At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Wholesale Sales team and drive strategy for high-end furniture in the UK and Ireland.
- Company: Renowned Italian luxury furniture brand with a focus on respect and enthusiasm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to work in a dynamic luxury environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth within a global framework and a supportive company culture.
- Why this job: Join a prestigious brand and make a significant impact in the luxury retail market.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in senior wholesale management within high-end retail; strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Our client is an internationally renowned Italian high-end furniture manufacturer. They take pride in fostering a work environment based on respect, honesty, and enthusiasm. As a brand, they exceed expectations at every stage of the process, from the initial showroom presentation and the meticulous Selling Ceremony through to final delivery and dedicated customer follow-up. This is an organisation that offers genuine opportunities to succeed, learn, and grow within a global luxury framework.
Following a strategic restructuring and a sharpened focus on the UK and Ireland market, our client is appointing a Wholesale Sales Manager. This is a senior appointment reporting directly to the Sales Director EMEA at the headquarters in Italy. The UK and Ireland business operates via two distinct business units: Retail, which is managed through a flagship London showroom, and Wholesale/Partnerships BU. This role is dedicated exclusively to the leadership of the Wholesale and Partnership BU.
The successful candidate will professionalise the wholesale strategy, manage and collaborate with a direct sales colleague, and lead a network of independent agents across two distinct brands.
- Provide senior leadership for the UK and Ireland Wholesale business unit, and report performance directly to the Italian HQ.
- Manage the existing commercial network, which includes one direct Sales Manager (responsible for a specific brand) and a team of independent agents.
- Lead and audit the agent network to ensure effective penetration of the independent retail market for both brands.
- Oversee the management of major retailers, distributors, and key partners, ensuring high-level service and brand alignment.
- Drive the financial strategy for the division, with a heavy emphasis on accurate budgeting, forecasting, and the setting of rigorous commercial KPIs.
- Monitor performance data to ensure all sales targets are met and that growth is sustainable and profitable across both brands.
- Ensure the brand’s Italian heritage and Selling Ceremony standards are implemented consistently across all wholesale partners.
A minimum of 5 years of senior wholesale or agent management experience specifically within high-end furniture, aesthetic lighting, or high-end bedding.
Proven Network: A deep understanding of how luxury retail partners operate, with a successful track record of managing these specific relationships for at least 5 years. Experience must be gained from a high-end manufacturer or a specialist agency dealing with the same tier of high-end retail partners.
Financial Rigour: Significant experience in budgeting and forecasting, with the ability to report clearly to a global head office and hit set targets.
Team Management: Previous experience managing a team of agents.
Native or C1 level English with excellent presentation skills. A full driving licence and a willingness to travel 4 days per week across the UK and Ireland (with 1 day working from home).
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. ExecutiveSurf is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.
FMCG Sales Manager employer: ExecutiveSurf | Certified B Corp
Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values respect, honesty, and enthusiasm. With a strong focus on employee growth and development within the luxury furniture sector, team members benefit from unique opportunities to lead in a prestigious market while enjoying a supportive environment that encourages innovation and excellence. The role of Wholesale Sales Manager not only provides a chance to shape the future of the UK and Ireland business but also allows for meaningful engagement with high-end retail partners, all within the vibrant setting of London.
Contact Detail:
ExecutiveSurf | Certified B Corp Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land FMCG Sales Manager
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend trade shows, networking events, or even local meet-ups. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back on sharing your knowledge. Discuss trends in the high-end furniture market or your experience with luxury retail partnerships. This will show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Follow Up Like a Boss
After interviews or networking events, send a quick follow-up message. Thank them for their time and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for job openings! Applying directly through us can sometimes give you an edge, as we prioritise candidates who engage with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace FMCG Sales Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the FMCG Sales Manager role. Highlight your experience in high-end furniture or similar sectors, and showcase your achievements in managing teams and driving sales. We want to see how you can bring value to our client!
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. Mention your understanding of luxury retail and your proven track record in managing relationships with high-end partners. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Financial Acumen:Since financial rigour is key for this position, make sure to highlight your budgeting and forecasting experience. We want to see how you've successfully managed financial strategies in previous roles, so don’t hold back on those numbers!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ExecutiveSurf | Certified B Corp
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the FMCG Sales Manager role, you need to be on top of your financial game. Brush up on your budgeting and forecasting skills, and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed sales targets in the past. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to drive financial strategy.
✨Understand the Brand
This isn't just any furniture company; it's a high-end Italian brand with a rich heritage. Familiarise yourself with their Selling Ceremony standards and how they differentiate themselves in the market. Show genuine enthusiasm for the brand and articulate how you can uphold its values while leading the Wholesale and Partnerships BU.
✨Network Like a Pro
With a proven network being crucial for this role, come prepared to discuss your existing relationships within the luxury retail sector. Highlight your experience managing agents and partnerships, and be ready to share strategies on how you’ve effectively penetrated the independent retail market in the past.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As you'll be leading a team of agents, it's essential to demonstrate your leadership style. Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in team management, focusing on how you've motivated and guided your team to achieve sales goals. Be specific about your approach to auditing agent performance and ensuring brand alignment.