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- Tasks: Lead and stabilise the sales team during a major transformation in a global toy brand.
- Company: Join a dynamic global toy/collectibles brand undergoing exciting operational changes.
- Benefits: Remote work flexibility with opportunities for travel and potential permanent position.
- Other info: Collaborate closely with top executives to shape the future of the business.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving sales growth and leading cultural change.
- Qualifications: Proven sales leadership experience in complex, multi-channel environments.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Our client is a global toy/collectibles brand undertaking a major operational transformation to reposition the business for its next phase of growth. The business currently operates a centralised structure across their portfolio of brands with significant shared infrastructure across supply chain, contracts and personnel but is transitioning to a brand-led operating model.
As a result, we are conducting a search for an Interim Group Sales Director to work alongside the CFO and newly appointed COO during this exciting transitional period for the business. The role will be for 9 months, although there is a chance that it could become permanent.
In addition to the operational responsibilities associated with a Sales Director position, there is a crucial cultural leadership requirement to this role as the organisation will be going through significant strategic and structural change. Ensuring the leaders of the various sales channels remain focused, informed and supported through the next 6-9 months to maintain momentum and deliver BAU to achieve commercial goals is a key part of this critical role.
In terms of the transformation programme, working alongside external advisors responsible for the design of the target operating model, the Interim GSD will be responsible for driving the critical sales functions of the business whilst playing a part in ensuring the relevant outcomes of the programme are executed at pace and embedded successfully within the teams. This is a hands-on leadership role, requiring an individual who is as comfortable with driving sales growth across multiple channels as leading a core team of channel owners covering the USA, UK Nationals (including Amazon), Export and UK Independents.
Key Objectives- Manage, stabilise and lead the sales team
- Lead an experienced team of 4 direct reports: National Sales Controller (UK Nationals and Amazon), International Sales Controller (Export Markets), VP Sales USA, Senior Business Development Manager (UK Independents, Concessions and Wholesale)
- Drive commercial performance
- Work closely with the CFO to ensure the Sales Team are clear on their commercial objectives and focused on delivering what the business needs in H1
- Own the reporting of performance vs forecast in the four sales channels under your control, taking action and pivoting where necessary, whilst identifying opportunities to nurture and develop existing relationships
- Support the transition to a new operating model
- Ensure the effective delivery of further outcomes of the transformation programme where it impacts the ways of working in the sales team
- Operational Leadership: The Interim Sales Director will be required to pull together and lead the sales teams domestically and internationally to deliver their numbers.
- Performance Management: Setting KPIs through this period of change and monitoring performance to drive continuous improvement.
- Strategic Implementation: Collaborating with the CFO (and Board) to turn mid and long term strategic and structural change plans into a reality.
- Team Management: Fostering a positive culture through visible leadership during this period of change. Not only providing leadership to the teams in the operational parts of the business but also playing a key role in maintaining a positive, proactive culture across the business. Working seamlessly with the CFO and COO to present a united and aligned leadership approach.
The successful candidate will be a highly capable sales leader with significant experience in complex, multi-channel, multi-territory businesses.
Experience- Previous Sales Director / Group Sales Director experience (ideally) in the sector.
- Strong track record of delivering growth in complex organisations.
- Exceptional ability to lead, mentor and align cross functional teams – both within the reporting structure of the sales function and more broadly across the organisation.
- Excellent interpersonal skills to work closely alongside the CFO and Board.
- Experience operating within multi-brand or multi-division businesses.
- Experience working alongside external advisory firms during transformation programmes would be helpful.
- Experience within private equity backed businesses or high-change environments would be highly advantageous.
- Flexible, adaptable working style.
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on operational mindset.
- Ability to manage complex stakeholder environments.
- Commercially astute with strong financial discipline.
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to drive organisational change.
- Resilient and motivated.
- Highly organised and delivery focused.
- Comfortable operating in complex and evolving environments.
- Pragmatic and solutions oriented.
- Strong communicator.
The role can be conducted remotely although there will be UK travel and regular presence in Head Office in South East England.
Interim Sales Director in England employer: HBAL Executive Search
Contact Detail:
HBAL Executive Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Sales Director in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know someone at the company you're eyeing. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a referral, which is golden when it comes to landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s recent changes and challenges. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re someone who understands their transformation and can contribute to their goals. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to be able to articulate how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in a transitional phase. Keep it concise but impactful – we want them to remember you for all the right reasons.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you note. It’s a simple gesture that shows your enthusiasm and professionalism. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision. Don’t miss this chance to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Sales Director in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Interim Sales Director. Highlight your experience in leading sales teams and driving growth in complex environments, just like our client is looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell your story! Explain how your background aligns with the transformation journey our client is on. Show us your passion for leading change and supporting teams through transitions.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, emphasise your leadership presence and ability to foster a positive culture. We want to see how you’ve successfully managed teams during periods of change and how you can bring that to this role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at HBAL Executive Search
✨Know the Business Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company's history, values, and recent developments. Understanding their transition to a brand-led operating model will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach, especially in times of change. Highlight examples where you've successfully led teams through transitions, ensuring they remain focused and motivated while achieving commercial objectives.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about managing complex stakeholder environments and driving sales growth across multiple channels. Think of specific scenarios from your past experiences that demonstrate your strategic thinking and hands-on operational mindset.
✨Emphasise Cultural Fit
Cultural leadership is key for this role. Be prepared to discuss how you foster a positive culture during periods of change. Share examples of how you've maintained team morale and alignment with broader organisational goals.