Sales Director – Draper Tools

Sales Director – Draper Tools

Southampton Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Builders'  Merchants News

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and inspire sales teams while shaping the commercial strategy for Draper Tools.
  • Company: Join a 4th-generation family-owned brand with a rich heritage in quality tools.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of a respected brand and drive growth in an exciting market.
  • Qualifications: Proven sales leadership experience in tools or related sectors is essential.
  • Other info: Regular travel across the UK and Ireland, with a collaborative team culture.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Draper Tools is a 4th-generation, family-owned supplier of quality trade, professional and DIY tools. Established in 1919, the business continues to thrive with over 300 staff, a modern 255,000 sq. ft distribution centre, and more than 11,000 products, both own brand and select leading brands.

The Sales Director will play a pivotal role in the next phase of growth, leading Draper’s commercial strategy across the UK & Ireland. Reporting to MD Matt Sheen, you will:

  • Shape and deliver the UK & Ireland sales strategy
  • Lead, coach and inspire national sales and key account teams
  • Build strong partnerships with key distributors, merchants and retailers
  • Drive growth across established accounts while unlocking new routes to market
  • Bring insight and rigour to forecasting, margin, and performance management
  • Introduce new ways of working and new technology to support the sales strategy whilst leading and developing the teams

We’re seeking a proven sales leader with experience in tools, hardware, building products, or related sectors. You’ll be commercially astute, data-driven, customer-focused, and able to combine strategic thinking with hands-on leadership, working with senior colleagues and their teams to align sales and product launches.

Ideally, you’ll have worked in companies with large product ranges across numerous categories and multiple routes to market. Hence, you’ll have the experience and intellectual capacity to cope with the complexity while minimising channel conflict.

Candidates should live in the South of the country to allow easy access to the Draper HQ and Distribution Centre in Southampton for meetings and collaboration. Naturally, the role will require regular national travel throughout the UK and Ireland (approximately once a quarter).

This is a rare chance to join a respected heritage brand that has retained its family culture – a can-do attitude, passion, and energy – while investing ambitiously for the future.

Sales Director – Draper Tools employer: Builders' Merchants News

Draper Tools is an exceptional employer, offering a unique blend of a family-owned heritage and a forward-thinking approach to business. With a strong emphasis on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and the opportunity to lead significant growth initiatives in a well-established company, employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Southampton, the company provides easy access to its modern distribution centre, fostering teamwork and innovation while maintaining a supportive environment that values passion and energy.
Builders'  Merchants News

Contact Detail:

Builders' Merchants News Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Sales Director – Draper Tools

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tools and hardware industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research Draper Tools inside out – their products, values, and recent news. We want you to show that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely excited about being part of their family culture and driving their sales strategy.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! When discussing your experience, highlight how you’ve inspired teams and driven growth in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can lead with passion and energy, so let that shine through in your conversations.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make this happen together!

We think you need these skills to ace Sales Director – Draper Tools

Sales Strategy Development
Team Leadership
Coaching and Mentoring
Partnership Building
Account Management
Forecasting
Performance Management
Data-Driven Decision Making
Customer Focus
Strategic Thinking
Product Launch Alignment
Complex Problem Solving
Channel Conflict Management
Adaptability to New Technologies

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Sales Director role at Draper Tools. Highlight your experience in leading sales teams and driving growth, especially in the tools or hardware sectors. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for the industry and your strategic vision for sales. Let us know why you’re excited about joining Draper Tools and how you can contribute to our growth.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; highlight your achievements! Use data and examples to demonstrate how you've driven sales growth and built strong partnerships in previous roles. We love seeing results!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application directly and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Builders' Merchants News

Know Your Tools

Familiarise yourself with Draper Tools' product range and their unique selling points. Being able to discuss specific tools and how they meet customer needs will show your passion for the industry and your understanding of the market.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led sales teams in the past. Highlight your coaching methods and how you've inspired your team to achieve targets, as this role requires strong leadership skills.

Understand the Market Landscape

Research the current trends in the tools and hardware sector, especially in the UK and Ireland. Be ready to discuss how you would approach growth strategies and partnerships with distributors and retailers.

Bring Data to the Table

Since the role is data-driven, come prepared with insights from your previous roles. Discuss how you've used data for forecasting and performance management, and be ready to suggest new technologies that could enhance sales strategies.

Sales Director – Draper Tools
Builders' Merchants News
Location: Southampton
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