National Sales Representative

Position: National Sales Representative

Location: UK Field-based

The company:

Launched in 2007, Blackstar is globally recognised and respected as an innovator and leader in guitar amplification design. We are a company of musicians who are truly passionate about what we do and understand the importance of great tone.

Blackstar is based in Northampton, with over 80 years’ combined experience in guitar amplification design and production. Our team pioneers change in the industry and has a strong commitment to driving transformational innovation within all of our products. Blackstar, and Carry-on by Blackstar products are the best in the world for design, technology and performance – we create the ultimate tools for self-expression.

Blackstar is a unique environment; it is professional and process-orientated, yet at the same time very dynamic and a fun place to work. Our company values promote equality, diversity and inclusion.

Our team are experts in their field, passionate about music and driven to be the most professional company in the industry. We have a growth mentality; the business is very dynamic and we are constantly striving to grow the business with a true entrepreneurial spirit.

If you approach your work with pride, want to be the best and help to grow our global brand to its full potential in the UK, we would love to hear from you.

The Role:

We are recruiting an experienced and commercially minded National Sales Representative to work alongside the UK/EU Sales Manager to deliver Blackstar’s ambitious sales goals in the UK and Ireland.

This is a vital role within the organisation. The UK dealers are the lifeblood of our domestic business. Their passion, enthusiasm and engagement with our brand is a driving factor of our success both in the UK, and globally. The UK MI market is revered around the world. Our dealers are world class and hold significant market influence. It is imperative that we continue to have outstanding relationships with all our retail partners, irrespective of scale, and continue to drive our mutual growth ambitions.

As ourNational Sales Representative, you will be responsible for achieving budgeted sales targets for UK MI accounts inc. Ireland. You will maintain and develop current dealer relationships whilst identifying, developing, and securing new business opportunities across the UK. Your goal is to increase our market share, build lasting relationships, and further strengthen the Blackstar and Carry-on brands in our home market.

The key duties and responsibilities will be:

Sales

· Prepare and execute a weekly sales call plan, regularly visiting all UK Blackstar and Carry-on dealers as advised by UK/EU Sales Manager.

· Deliver regular, steady and forecastable levels of business from all UK accounts in line with company sales budgets.

· Monitor and maintain the UK dealer stocking and display criteria in-store and online – ensuring UK dealers are delivering the highest possible experience to our ever-growing end-user base.

· Provide regular reports on account development, sales forecasts, and market insights to senior management via the company CRM.

Strategy and Results

· Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to create tailored campaigns and initiatives that support business growth.

· Monitor industry trends, competitor activity, and market opportunities to inform strategic decisions – feeding back regularly to the UK/EU Sales Manager and Director of Sales.

· Own the monthly sales update email to our UK dealers – preparing them for new product releases, seasonal promotions and wider brand marketing activities.

Business Development

· Develop and implement a comprehensive national business development plan aligned with company growth goals.

· Identify and target new retail partners and key industry stakeholders to expand Blackstar’s market reach.

· Seek out new channel opportunities for the Blackstar and Carry-on ranges.

Relationship and Brand Management

· Build and nurture long-term relationships with existing and potential partners to foster loyalty and mutual growth.

· Represent Blackstar and Carry-on at industry events, trade shows, and meetings to promote the brand and generate new leads.

· Communicate, with authority, the benefits of the Blackstar products and evangelise the values of the Brand.

The ideally sought candidate will possess the following:

· Qualified to degree level in an appropriate subject (Business, Music, Management etc) or equivalent professional experience.

· Musical Instrument Industry sales experience.

· Experience working in a proactive, target driven, B2B sales environment.

· A professional-level knowledge of guitar amps and guitars with a deep interest and understanding of the guitar technology market.

· Excellent demonstrable commercial acumen.

· Track record of giving excellent customer service.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare and present data.

· Understanding of commercial metrics such as Gross Margin, Profitability etc.

· Professional, organised, methodical and able to work under pressure.

· A strong desire to continue developing their commercial skills to the highest level.

· Excellent numerical skills.

· Excellent grasp of the English language.

· Good knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

· High level of attention to detail.

· A pre-existing professional network within the UK MI Industry.

· Experience trading on E-Commerce/Third party platforms.

· Play guitar or another musical instrument..

Package and info:

Salary + Commission + Bonus scheme

Workplace pension

25 days annual leave (+1 day annually after 2nd work anniversary, up to maximum 30 days)

Company Car

This is a field-based role, and hours will vary depending on business needs, customer appointments, and travel. While our head office operates between 8:00am and 5:00pm, you will be expected to manage your own schedule to meet targets and deliver excellent customer service.

As a business we appreciate that people have different needs (e.g. caring responsibilities). At Blackstar we always try to support our staff flexibly where practical and possible, working together to ensure the needs of the business are met.

Blackstar Amplification welcomes applications from all, irrespective of disability, gender, gender expression and identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, age, race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality (subject to UKBA permission), trade union membership and activity, political or religious beliefs, socio-economic background and any other distinction.

If you wish to apply, then please return a completed Blackstar application form, found on the Careers page of our website, along with your CV and a brief video to introduce yourself in 60 seconds or less.