At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales by winning new foodservice business and building long-term customer relationships.
- Company: Fast-growing foodservice distribution business with a strong reputation for service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, uncapped bonus, company car, and flexible working.
- Other info: Autonomy in your territory with genuine progression as the team expands.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role with leadership opportunities.
- Qualifications: Proven field sales experience in foodservice or FMCG, strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 37575 - 45925 £ per year.
Salary: Circa £50,000 base salary + Uncapped bonus
Location: Field-Based - East & West Sussex, M23 Corridor & Kent
Benefits: Company Car + Uncapped Earning Potential
We've partnered with a fast-growing foodservice distribution business that is continuing to invest heavily in its people, commercial capability and future growth. Supplying restaurants, pubs, hospitality groups, bakeries and multi-site operators, the business has built a strong reputation around service, relationships and doing what it says it will do.
The Opportunity
This is a senior, field-led commercial role with a major focus on winning new business, developing larger accounts and building long-term customer relationships. You'll be expected to get out into the market, open doors and target opportunities across pub groups, hospitality groups, multi-site operators and larger independent foodservice customers. This is not a desk-based sales management role. You will personally own a sales target, spend the majority of your time in front of customers and prospects, and play a key role in increasing market share across a strategically important territory. You'll also have leadership responsibility, initially supporting at least one Area Sales Manager, while continuing to remain highly active commercially yourself, with the motivation to grow and develop a larger, highly successful team.
What You'll Be Doing
- Identifying and winning new foodservice business across your territory
- Targeting larger independents, pub groups, hospitality groups and multi-site operators
- Building and converting a strong pipeline through prospecting, networking and face-to-face engagement
- Developing long-term relationships with key decision-makers
- Negotiating pricing and commercial agreements while protecting margin
- Growing existing accounts where appropriate
- Increasing revenue, product penetration and gross profit
- Supporting and coaching an Area Sales Manager
- Maintaining accurate CRM activity, forecasts and pipeline visibility
- Working closely with Sales, Telesales, Procurement and Operations to ensure customer expectations are delivered
About You
We're looking for someone who enjoys being out in the market and creating opportunities. You'll ideally bring:
- Strong field sales, business development or commercial account management experience
- A proven track record of winning significant new accounts
- Experience within foodservice, food, drink or a closely aligned FMCG environment
- Experience selling into hospitality, pubs, restaurants, leisure or multi-site operators
- Strong commercial understanding around pricing, margin and gross profit
- Excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills
- Experience coaching or supporting other salespeople
- Strong CRM and pipeline management discipline
- A full UK driving licence
Most importantly, you'll be proactive, resilient, commercially focused and comfortable working autonomously in a genuinely field-led role.
Location & Territory
The initial focus is across East and West Sussex, particularly the corridor between Eastbourne and Worthing and upwards towards the M23 & Kent. Strong locations include: Crawley, Haywards Heath, Burgess Hill, Uckfield, Lewes, Hailsham, Eastbourne, Newhaven, Brighton & Hove, Shoreham-by-Sea, Lancing and Worthing. However, the territory can be adapted around the right individual, so strong candidates based across Kent, including Maidstone and surrounding areas, will also be considered.
What's On Offer
- Circa £50,000 base salary
- Uncapped bonus / commission
- Company car
- Home and field-based working
- Real autonomy across your territory
- Opportunity to win and develop significant new accounts
- Leadership responsibility with scope to grow
- Genuine progression as the commercial team continues to expand
If you're an experienced foodservice sales professional who still enjoys getting out into the market, opening doors and winning new business, this could be a brilliant opportunity to make a real impact within a growing organisation.
Senior Sales Manager employer: Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd
Join a dynamic and expanding manufacturer in Rochester, Kent, where you can thrive in a fast-paced production environment while contributing to innovative projects. With a strong focus on employee development, this company offers a supportive work culture, competitive salary, and the chance to grow your skills alongside new automated technologies. Embrace the opportunity for a stable, long-term career in a business that values quality and teamwork.
Contact Details:
Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sales Manager
✨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 Senior Sales Manager at Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd, 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 Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Senior Sales Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sales Manager
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 Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd. 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 Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd
✨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 Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd 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 Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd 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 Found Recruitment Solutions Ltd’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.