Jonathan Cotton
Stockport,United Kingdom
Summary
Commercial leader with 12+ years of experience across digital marketing, e-commerce, and digital transformation within agency environments. I also ensure I stay extremely up to date with the rapid changes AI is driving across industries, not just in terms of services and delivery, but also in how it is impacting traditional commercial models.
Proven ability to build high-value pipelines, shape commercial strategy, and develop long-term client relationships across B2B and B2C markets.
Currently leading strategic new business growth, partnerships and agency marketing at Clicky™, driving high-value opportunities, market positioning, and long-term commercial relationships. Former agency co-owner with full responsibility for commercial performance, growth strategy, and client development.
I combine enterprise high level commercial experience with a strong understanding of digital ecosystems, platforms, and delivery models. Early career in the Royal Navy Commando forces brought resilience, discipline, and clarity in high-pressure environments.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work history
Commercial Partnerships Manager
CLICKY
Manchester, UK
2025.09 - Current
- Currently lead strategic new business growth and partnerships aligned with agency objectives and market positioning, enhancing market presence.
- Won several nationally recognisable brands, taking them from qualification through to onboarding, generating approximately £500k in 2026, with a strong focus on annual recurring revenue.
- Highly knowledgeable across all services, from SEO, Paid Media, Dev, to new services in the AI space, such as LLM ads. (ChatGPT)
- Built, managed, and converted a high-value pipeline across target sectors and priority accounts, contributing to revenue increase.
- Ensured delivery against financial year targets across project and retainer revenue streams, achieving profitable growth and securing significant wins with responsible brands.
- Own the end-to-end commercial process, ensuring seamless transition into client services and delivery.
- Align commercial activity with delivery teams to support scalable, high-quality outcomes.
- Develop senior relationships across clients, partners, and the wider digital ecosystem.
- Identify and apply AI-driven opportunities across workflows, delivery, and client solutions.
- Contribute to agency marketing and content to support brand visibility and inbound growth.
- Represent the agency through networking, industry events, panel speaking, and hosted events.
- Achieved promotion from Growth Manager within six months due to exceptional performance.
Director & Commercial Lead
ABIERTO LTD
Manchester, UK
2021.11 - 2025.11
- Led commercial strategy, growth, and operations for the digital agency serving clients up to £800m turnover.
- Developed pricing models and go-to-market approach to drive revenue growth.
- Led complex negotiations, contracts, and long-term commercial agreements, including MSAs.
- Aligned sales and delivery with client strategy to support sustainable growth and retention.
- Advised clients on digital strategy, e-commerce platforms, and scalable growth opportunities.
- Cultivated and maintained senior client relationships across multiple sectors to enhance client satisfaction.
E-commerce Partnerships Manager
YOMA
Greater Liverpool Area
2020.01 - 2021.10
- Identified and converted cross-channel opportunities in e-commerce, SEO, paid media, and CRO to enhance revenue streams.
- Managed Epicor partnership, unlocking commercial opportunities across multiple markets.
- Developed strategic partnerships that generated international opportunities for Magento.
- Led early-stage discovery, requirements gathering, and solution alignment with delivery teams.
Head of Business Development (Adobe Commerce / Magento)
PUSHON
Manchester
2016.12 - 2019.12
- Converted deals upwards of £150k, many with supportive retainers across marketing and ongoing development.
- Developed and executed new business strategy and pipeline for Magento / Adobe Commerce, driving growth opportunities.
- Transformed client objectives into scalable e-commerce and digital solutions, ensuring alignment with business goals.
- Secured and strengthened mid-market and enterprise client relationships, enhancing customer retention and satisfaction.
- Delivered high-value project wins and long-term digital engagements.
Account Director
Earlier Career - SES Software Escrow Solutions
National Business Development
Autotrader
Royal Navy Commando (AACC), Weapons Engineer
UK Ministry of Defence
Education
GCSEs - A–C
Crompton House School
AS Levels - undefined
Crompton House Sixth Form
Weapons Engineering & Commando Training (AACC)
Royal Navy / MOD
Skills
- Strategic revenue growth planning
- Transformation through AI technologies
- Building strategic partnerships and alliances
- Enhancing operational efficiency with AI solutions
- e-Commerce platform development
- delivery & content AI applications
- Leadership in business development initiatives
- guiding agency commercial operations
- growth strategies for enterprise sales
- deal negotiation skills (MSAs)
- Expertise in Magento/Adobe Commerce
- digital platform management & CMSs
- developing performance marketing tactics (SEO, paid, CRO)
- Designing solutions for pre-sales processes
- developing client retention strategies
- growing market presence & networks
- effective cross-functional leadership
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
References available upon request.
Timeline
Commercial Partnerships Manager
CLICKY
2025.09 - Current
Director & Commercial Lead
ABIERTO LTD
2021.11 - 2025.11
E-commerce Partnerships Manager
YOMA
2020.01 - 2021.10
Head of Business Development (Adobe Commerce / Magento)
PUSHON
2016.12 - 2019.12
AS Levels - undefined
Crompton House Sixth Form
National Business Development
Autotrader
Account Director
Earlier Career - SES Software Escrow Solutions
Royal Navy Commando (AACC), Weapons Engineer
UK Ministry of Defence
GCSEs - A–C
Crompton House School
Weapons Engineering & Commando Training (AACC)
Royal Navy / MOD