Commercial Sales Manager

Commercial Sales Manager

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Compass Group PLC

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations to drive commercial growth.
  • Company: Join Foodbuy, a top food procurement organisation in the UK & Ireland.
  • Benefits: Hybrid work model, excellent career development, and exposure to leading suppliers.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities to influence significant hospitality client portfolios.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on commercial strategies and client relationships in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in commercial sales, strong negotiation skills, and a customer-focused mindset.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

Responsibilities

  • Lead strategic sourcing, tendering, supplier negotiations and contract implementation activities.
  • Develop and execute commercial strategies that deliver value for clients and Foodbuy.
  • Build trusted relationships with clients through insight‑led reviews and value‑focused recommendations.
  • Drive supplier engagement and activate commercial programmes that maximise income and performance.
  • Partner with Sales & Retention teams to support client growth and new business opportunities.
  • Collaborate with Marketing, Finance, Product, Culinary and Operations teams to deliver integrated commercial solutions.
  • Utilise data and market insights to identify trends, opportunities and risks across categories and client portfolios.
  • Track and report on commercial performance against targets.

Qualifications

  • Proven experience within commercial sales, procurement, category management or strategic sourcing.
  • Strong negotiation and supplier management experience.
  • A track record of delivering against commercial, revenue and profitability targets.
  • Advanced analytical skills with the ability to turn data into meaningful business insights.
  • Experience across Food, Retail and/or SES categories, including wholesalers and distributors.
  • Excellent stakeholder management and influencing capabilities.
  • A customer‑focused mindset with the ability to build long‑term partnerships.
  • A proactive, commercially driven and resilient approach.
  • Location
  • One day per week at Regency Head Office, Weston‑super‑Mare.
  • One day per week at Foodbuy HQ, Chertsey/London.
  • Regular UK travel to engage with clients, suppliers and key stakeholders.
  • About Foodbuy

Foodbuy is a leading food procurement organisation, providing procurement and supply chain solutions to a wide range of sectors across the UK & Ireland.

Through our scale, expertise and strong supplier partnerships, we help clients achieve sustainable value while delivering innovative procurement solutions.

The opportunity to influence commercial strategy across a significant hospitality client portfolio.

Exposure to leading suppliers and manufacturers across the foodservice industry.

A collaborative and ambitious working environment.

The chance to be part of a business managing over £1bn in annual spend.

Excellent career development opportunities within Foodbuy and Compass Group.

Foodbuy Group | Chertsey / London & Weston-super-Mare | Hybrid Drive Commercial Growth Across One of the UK's Leading Food Procurement Businesses.

At Foodbuy, we bring together the widest range of foodservice and hospitality purchasing solutions in the UK & Ireland.

Leveraging the scale and expertise of Compass Group, we help clients unlock value, improve efficiency, and drive commercial success through smarter procurement.

We're looking for a commercially astute and relationship‑focused Commercial Sales Manager to join our Hospitality team, supporting the Regency client portfolio.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine procurement expertise, commercial sales capability and strategic client engagement to deliver measurable value across Food, Retail and SES categories.

With over £1bn of managed spend across Foodbuy UK & Ireland, you'll play a key role in shaping supplier partnerships, driving commercial initiatives and creating sustainable growth for both our clients and our business.

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Commercial Sales Manager employer: Compass Group PLC

Compass Group PLC is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Leeds where you can lead a passionate team and make a real impact on customer experiences. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a pension scheme, and a culture that values high service standards, this role provides a unique opportunity to grow your career in the food service industry while driving profitability and creating memorable moments for guests.

Compass Group PLC

Contact Details:

Compass Group PLC Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Commercial Sales Manager

Leverage Your Network

In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!

Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results

When targeting a full-time role like Commercial Sales Manager at Compass Group PLC, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!

Engage with Sales Communities

Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.

Direct Applications Matter

While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Compass Group PLC. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Commercial Sales Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!

We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Sales Manager

Strategic Sourcing
Tendering
Supplier Negotiations
Contract Implementation
Commercial Strategy Development
Client Relationship Management
Data Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!

Tailor Your Message for Compass Group PLC:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Compass Group PLC. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!

Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!

Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!

How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group PLC

Know Your Sales Methodologies

Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Compass Group PLC that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.

Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills

Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Compass Group PLC that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.

Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios

In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!

Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision

Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Compass Group PLC’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.