At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to drive sales and distribution strategies for rail travel.
- Company: Join Avanti West Coast, a forward-thinking company shaping the future of rail travel.
- 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: Make a real impact in a role that combines innovation with leadership.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in commercial leadership and multi-channel retail strategies.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 in London employer: Avanti West Coast
At Avanti West Coast, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and growth in the rail travel sector. Our inclusive work culture fosters diversity and empowers employees to thrive, offering generous benefits such as free travel for you and your family, a final salary pension, and up to 37 days of holiday. Join us in shaping the future of rail travel while enjoying unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional development in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sales and Distribution in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for rail travel and innovation shine through. It’s all about making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Knowing the ins and outs of Avanti and the market will help you stand out as a strategic thinker.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales and Distribution in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through. We want to see how excited you are about driving growth and innovation in sales and distribution. Share specific examples of your past successes that align with our mission!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in multi-channel retail strategies and commercial leadership. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their ability to lead a high-performing team and drive results, so make it clear how you've done this in the past.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Sales and Distribution role. Use it to connect your skills and experiences directly to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be authentic and let your personality come through!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a seamless application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our future team members!
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 propositions. Showing that you’re ahead of the curve will impress the interviewers.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves managing key suppliers and engaging with senior stakeholders, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully influenced and collaborated with partners in previous roles.
