At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales across diverse channels and drive new business growth.
- Company: Fast-growing food business with an entrepreneurial spirit.
- Benefits: £100,000 salary, car allowance, up to 20% bonus, and benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for hands-on leadership in a fast-paced, growing company.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in a thriving environment.
- Qualifications: Proven sales leadership experience and strong UK Grocery background.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 100000 £ per year.
I’m working with a fast-growing food business to recruit a Head of Sales to lead their commercial function across a broad mix of channels. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who wants to join a business with real scale, but still operate in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment. The business has around 35 people, multiple brands and 100s of SKUs. It will manage a sizeable team across all customers.
The channels will be Wholesale, Online, Supermarket, Retail, Export and EU customers, this isn’t a business that’s overly reliant on one retailer or one route to market. They’ve also got strong momentum in Ireland, with national distribution across customers including Tesco Ireland and SuperValu.
This is not a “sit above it and manage from a distance” role. They need someone who can lead the team, own the sales strategy, and still get personally involved in opening doors, building relationships and driving new business.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the sales function across Grocery, Wholesale, Online, Retail, Export and EU customers
- Manage and develop a team of around 4 people, likely including 2 SNAMs and the Irish sales team
- Own the sales strategy, pipeline, forecasting and revenue performance
- Drive new business as a core priority, including new listings and NPD listings
- Build stronger relationships with key UK Grocery customers, including development opportunities in Sainsbury’s
- Bring structure, focus and pace to a business that is growing quickly
- Work closely with marketing, supply chain, NPD and finance to align the commercial plan
- Create a culture that gets the team hunting, not just managing existing accounts
What we’re looking for:
- Proven experience as a Head of Sales or similar senior sales leadership role
- Strong UK Grocery experience within food or drink FMCG
- Experience across both larger businesses and SME / challenger brand environments would be ideal
- A proper new business mindset — someone who can personally open doors, not just ask the team to do it
- Strong people leadership experience, with the ability to motivate, coach and develop a high-performing team
- Commercially sharp, practical and comfortable making decisions without perfect data
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, less-corporate environment where things move quickly
- Someone hungry, entrepreneurial, hands-on and genuinely comfortable with change
This is a role for someone who can bring structure without slowing the business down. They don’t need someone who relies on polished decks, long prep cycles or overly corporate process, they need a commercial leader who can get close to the team, get close to the customer, and drive growth.
If the role and responsibilities sound like a good fit for you, then I’d love to speak to you!
Head of Sales in Kingston upon Thames employer: Advocate Group
Joining this leading global drinks brand as an Artwork Manager offers you the chance to work in a dynamic and innovative environment, where your expertise in packaging and print will be highly valued. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative work culture, you'll have the opportunity to manage exciting projects across the EMEA region while contributing to sustainability and continuous improvement initiatives. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sales in Kingston upon Thames
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Head of Sales at Advocate Group, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Advocate Group. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Head of Sales. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales in Kingston upon Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Advocate Group:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Advocate Group. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advocate Group
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Advocate Group that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Advocate Group that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Advocate Group’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
