Head of Sales in Derby

Our client, a leading multinational dairy manufacturer, is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Sales to drive commercial success and expand market share in the UK. Based in Derby, this key leadership role requires an exceptional sales professional with a proven track record in managing and growing large accounts, developing sales teams, and driving revenue in a competitive FMCG environment. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of the dairy or food manufacturing sectors, along with the ability to implement effective sales strategies that align with the company's global objectives.

You will lead a team of sales professionals, ensuring that targets are met and exceeded while fostering relationships with key customers and stakeholders across the region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Sales Strategy & Planning: Develop and execute a comprehensive sales strategy for the UK market, focusing on growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction. Align the sales strategy with global business objectives and ensure effective communication and implementation across the sales team. Conduct market analysis to identify opportunities for growth and expansion in both existing and new markets.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, mentor, and develop the UK sales team, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring alignment with the company's values and goals. Set clear performance targets and KPIs, providing regular feedback and support to ensure the team consistently meets or exceeds goals. Implement training and development initiatives to improve sales capabilities and leadership within the team.
• Key Account Management: Oversee relationships with key national and international retail and foodservice clients, ensuring exceptional customer service and satisfaction. Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with major accounts, negotiating terms, contracts, and promotions to drive revenue and growth. Identify and target new business opportunities to increase market share within the dairy sector.
• Revenue & Profitability Management: Take full accountability for achieving and exceeding sales revenue and profitability targets. Monitor sales performance, margins, and pricing strategies to optimize profitability. Ensure accurate forecasting and budgeting, providing senior management with regular performance reports and market insights.
• Market & Competitor Analysis: Conduct regular market research and competitor analysis to stay informed of industry trends, customer behaviour, and competitive activities. Adjust sales tactics and strategies to maintain the company's competitive edge in the dairy market.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, supply chain, R&D, and finance teams to ensure a collaborative approach to meeting customer needs and achieving business goals. Provide input to product development teams based on market and customer feedback to support innovation and product differentiation.
• Commercial Negotiations: Lead negotiations with key accounts, ensuring favourable commercial terms and long-term partnerships. Manage and negotiate contracts, promotions, and pricing agreements with customers and partners.
• Stakeholder Management: Represent the sales function at senior leadership meetings, contributing to overall business strategy and decision-making processes. Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including distributors, retailers, and suppliers.

Key Qualifications & Skills:

• Experience: 8-10+ years of sales experience, with at least 3-5 years in a senior sales leadership role, ideally within the dairy or broader FMCG industry. Proven track record in managing and growing national accounts, driving revenue growth, and leading high-performing sales teams.
• Skills: Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a sales team. Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with experience in high-level commercial discussions. Ability to analyse complex sales data, forecast accurately, and implement effective sales strategies. Commercially astute with a strong understanding of market dynamics, consumer trends, and competitor activities in the dairy sector.
• Education: Bachelors degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, or a related field. MBA or similar qualification is a plus.
• Other Requirements: Full, clean driving license and willingness to travel as required. Proficiency in CRM systems, sales forecasting tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Benefits: Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses. Company car or car allowance. Pension scheme and health benefits. Opportunities for career progression within a global company.

If you are a strategic sales leader with experience in the dairy or FMCG sectors and a passion for driving growth, we encourage you to apply.