At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing team to drive sales and distribution growth across multiple channels.
- Company: Join Avanti West Coast, a leader in rail travel innovation and customer experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, a generous holiday allowance, and a final salary pension.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and authenticity in a supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of rail travel while inspiring a diverse team to excel.
- Qualifications: Proven commercial leadership and multi-channel retail expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Are you ready to take the lead in driving growth, innovation, and market impact? We are looking for an ambitious and commercially astute Head of Sales & Distribution. This is a unique opportunity to lead a high-performing team, unlock new revenue streams, and elevate our sales and distribution strategy across multiple channels shaping the future of growth of rail travel on the West Coast mainline.
As part of the Commercial Senior Leadership Team, you will play a key role in developing our commercial strategy and driving sustainable business growth. You will lead and inspire a highly skilled, diverse and experienced team spanning sales, direct and third party retail, B2B and B2C partnerships, and VIP/group travel driving exceptional performance and results. This role requires fresh thinking, an ability to challenge the status quo, and build strong external relationships raising the profile of Avanti and the appeal of rail travel.
Key responsibilities- Develop and deliver a comprehensive sales and distribution strategy across all retail channels.
- Identify and deliver new commercial partnerships to enhance our end-to-end customer proposition and unlock growth whilst building and maintaining strong networks with trade bodies, corporate clients, and travel partners.
- Evolve our direct retail channels, improving customer experience, conversion, and revenue.
- Lead and inspire a high-performing team, driving commercial outcomes and a strong performance culture.
- Represent Avanti externally at a senior level, influencing consumer behaviour, industry innovation, and retail strategy.
- Manage key suppliers to ensure delivery against KPIs and value for money.
- Actively contribute to and shape the wider business strategy.
We are looking for a leader who has:
Proven Commercial Leadership: Demonstrated success in sales, distribution, or commercial leadership within complex, fast-paced organisations.Multi-Channel Retail Expertise: Extensive experience delivering and managing multi-channel retail strategies, including successful third-party partnerships.
Strategic Leadership: Providing a balance between short term revenue generation activities and medium to long term commercial initiatives.
Revenue Growth & Performance Optimisation: A strong track record of driving sustainable, measurable revenue growth and continuously improving commercial performance.
Inspirational Team Leadership: An empowering leader with a passion for building, developing, and motivating high-performing teams.
Senior Stakeholder Influence: Highly skilled in stakeholder engagement, with the ability to influence and collaborate at senior and industry levels in a complex business environment.
Customer-Centric Innovation: A genuine passion for innovation, with a focus on enhancing and elevating the customer experience.Benefits
- Final salary pension.
- Free travel on Avanti West Coast for you/spouse/partner/dependents.
- Privilege Travel card (75% off other train operators fares for leisure travel).
- 30 days holiday rising by 1 for every completed year of service to a maximum of 37 days (inclusive of bank holidays).
- 10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operator.
Be You. With Us. At Avanti West Coast, we believe our strength comes from the unique perspectives, experiences and backgrounds of our people. We are proud to build a workplace where diversity is embraced, and everyone is supported to thrive. We welcome individuals of all races, religions, ages, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations and abilities. Our goal is to reflect the communities we serve and create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. When you join Avanti West Coast, you become part of a close-knit team that encourages authenticity. We want you to bring your whole self to work. No need to change who you are to fit in. Your individuality is what makes us better. We celebrate it, we respect it and we put it to great use.
Head of Sales and Distribution employer: Avanti West Coast
At Avanti West Coast, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions diversity and innovation. As the Head of Sales and Distribution, you will lead a dynamic team in a supportive environment that values your unique perspective, offering generous benefits such as free travel for you and your family, a final salary pension, and ample holiday entitlement. Join us in shaping the future of rail travel while enjoying a culture that empowers you to thrive and grow professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sales and Distribution
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Sales & Distribution role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share examples of how you've inspired teams and driven results. They want to see that you can lead a high-performing crew.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your commercial strategies! Prepare to talk about how you've successfully managed multi-channel retail strategies and built partnerships. This is your time to shine and show them your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us at Avanti West Coast. It shows you're keen and ready to be part of our diverse and dynamic team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales and Distribution
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your proven commercial leadership experience. We want to see how you've successfully led teams and driven growth in previous roles, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Tailor Your Strategy:Craft your application to reflect your understanding of multi-channel retail strategies. We’re looking for someone who can evolve our sales approach, so share specific examples of how you’ve done this in the past.
Be Customer-Centric:We love innovation that enhances customer experience! In your application, showcase any initiatives you've led that improved customer satisfaction or engagement. This will help us see your passion for putting customers first.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avanti West Coast
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Sales and Distribution, you’ll need to demonstrate your understanding of revenue growth and performance optimisation. Brush up on key metrics related to sales performance, conversion rates, and customer experience. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've driven measurable results.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires inspirational team leadership, so think about how you can convey your approach to building and motivating high-performing teams. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your ability to empower others and foster a strong performance culture. Authenticity is key!
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends in rail travel and multi-channel retail strategies. Be prepared to discuss how you would evolve Avanti's direct retail channels and enhance customer experiences. Showing that you’re in tune with industry innovations will set you apart.
✨Build Relationships Before You Walk In
Since this role involves significant stakeholder engagement, consider reaching out to industry contacts or trade bodies before your interview. Having insights or even informal conversations can give you an edge and demonstrate your proactive approach to building networks.
