At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a dynamic sales team while driving revenue growth.
- Company: Established British manufacturer known for high-performance products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 29 days holiday, and opportunities for travel.
- Other info: Be part of a close-knit team in a niche market sector.
- Why this job: Join a growing company with a clear path for career advancement.
- Qualifications: Proven B2B sales experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Worcestershire
Contract: Permanent
Hybrid working: office 3 days per week plus seeing customers
The Company
Established British manufacturer, producing high-performance products to multi-industry standards from our precision manufacturing facility in Worcestershire.
We sell worldwide, hold long-standing relationships with distributors and end users alike, and are trusted for technical quality and commercial reliability.
We are now looking for a senior commercial leader to take ownership of sales and develop a key leadership role within the business.
The Opportunity
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who wants to build something. You will inherit an active sales team, and work closely with an established marketing function, and a pipeline of both outbound and inbound opportunities. Your role is to ensure all commercial activity is aligned, measured, and converted into revenue.
There are three commercial engines we need to run better: proactive business development across our UK and international markets, the consistent conversion of inbound marketing leads into sales, and the clear communication of commercial priorities and market opportunities that shape our sales and marketing strategy to full optimisation.
Reporting directly to the board, you will lead the commercial function, set the direction for the team, and be personally active in winning and developing key accounts. You will also take ownership of ensuring marketing activity supports commercial objectives, translating market intelligence, customer feedback, and sales priorities into focused campaigns that generate measurable business growth.
What you will be doing as Head of Sales:
- Leading and developing the sales team, setting priorities, coaching performance, and building a culture of accountability and follow-through.
- Taking personal ownership of key accounts and high-value prospects across UK and international markets.
- Building a structured, disciplined process for inbound lead management and conversion from marketing enquiry to confirmed order.
- Developing and executing export sales strategy across our core geographies and sectors.
- Owning the communication of commercial priorities, customer insights, and market opportunities to ensure marketing activity is aligned with the sales strategy.
- Working closely with marketing to develop and measure campaigns, lead generation activity, and customer engagement initiatives that support revenue growth.
- Using market feedback, customer trends, and competitive intelligence to influence marketing plans, product positioning, and go-to-market activity.
- Maintaining pipeline rigour through CRM and holding the team to the same standard.
- Reporting commercial performance, lead generation effectiveness, and sales conversion metrics to the board with clarity and confidence.
What we are looking for in the Head of Sales:
- Ideally, a proven record of accomplishment in B2B sales within a manufacturing or technical product environment.
- Experience managing and developing a sales team, not just contributing to one.
- Experience working closely with marketing teams and taking ownership of the commercial effectiveness of marketing activity.
- A disciplined approach to pipeline management, lead follow-up, and conversion you close things.
- Strong export or international sales experience in business development.
- Able to learn and communicate technical product information confidently.
- Commercially astute, analytical, and target driven.
- Excellent communicator at all levels of customers, distributors, internal stakeholders, marketing teams, and board.
- CRM-literate and comfortable with data-driven decision making.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel internationally.
- Willingness and desire to work onsite when not visiting customers.
Beneficial:
- Ideally, sector experience in Marine, defence, Lifting and/or general industry.
- A second European language (beneficial, although not essential).
Why This Role:
This is not a maintenance job. It is a genuine opportunity for a commercially ambitious person to run a sales function in a well-regarded British manufacturer with a clear path upward if you deliver. We are open to discussing scope, structure, and package with the right candidate.
What is in it for you?
- Market rate salary DOE and opportunity to earn.
- Become a key part of the SLT in a growing niche market sector.
- 29 days holiday (including bank and public holidays) growing to 31 with extended service.
- Working with a close-knit friendly team.
- A role with huge variety and opportunity to travel.
To Apply:
Send your CV and a brief note on why this role interests you. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 10 working days.
Head of Sales employer: English Braids
As a leading British manufacturer based in Worcestershire, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that encourages innovation and personal growth. Our commitment to employee development is matched by our competitive benefits, including a market rate salary, generous holiday allowance, and the opportunity to be part of a close-knit team driving meaningful change in a niche market. Join us as the Head of Sales and take the reins of a thriving sales function with clear pathways for advancement and the chance to make a significant impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sales
✨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 Sales at English Braids, 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 English Braids. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Head of Sales. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales
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 English Braids:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for English Braids. 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 English Braids
✨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 English Braids 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 English Braids 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 English Braids’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.