At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead key accounts and drive strategic partnerships in the UK&I market.
- Company: Join CooperVision, a global leader in contact lens manufacturing.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 25 days holiday, healthcare, and wellness support.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in sales with strong leadership and negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Department: UK&I Sales
Location: The Vision Centre, Nursling, Southampton
Working hours: 37.5 hrs weekly, with 3 days a week in office
A brighter future awaits you. CooperVision is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of soft contact lenses with a presence in over 100 countries. Being part of CooperVision means helping improve the way people see each day. It’s more than making contact lenses, it’s about giving lens wearers freedom and confidence to move about their daily lives.
Job summary – What to expect:
The Head of Key Accounts UKI is responsible for leading CooperVision’s UK & Ireland National, Key Accounts and Independents business, managing a team of 6 people. The role reports to the Senior Regional Director (GM/Country Manager) and will be an active member of the UK&I Leadership Team. The UK&I business forms part of the EMEA Region.
The Head of Key Accounts UKI is responsible for a portfolio of major national retail and healthcare accounts, including several of the organisation's largest strategic customers – this includes approx. six key accounts representing significant revenue contribution and growth opportunities. The role also has ownership of relationships across a broad network of independent customers, including a top-tier portfolio of over 100 accounts, as well as leadership of distributor partnerships.
Through a driven and well developed approach to leadership the job holder will lead the Strategic Customer team, and will design and implement an annual strategy for the team in line with UK&I plan to deliver sales through excellent customer partnerships. The role will manage the day to day activities of the team to deliver financial performance and operational excellence - collaborating with peers and UK&I team members (matrixed and UK&I) to ensure all are working effectively in the same direction.
Essential Functions & Accountabilities
- Deliver Category Growth
- Create dynamic collaborative partnerships with customers
- Lead the building and execution of best-in-class joint business plans with our customers
- Drive Myopia management growth
- Forecasting, budgeting, financial reviews, KPI setting & measurement
- Achieving revenue and profit targets
- Controlling costs/expense targets (Training, T&E etc)
- Cross company collaboration with: UK&I Finance; UK&I Marketing; Global Key Accounts EMEA Sales Operations; UK&I Field Sales; UK&I Professional Services; UK&I Customer Services; Supply Chain and Distribution teams to deliver implementation of strategies and initiatives.
- Providing strong leadership for the team responsible for National and Key Account Management, creating a collaborative team environment and driving an entrepreneurial, challenger mindset.
- Ensuring that all aspects of dealings with National and Key Account customers are conducted in line with EMEA channel strategy, pricing, legal, financial, and operational guidelines.
- Responsible for ensuring ROI measured and achieved on customer facing activities.
Travel: The role is based out of the Vision Centre in Nursling, Southampton. Approximately 30% UK travel, to customer meetings, team meetings, National Sales Meetings, and time spent in the field alongside sales colleagues. Occasional international travel for conferences, training, and business meetings. Some limited weekend travel may be required in execution of the role.
About you:
We are looking for someone with:
Required
- The ability to provide strong leadership, and motivate successful teams
- Strong people management capability, and the ability to create high performance culture
- Strong organizational skills to deliver on execution.
- Ability to build excellent customer relationships
- Delivering true partnership-oriented business relationships
- Candid and collaborative with strong influencing skills
- Capable of agreeing and delivering mutually beneficial commercial agreements.
- Strong demonstrable negotiation skills
- Proven ability to achieve challenging year-on-year market growth and profitability targets.
- An understanding of the challenges posed by selling in a heavily regulated, medical device retail environment.
- An articulate communicator, with strong communication skills.
- Strong numeracy skills preferred.
Experience
- Significant (ideally 10+ years') progressive experience in sales, with a strong track record of delivering revenue growth and strategic customer partnerships.
- Significant National Account Management experience, managing high profile, complex accounts that required specialised attention and/or expertise.
- Proven experience leading and developing National or Key Account Management teams, driving performance, capability building, and customer-centric sales excellence.
- Strong understanding of category management, category insights, and/or shopper marketing principles, with the ability to leverage data and market trends to influence customer strategy and business growth.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute customer strategies, negotiate at a senior level, and secure mutually beneficial commercial outcomes.
- Experience working cross-functionally with Marketing, Finance, Commercial Operations, and Supply Chain teams to deliver business objectives and enhance customer value.
What we offer:
You’ll receive competitive compensation and a fantastic benefits package including 25 days holiday, pension scheme, healthcare cover, life assurance, access to our Wellness Platform to support you in mental health and wellbeing, a discounted contact lens scheme and much more!
We are committed to our employees’ personal and professional development and offer extensive training to support your career growth and help every individual to reach their full potential. To help us achieve our goals, we’ll give you everything you need to help you achieve yours. We also provide access to LinkedIn Learning to help you develop in your career and grow with CooperVision.
What you can expect:
As a CooperVision employee, you’ll be welcomed into a diverse and progressive global business. We appreciate how important fostering an inclusive culture is and how different perspectives add value and contribute to our success.
If you like what you see, take the first step towards your Brighter Future and apply today! All suitably qualified applicants will receive equal consideration and opportunities from CooperVision.
Please view our careers page at https://hcjy.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1 to view all other opportunities.
Head of Key Accounts UK&I in Southampton employer: CooperCompanies
CooperVision is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its employees, offering a competitive benefits package including healthcare cover, a pension scheme, and access to wellness resources. Located in Mountpark, our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and personal development, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to thrive in their career while contributing to a brighter future for lens wearers worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Key Accounts UK&I in Southampton
✨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 Head of Key Accounts UK&I at CooperCompanies, 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 CooperCompanies. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Head of Key Accounts UK&I. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Key Accounts UK&I in Southampton
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 CooperCompanies:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for CooperCompanies. 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 CooperCompanies
✨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 CooperCompanies 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 CooperCompanies 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 CooperCompanies’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.
