At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales, drive growth, and build relationships in the water treatment industry.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at North East Water Softeners in Hartlepool.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, discounts, wellbeing programs, and social events.
- Other info: Access ongoing learning and enjoy a relaxed dress code.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Sales & Business Development Manager to lead front‑end sales activity and drive the growth strategy for North East Water Softeners in Hartlepool. The ideal candidate will bring proven experience within the water treatment industry, alongside a strong track record in direct in‑home selling and trade and commercial relationship building. This position serves as the senior on‑site commercial lead, responsible for driving revenue, expanding market presence and ensuring a seamless customer journey from initial enquiry through to installation. The role blends in‑home sales, business development, commercial partnerships and team leadership within a small, fast‑paced operation.
Role Responsibilities
- Lead front‑end sales — conduct in‑home demonstrations, manage the full sales cycle, deliver revenue and conversion targets.
- Maximise lead performance — convert PPC, internal and self‑generated leads while ensuring smooth handovers to installation and service teams.
- Drive business development — grow domestic, commercial and trade sectors; build strong relationships with plumbers, builders, merchants, and developers.
- Represent the business regionally — attend networking events, expand market presence and identify underperforming areas for targeted growth.
- Provide on‑site leadership — oversee local operations, and drive performance, development and workflow efficiency.
- Activate local marketing — execute PPC follow‑up, mail and leaflet drops, social activity and networking to drive high‑quality lead generation.
- Maintain reporting and compliance — deliver accurate forecasts, liaise with Head Office, and uphold H&S, GDPR, financial processes, and customer satisfaction standards.
Requirements
- Proven track record in direct selling.
- Strong background in in‑home sales and closing deals face‑to‑face.
- Ability to self‑generate leads and build long‑term commercial relationships.
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
- Experience working in a small, hands‑on operation.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable Experience
- Plumbing or trade network within the North East.
- Knowledge of water softeners, filtration, or water treatment (not essential).
- Experience working with developers, merchants or commercial buyers.
Benefits
- 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays.
- Perks at Work retail/leisure/travel discounts and more.
- Cycle to work program.
- Wellbeing programs – Your wellbeing is important to us.
- Free eye test plus contribution towards prescription glasses.
- Enhanced maternity & paternity leave.
- Free fruits daily and free coffee on Fridays.
- Social events: Summer Family BBQ and Annual Awards + activities and fundraisers throughout the year.
- Paid volunteering day.
- Relaxed Dress Code.
- Access to ongoing learning and development through our online learning platforms.
Sales & Business Development Manager employer: Culligan Harvey
North East Water Softeners is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Hartlepool where innovation and teamwork thrive. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we provide generous benefits such as 25 days of holiday, enhanced parental leave, and opportunities for professional growth through ongoing learning. Our culture fosters collaboration and community engagement, making it a rewarding place for those passionate about driving sales and building lasting relationships in the water treatment industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales & Business Development Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get out there and network! Attend local events related to the water treatment industry or sales. It's a great way to meet potential clients and partners, plus it shows you're serious about your role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your in-home sales pitch. Role-play with friends or family to refine your approach. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll connect with customers when it counts.
✨Tip Number 3
Leverage social media to showcase your expertise. Share tips on water treatment or success stories from your sales experience. This not only builds your personal brand but also attracts leads.
✨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 that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales & Business Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Sales & Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in direct selling and any relevant achievements in the water treatment industry. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your success in in-home sales and relationship building, and let us know why you're excited about joining StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your commercial acumen and negotiation skills in your application. We’re looking for someone who can drive revenue and expand our market presence, so make sure we see that in your written application!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Culligan Harvey
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of water treatment and softeners. Familiarise yourself with the products and services offered by the company, as well as any recent developments in the industry. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Sales Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your direct selling experience. Think about times when you successfully closed deals or built strong relationships with clients. Be ready to explain your sales process and how you handle objections, as this will demonstrate your expertise in in-home sales.
✨Build a Connection
During the interview, focus on building rapport with your interviewers. Ask them about their experiences in the company and share your own relevant stories. This not only makes you more memorable but also shows that you value relationship-building, which is crucial for this role.
✨Be Ready to Lead
Since this role involves team leadership, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how you've motivated teams in the past. Think of examples where you've driven performance or improved workflow efficiency, as this will highlight your capability to oversee local operations effectively.
