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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a sales team to drive growth in trade and independent retail channels.
- Company: Join a market-leading business with a fantastic reputation in stationery and gifts.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous bonuses, car allowance, and great benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the future of a successful retail channel.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior sales management within FMCG sectors.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 79200 - 110000 £ per year.
Location: Midlands/Home Counties - Hybrid
Salary: up to £110,000 basic + generous bonus + car allowance + benefits
Sector: Stationery, Arts/Crafts, Greetings, Seasonal, Gift and Toys
Job type: Permanent
Job reference: RG/98760
Are you a strategic leader with a proven track record in trade and independent retail channel sales? We are seeking an experienced General Manager Trade & Independents to drive growth, develop high-performing teams, and expand market presence across the independent retail and wholesale channel within this highly successful business.
The company: Cavendish Maine are pleased to be working on an exclusive and retained basis with this true market leading business - our client has excellent market presence and reputation, supplying both the independent retail and wholesale channel as well as major high street, grocery, convenience and online retailers. With a fantastic and extensive portfolio of creatively designed stationery, arts/crafts, greetings, seasonal, gift and toy related products, they are widely recognised and respected as a key player within their industry and have an incredible track record of success.
The role: As Head of the Trade & Independents channel, you will take ownership of the divisions strategic direction and operational management. You will lead and inspire a talented sales team, nurture strong client relationships, and identify opportunities to grow existing business while exploiting new business opportunities. This is a key leadership position requiring both strategic vision and hands-on execution.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Field Sales Team, Account Managers, and supporting staff.
- Develop and implement strategic direction, aligning division objectives with company goals.
- Drive revenue growth and profitability across all trade and independent accounts through continuous improvement across the team.
- Identify and secure new business opportunities nationally and internationally.
- Review & expand the current customer base to deliver growth in new markets, UK and export channels.
- Build and maintain executive-level relationships with key clients, acting as a trusted advisor.
- Oversee recruitment, training, succession planning, and team performance.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities to inform strategy.
- Develop and report on divisional KPIs, financial forecasts, and performance metrics.
- Represent the company at trade shows, exhibitions, and networking events to enhance brand presence.
The person:
The successful candidate will have proven senior sales/general management experience within FMCG product sectors such as stationery, arts/crafts, greetings, seasonal, gift or toy related products with an in-depth understanding of the independent retail and wholesale channel ranging from customers such as garden centres, stationery, gift, home and toy retailers and wholesalers.
Key Skills & Competencies:
- Proven experience leading and developing sales teams within trade or independent channels.
- Strong commercial acumen with a history of driving measurable revenue growth.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to turn market insights into actionable plans.
- Excellent relationship management and negotiation skills.
- Exceptional leadership, coaching, and mentoring capabilities.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail in reporting and planning.
Contact: Consultant: Rina Gokani Tel: 01275 813027
Candidate care: By responding to this advert you consent to Cavendish Maine processing the personal data included within this application. If your application is successful we will contact you to discuss the opportunity in more detail, within 48 hours of receiving your application. Should you not hear from us within 3 working days please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Please be advised that if unsuccessful for this role we may keep your details in our hold file, during which time you may be contacted for other suitable vacancies. If you do not want us to do this please call us to advise. In the meantime, we would like to thank you for your interest in Cavendish Maine.
General Manager Trade & Independent Retail Channel employer: Cavendish Maine
Contact Detail:
Cavendish Maine Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager Trade & Independent Retail Channel
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend trade shows, exhibitions, and local events to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Be ready for the spotlight! Prepare for interviews by practising your pitch. Highlight your leadership experience and how you've driven growth in previous roles—make it clear why you're the perfect fit for the General Manager position.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your strategic thinking! When you get the chance, share insights on market trends and how you can leverage them to benefit the company. This will demonstrate your commercial acumen and vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly, ensuring it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you'll be one step closer to landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager Trade & Independent Retail Channel
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of General Manager Trade & Independents. Highlight your experience in leading sales teams and driving revenue growth, as these are key aspects of the job.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams and expanded market presence in the past.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, demonstrate your strategic vision. We want to see how you can turn market insights into actionable plans that align with our company goals.
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 it gets the attention it deserves.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cavendish Maine
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the stationery, arts/crafts, and toy sectors. Understand current trends, key players, and market challenges. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and show that you're ready to drive growth in the independent retail channel.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of how you've led and developed high-performing teams in previous roles. Highlight your mentoring style and any successful strategies you've implemented to boost team performance. This will resonate well with the company's focus on leadership and team development.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you've built and maintained executive-level relationships in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to client management and how you've acted as a trusted advisor. This is crucial for the role, so having concrete examples will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to turn market insights into actionable plans. Prepare to discuss how you've identified new business opportunities and driven revenue growth. Use metrics and KPIs from your past experiences to back up your claims and show your analytical skills.
