At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a dynamic sales team while driving growth in creative greetings and giftware.
- Company: Join Belly Button Designs, a leader in creativity and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, and flexible remote work options.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a creative environment and shape the future of our sales strategy.
- Qualifications: Proven sales leadership experience and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38500 - 45000 £ per year.
Belly Button Designs, a leader in creative greetings and giftware, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Sales & Partnership Lead for their trade business. This strategic and hands-on position will report directly to the Creative Director/Owner and form a key part of the senior leadership team, working alongside the Finance Director, Senior Buyer/Merchandiser, and Head of Production. The Sales & Partnership Lead will be responsible for driving sales growth, managing and developing our sales team, and strengthening our house accounts, particularly in London, during an exciting period of transition and opportunity.
Key Responsibilities
- Team Management: Lead, motivate, and support the sales team, directly managing the Sales and Admin Executive and Sales Executive. Conduct twice-weekly virtual 'water cooler' calls when working remotely, ensuring engagement, alignment, and high performance.
- Sales Process Implementation: Develop, implement, and maintain robust sales processes and procedures to streamline operations, enhance customer experience, and drive sales effectiveness.
- Sales Agent Management: Oversee the transition away from the London sales agent, ensuring minimal disruption to business continuity. Build and nurture strong relationships with key London house accounts and manage ongoing relationships with any external sales agents.
- Sales Growth: Maintain and grow greeting card sales channels. Develop and expand house account and export sales for the Giftware range, identifying new opportunities and fostering long-term partnerships.
- Leadership Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the leadership team on product development, customer feedback, and strategic planning. Provide market insight and contribute to key business decisions.
- Reporting and Analysis: Monitor sales performance, prepare regular reports, and present actionable insights to the leadership team.
Required Skills and Experience
- Proven track record in sales leadership, preferably within the creative, greetings, or giftware sector.
- Strong experience in managing and developing sales teams, both in-person and remotely.
- Demonstrated ability to implement and refine sales processes and procedures.
- Excellent relationship-building and account management skills, with experience transitioning and managing house accounts.
- Strategic thinker with hands-on approach; comfortable operating at both a leadership and operational level.
- Data-driven, with strong analytical and reporting capabilities.
- Collaborative, engaging communication style, able to influence and work effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
- Experience contributing to product development and leveraging customer feedback for continuous improvement.
Key Relationships
Forming strong internal relationships and growing and nurturing external partnerships is key to success in this role.
Working Arrangements
- This role is open to remote and local candidates, with the expectation of working from the Belly Button Designs office in South Manchester for a minimum of 4-5 days per month (travel expenses covered as per company policy).
- Twice-weekly virtual ‘water cooler’ calls with the sales team when working remotely.
- Occasional travel to visit key accounts or attend industry events as required.
Application Process
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation for the role. Please include “Sales & Partnership Lead Application” in the subject line.
- Application Deadline: 12/06/2026
- Interview Dates: Week commencing 22/06/2026
- Contact: For further information, contact Rachel, Creative Director.
Belly Button Designs is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our passion for creativity and growth.
Reward Package
At Belly Button Designs, we believe in recognising and rewarding the talent that helps us grow. For the role of Sales and Partnership Lead, we are offering a competitive salary band of £38,500 to £45,000 per annum, reflective of your skills and experience. Alongside this, you'll enjoy 25 days of annual leave—giving you plenty of time to recharge, find inspiration, and enjoy life's moments outside of work. Join our team and be part of a creative, collaborative journey where your contributions truly matter.
Sales & Partnership Lead in Manchester employer: Belly Button Designs
Belly Button Designs is an exceptional employer that champions creativity and collaboration, offering a vibrant work culture where your contributions are valued. With a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth, this role as Sales & Partnership Lead allows you to thrive in a supportive environment while making a significant impact on the business. Located in South Manchester, you'll enjoy a flexible working arrangement that includes remote options and regular team engagement, ensuring a balanced and fulfilling work experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales & Partnership Lead in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might help you land that dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Belly Button Designs thoroughly—know their products, values, and recent news. This will not only impress them but also help you tailor your answers to show how you can drive sales growth and strengthen partnerships.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss your experience in managing teams and implementing sales processes. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've motivated teams and driven results in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to keep yourself top of mind and show your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales & Partnership Lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Sales & Partnership Lead role. Highlight your experience in sales leadership and team management, especially in the creative or giftware sectors. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your motivation for applying and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Be sure to mention any relevant experiences that showcase your strategic thinking and relationship-building skills.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive sales growth and manage teams effectively. Use data and examples to illustrate your impact—numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t forget to include 'Sales & Partnership Lead Application' in the subject line!
How to prepare for a job interview at Belly Button Designs
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Belly Button Designs' products and their market position. Familiarise yourself with their creative greetings and giftware offerings, and think about how your experience aligns with their sales goals. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing and developing sales teams. Prepare specific examples of how you've motivated teams, implemented sales processes, and driven growth. Highlight your hands-on approach and strategic thinking to demonstrate you can lead effectively.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves nurturing key accounts, come prepared with ideas on how to strengthen relationships with London house accounts. Think about your past experiences in account management and be ready to share strategies that have worked for you in the past.
✨Data-Driven Insights
Belly Button Designs values analytical skills, so be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive sales performance. Bring examples of reports you've created or insights you've provided that led to actionable changes. This will showcase your ability to contribute to their strategic planning.
