funding and bonus structures
- Overseeing the used commercial vehicle stock profile including buy-in decisions, pricing strategy and turn rate management
- Reporting sales performance, pipeline and order bank data to the Dealer Principal or General Manager
- Working alongside the aftersales and parts teams to maximise whole-business customer retention and revenue
- Driving contract hire and finance penetration across new and used commercial vehicle sales
- Recruiting, onboarding and developing sales team members in coordination with the group HR function
- Managing compliance with manufacturer franchise standards and sales process requirements
How the Process Works
For employers:
- Submit a vacancy with the manufacturer franchise, team size, monthly volume and any specific fleet, order bank or multi-site responsibilities.
- We confirm candidate availability and present a pre-screened shortlist within five working days.
- Candidates are assessed for commercial vehicle management experience, team leadership track record and manufacturer familiarity.
- Interview and offer supported by Venatu throughout.
For candidates:
- Register your CV with your current or most recent management role, team size, monthly volumes managed and any manufacturer or group experience.
- A Venatu consultant will review your background and contact you directly.
- Roles are matched to your management level, preferred manufacturer and geography.
- Venatu manages the process and provides package benchmarking ahead of offer.
Browse current vacancies or create a job alert to be notified when relevant roles become available.
FAQ
What does a Commercial Sales Manager do in a truck dealership? A Commercial Sales Manager leads the commercial vehicle sales function, managing the sales team, order bank, stock profile and key account relationships. They are accountable for new and used unit volume, gross profit per unit and fleet penetration targets. The role combines direct sales leadership with P&L responsibility, manufacturer relationship management and the development of the wider sales team.
What experience is needed to become a Commercial Sales Manager? Most employers require a background in commercial vehicle sales, either as a high-performing executive or in a previous management role. People management experience, a thorough understanding of commercial vehicle specifications and whole-life costs, and familiarity with manufacturer programmes and order bank management are the core requirements. Candidates moving from fleet or OEM roles need to demonstrate they can lead and develop a retail sales team. Venatu assesses leadership capability alongside sector credentials for all management candidates.
What does a Commercial Sales Manager earn in the UK? Base salaries typically range from £40,000 for single-site roles to £80,000 for group-level appointments. OTE including bonus ranges from £60,000 to £120,000 or more. Company vehicles are standard. Venatu benchmarks total package expectations with each client before beginning a search.
What is the difference between a Commercial Sales Manager and a General Sales Manager? A Commercial Sales Manager is specifically responsible for the commercial vehicle sales function - trucks, vans and LCVs. A General Sales Manager in a multi-franchise or combined operation may have responsibility across both commercial and passenger car sales departments. In larger dealer groups the Commercial Sales Manager typically reports to a General Manager or Dealer Principal. Venatu clarifies the reporting structure and scope of each role with the employer before presenting candidates.
What is the progression from Commercial Sales Manager? Common progression routes include Head of Commercial Sales, General Manager, Dealer Principal and Group Operations Director. For senior retained appointments at Dealer Principal, Managing Director or Group Director level, visit Venatu Executive. Read about the commercial vehicle sector outlook in How Rising Fuel Prices Are Impacting Automotive Recruitment In The UK.
Register or Enquire
Candidates - Register your CV with your commercial vehicle management experience, team size, volumes managed and manufacturer background. Venatu will match you to current Commercial Sales Manager vacancies including roles not publicly advertised. Browse live vacancies or create a job alert.
Employers - Submit a vacancy or visit the client hub to discuss your commercial sales management requirements. Our team will respond within one working day.