Head of Sales in Manchester, Greater Manchester

Manchester | Hybrid Working | Competitive Basic Salary + OTE

We're recruiting for a Head of Sales to join an established and growing business operating within the merchandising industry.

The business works with customers to deliver a diverse range of merchandise products, combining product sourcing, customer relationships and commercial expertise to provide tailored solutions. With an established customer base and an existing Account Management team, the company is looking to strengthen its sales function and build on its current success.

This is a newly created senior opportunity for someone who understands the merchandising market, knows how to develop profitable customer relationships and can identify opportunities to grow a business.

Working closely with the directors, you'll take ownership of the overall sales function, leading and developing an existing team of two to three Account Managers while personally driving new business and opening up further commercial opportunities.

It's a genuinely varied role, combining sales leadership, business development and hands-on commercial activity. You'll have the opportunity to shape the sales strategy, influence how the function operates and make a direct contribution to the company's future growth.

• Taking ownership of the overall sales strategy and business development plan.

• Identifying new markets, customers and opportunities within the merchandising sector.

• Personally generating new business through proactive prospecting, networking and relationship development.

• Building strong relationships with key customers and commercial contacts.

• Leading, motivating and developing an existing team of two to three Account Managers.

• Coaching and supporting the team to strengthen customer relationships and maximise existing accounts.

• Identifying opportunities to increase customer spend, gross margin and overall profitability.

• Developing a clear approach to new business generation and existing account growth.

• Setting sales targets, objectives and performance expectations.

• Monitoring individual and team performance against agreed revenue and gross margin targets.

• Managing the sales pipeline, forecasting and reporting on commercial performance.

• Reviewing the existing sales function and identifying opportunities to improve processes and performance.

• Working closely with the directors to identify commercial opportunities and support wider business growth.

• Providing regular updates on sales performance, pipeline activity and new business opportunities.

You'll be an experienced, commercially driven sales professional with a strong understanding of the merchandising industry and a proven ability to generate new business, develop customer relationships and lead a sales team.

Ideally, you'll have:

• Previous experience in a Head of Sales, Sales Manager, Sales Director or similar senior sales position.

• Experience within the merchandising industry is essential.

• A strong understanding of the merchandising market, products, customers and commercial opportunities.

• A proven track record of winning new business and delivering revenue growth.

• Experience managing, motivating and developing Account Managers or sales professionals.

• The ability to develop and implement effective sales strategies.

• Strong commercial awareness, particularly around gross margin, profitability and sales performance.

• Experience managing sales pipelines, forecasting and setting targets.

• Excellent negotiation, communication and relationship-building skills.

• The confidence to work closely with directors and influence commercial decisions.

• A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to lead from the front.

You'll be equally comfortable developing the wider sales strategy, supporting your team and getting personally involved in winning new business.

• Competitive basic salary, dependent on experience.

• OTE with performance-related earning potential.

• Hybrid working, with four days in the office and Fridays working from home.

• A newly created senior leadership opportunity.

• The chance to take ownership of an established sales function.

• Responsibility for an existing team of Account Managers.

• Direct involvement in commercial strategy and business growth.

• The opportunity to make a real impact within an established merchandising business.

Position: Head of Sales

Location: Manchester

Working Pattern: Monday to Thursday office-based, Friday working from home.

Package: Competitive basic salary + OTE.

If you're an experienced sales leader with a background in merchandising and the ambition to take ownership of a sales function, develop a team and drive business growth, send me your CV and let's have a conversation.