UK & Ireland Sales Agent in England

Cloud 9 is a leadership and executive search consultancy specialising in Packaging, Renewables, FMCG, and Manufacturing in the UK and Europe. Since 2007, the firm has supported clients with tailored senior-level appointments that address specific hiring challenges. Cloud 9 offers executive search services complemented by in-house skills and psychometric assessments to ensure both cultural fit and technical capability. The company is known for high placement retention, strong industry relationships, and a reputation for discretion and reliability.

Cloud 9 are working on a fully exclusive, retained basis with a well-established European paper-based packaging manufacturer seeking to appoint a commercially driven individual to manage and develop their business throughout the UK and Ireland. Acting as the primary point of contact for a portfolio of well-established clients currently generating approximately £7.8 million in annual sales, you will take ownership of an established customer base whilst identifying and developing new business opportunities. This is a unique opportunity to operate with a high degree of autonomy, representing a respected international manufacturer within the UK market.

The business supplies paper-based packaging solutions to a diverse customer base, including sheet plants, converters and packaging manufacturers throughout the UK and Ireland.

The Role

Reporting directly to the senior leadership team in France, you will be responsible for managing all commercial activities across the UK and Ireland. You will inherit an established customer portfolio and maintain strong relationships through regular communication, commercial support and periodic customer visits.

• Managing an established portfolio of approximately 50 customers across the UK and Ireland.
• Advising customers on product solutions and commercial opportunities throughout the UK and Ireland.
• Preparing commercial quotations and pricing proposals using the company's pricing and margin calculation tools.
• Identifying and securing new business opportunities within both existing and emerging market sectors.
• Maintaining regular communication with customers, ensuring a high level of service and responsiveness.
• Acting as the key liaison between customers and the manufacturing operation in France.
• Managing commercial negotiations and supporting customers throughout the quotation and order process.
• Resolving quality concerns and customer service issues where required.
• Supporting credit control activities and ensuring customer accounts remain within agreed payment terms.
• Monitoring market activity, competitor movements and identifying new opportunities for growth.
• Conducting customer visits throughout the UK and Ireland to strengthen relationships and identify additional business opportunities.

The Person

We are keen to speak with commercially focused individuals who possess experience within paper, packaging, corrugated, cartonboard or related manufacturing sectors. You will be highly self-motivated and comfortable working independently whilst managing a large geographical territory. The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Proven sales, account management and business development experience within the corrugated sheet feeding and/or conversion sectors.
• The ability to speak French would be highly advantageous.
• Strong commercial awareness and confidence discussing pricing, margins and profitability.
• The ability to build long-term customer relationships at all levels and enjoy conducting face-to-face customer meetings.
• A self-starting and entrepreneurial approach.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• A proactive approach to managing existing accounts whilst generating new business opportunities.
• Strong communication and problem-solving abilities.
• The ability to work autonomously and manage multiple customer priorities simultaneously.
• A willingness to travel throughout the UK and Ireland as required.

What's Different About This Opportunity?

This is not a traditional employed sales role. The successful individual will operate as an independent representative, enjoying significant autonomy and flexibility whilst representing an established European manufacturer with an existing customer base and proven market presence. For the right individual, this represents an opportunity to build a highly rewarding long-term business relationship whilst taking ownership of an established and respected territory on a self-employed basis.

Remuneration

The position operates on a commission-based structure with significant earning potential. Current earnings are understood to be in the region of £150,000 - £180,000 per annum, although actual earnings will be dependent upon individual performance and business levels. Full details of the commission arrangement, customer portfolio and financial opportunity will be discussed in confidence with shortlisted candidates.

Cloud 9 are the Retained Executive Search Partner for this opportunity. To apply please send your CV with current salary details quoting ref: RA11241. Applicants must hold a working visa for the UK.