Commercial Sales Director (Foodservice)

This is a very exciting role with a major Fresh Produce player in the UK. They have asked us to find an experienced Commercial Sales Director, with a wealth of experience in Foodservice in the UK.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Commercial Sales Director for Foodservice will have core responsibility for the development of sales, driving revenue, profit, and strategic growth across the division. This role drives the commercial performance, leading sales teams, shaping market strategy, and building key customer partnerships to enhance market share and deliver future sales growth. The foodservice operation works from 15 locally managed BRCGS-accredited depots, employing around 950 people and operating a fleet of 350 refrigerated vehicles. With coverage across most of the UK, six days a week, it serves a diverse customer base comprising approximately 50% independent businesses and 50% contract and corporate accounts. A comprehensive range of fresh produce is sourced both locally and globally, alongside an extensive selection of dairy, bakery, non-perishable and fine food products.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for developing and delivering the strategic sales direction for the foodservice business nationally through profitable performance and developing future growth
• National account management, managing and enhancing existing relationships and identifying opportunities for new business
• Drive the strategic objectives in relation to sales development and new business growth to increase commercial positioning
• Line Manager responsibility for several direct reports including the Foodservice Sales Manager with a dotted line to their core team
• A key leader within the business expected to exhibit strong leadership skills, influencing others and providing vision and direction to push the business forwards
• Setting and ensuring delivery sales growth targets
• Manage progress against the annual sales plan and ensure delivery of targets towards plan
• Increasing market share by growing sales with existing clients and from generating sales through new clients
• Aware of current market trends and competitor activity aligned to enhance new business opportunities
• Oversee sales development to ensure targets are met and new sales are identified and generated
• Commercial control of large national customers – setting and delivering price changes

LEADERSHIP

• Proactively builds working relationships demonstrating drive and enthusiasm to lead, engage and motivate others
• Support the career development of direct reports through regular 1:1 meetings and annual reviews
• Set clear and challenging sales targets – plan, monitor and appraise direct reports on progress
• Create a culture of sharing best practice to ensure delivery and achievement of annual sales targets across the Foodservice division
• Decisive in making clear and insightful decisions within a high pressured and fast paced environment
• Committed to diversity and promotes an inclusive culture acting with professionalism, fairness, and integrity always

COMPLIANCE

• Ensure processes and operations are carried out in a healthy, safe, and sustainable manner, complying with all internal procedures and external standards and legislation
• Ensure SOX legal requirements are met, and the necessary controls are in place
• Ensure the sales team operates in accordance with the Company’s financial and HR policies and procedures

EXPERIENCE

• Has held senior sales positions within food sector and a proven track record of operating at a senior level, preferably across multi-site environment
• Exceptional commercial acumen evidenced through proven sales and negotiation in developing and exceeding measurable targets
• A confident communicator with strong written and interpersonal communication skills
• Results driven evidenced through strong analytical competency and budgetary control to achieve sales targets
• IT literate, able to understand and manipulate data to produce detailed reports

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree level / equivalent industry experience in fresh produce / FMCG

The salary offered is EXCELLENT DOE + Car allowance + Bonus. Please email your CV to apply and we will send you the details. Salary - EXCELLENT + Bonus + Car Allowance. Location - Midlands or Northwest with regular UK travel required.