Head of Sales in Bristol

The Opportunity: Arthur David Ltd, an award-winning, values-driven and expanding food service business, is seeking an exceptional Head of Sales to shape and deliver the company’s sales strategy at a pivotal time in its growth. Working closely with the Board of Directors and senior leadership team, the Head of Sales will take full ownership of the sales function, leading the sales team and driving sustainable and profitable growth.

The food industry has experienced many challenges over the last few years, but Arthur David has held fast to delivering quality, value and exceptional service. As their competitors are increasing their prices, they have a great opportunity for further growth. We are looking for a commercially minded and motivational Head of Sales, with a proven track record of success, gained managing a regional or national field sales team. Experience in the food service industry is not essential, but you are likely to have worked within an FMCG environment (or similar), probably for an expanding SME.

The successful Head of Sales will enjoy a highly rewarding career where you are valued and empowered to make a significant impact on a forward-thinking company. This role offers genuine influence and a clear progression path to Sales Director.

£75-100,000 + bonus + benefits including company vehicle, 25 days holiday + 8 days (bank) holiday, company pension, hybrid/flexible working, health care, free parking, discounted produce, Christmas food box etc.

The Head of Sales will be based in Hallatrow (BS39), 12 miles south of Bristol and Bath. While we are happy to facilitate hybrid/flexible working, we would like the successful candidate to live within an easy commuting distance, so that they can be hands-on and responsive to business needs.

Arthur David Ltd is an award-winning and highly successful business with strong family values, that supplies fresh produce and fine foods to the catering industry across the Southwest of England. Adhering to core values of Customer Service, Quality, Teamwork, Excellence and Respect, they put customer service excellence at the heart of everything they do and provide a trusting and supportive work environment. Operating over three sites in Bristol and Somerset, they employ nearly 500 people and over the last 15 years their turnover has increased from £11 million to nearly £60 million.

• Lead the sales function to deliver sustainable, profitable growth while protecting margins.
• Work with the Head of Finance to set sales and profit budgets, providing accurate forecasting to support purchasing, operations and financial planning.
• Review and enhance sales processes to maximise opportunities and revenue streams.
• Inspire, develop and performance-manage the sales team, setting clear targets, KPIs and expectations, conducting regular 1-2-1s, supporting them and holding them accountable for delivery.
• Fully utilise sales, margin, and operational data to support decision-making and drive continuous improvement.
• Set, monitor and ensure the delivery of sales and profit targets by region, route, and salesperson.
• Manage the sales pipeline, reporting regularly on opportunities and conversions, manage key account customer relationships, support profitable account growth and monitor customer concentration risks.
• Oversee pricing and customer spend, monitoring rebates, understanding cost to serve (operational and transport costs/efficiencies) and adjusting pricing accordingly.
• Develop new business that fits operational capability and efficiencies and route density and delivery network efficiency.
• Present sales performance and strategic recommendations to the Board at monthly management meetings.

• Proven success as a Sales Manager / Head of Sales, leading regional or national field sales team.
• FMCG or similar sales experience, ideally gained within a growing SME.
• A collaborative team player and motivational leader.
• Commercially astute, forward-thinking and data driven.
• A confident communicator, influential at all levels.
• A proactive, creative self-starter with a hands-on, solutions-focused approach.

Dawn O’Shea is recruiting the Head of Sales directly on behalf of Arthur David Ltd so NO AGENCIES PLEASE. If you are successful in being short-listed, you will be contacted by telephone in the first instance to discuss the role and your requirements in more detail.