Area Sales Manager

Area Sales Manager – South East

Location: South East – London, Essex, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire & Isle of Wight
Salary: £49,476 per annum + annual bonus
Contract: Permanent

We are recruiting on behalf of an established UK-owned manufacturing business with a strong reputation for quality, innovation and British engineering.

The company provides specialist solutions across areas including traffic safety, specialist lighting, renewable energy and energy storage, supplying high-quality products to local authorities, construction sites, private workplaces and other commercial customers.

With a strong focus on innovation and continuous improvement, the business is entering an exciting period of growth and is looking to expand its presence across new sectors and markets.

The Role

We are looking for a dynamic and commercially driven Area Sales Manager to join the external sales team and take ownership of the South East territory.

This is an exciting opportunity to develop existing customer relationships, win new business and introduce the company's latest products and solutions into new sectors and routes to market.

Reporting directly to the Head of Sales, you will manage the full sales process from identifying opportunities through to developing relationships, supporting tenders and delivering against agreed KPIs.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and develop strong relationships with existing and prospective customers across the South East.
• Identify customer needs and provide appropriate technical solutions based on their requirements and specifications.
• Own, manage and report against sales KPIs, targets and commitments.
• Take full ownership of the opportunity pipeline, ensuring opportunities are actively managed through to conversion.
• Develop and deliver detailed sales and business plans for the territory.
• Identify and acquire new customers through additional routes to market and new product lines.
• Maintain and develop the existing customer base, maximising commercial opportunities and long-term relationships.
• Present detailed sales performance, pipeline and commitments at monthly meetings and provide regular reports.
• Gather customer feedback and market intelligence to support product innovation and commercial development.
• Champion company products, brand, values and standards, promoting the solutions provided.
• Plan and conduct face-to-face meetings with customers, prospects and industry professionals.
• Provide technical advice, product training and service support where required.
• Attend and represent the business at trade events, seminars and exhibitions to increase market awareness.
• Work closely with internal customer service and support teams to deliver an excellent customer experience.
• Respond to and support the tender process, including commercial and contractual requirements.
• Effectively utilise CRM systems to manage customer relationships, sales activity, pipeline and accurate reporting.

About You

• Proven experience in sales and account management, with a strong track record of developing customer relationships and delivering commercial results.
• Professional relationship management skills with excellent communication and presentation abilities at all levels.
• Commercially aware, with the ability to identify sales opportunities and turn customer requirements into effective solutions.
• A technical understanding of electrically installed products or a closely related technical product environment.
• Confident engaging with the trade and providing detailed technical consultation and advice.
• Highly motivated and self-driven, with the ability to take ownership of your territory and individual responsibilities.
• Strong attention to detail, common sense and a practical, solution-focused approach.
• Confident, articulate and able to build credibility with customers and internal stakeholders.
• Strong IT and CRM skills, with the ability to maintain accurate records and reporting.
• Flexible and willing to travel extensively across the South East as required.

Desirable Experience

Experience in the following areas would be advantageous:

• Commercial and contractual tender development.
• Customer service and complaint handling processes.
• Selling technical, electrical, lighting, engineering or related products.
• Working with CRM and wider business IT systems.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity to join an established UK manufacturing business at an exciting stage of growth.

You will have the opportunity to take ownership of an important territory, develop existing accounts, win new business and play a key role in introducing innovative products into new markets.

Package & Details

Salary: £49,476 per annum

Bonus: Annual bonus package

Contract: Full-time, permanent

Location: South East – covering London, Essex, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

Company Car: Provided

Holiday: 25 days

Development: Individual personal development and technical training

Reporting to: Head of Sales