At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical sales of chocolate machinery, guiding customers from enquiry to installation.
- Company: Home Chocolate Factory, the UK's top supplier for professional chocolatiers.
- Benefits: Join a supportive family business with a passion for chocolate and creativity.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the chocolate industry while working with innovative machinery.
- Qualifications: Experience in technical sales, strong communication skills, and a love for chocolate.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We're looking for a knowledgeable, consultative, and driven Technical Sales Manager to lead the sale of our chocolate machinery and equipment range. From tempering machines and enrobers to moulding lines and large-scale production systems, you'll be the expert who helps chocolate makers find exactly the right equipment for their craft.
You'll guide customers through every step, understanding their needs, recommending the right machinery, demonstrating how it works, and supporting them from first enquiry through to installation and beyond. You'll work with everyone from independent artisans buying their first tempering machine to large-scale producers investing in full production lines.
This is a full-time, in-office role based at our London headquarters and superstore showroom, with occasional travel to customer sites, trade shows, and supplier visits.
ABOUT US
Home Chocolate Factory is the UK's leading supplier for professional chocolate makers, from independent artisans to large-scale producers. For over two decades, we've combined craft and technology to supply the finest ingredients, equipment, and expertise to the people who create chocolate magic. We're modernising how we work, from our online store to how we connect with customers. Our team blends deep product knowledge with a love of great service, and we're looking for someone who shares that same spirit.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Own the technical sales process for our chocolate machinery range, from initial enquiry through to closing the sale and aftercare.
- Understand each customer's production needs, scale, and ambitions, then recommend the right equipment to match.
- Deliver confident, hands-on machinery demonstrations in our London showroom and, where needed, at customer sites.
- Answer detailed technical questions on machine specifications, capacity, installation requirements, maintenance, and compatibility.
- Prepare quotes, proposals, and specifications, and guide customers through pricing, lead times, and financing or warranty options.
- Support international customers with machinery enquiries, shipping logistics, voltage and compliance requirements, and technical queries.
- Build long-term relationships with customers, becoming their trusted advisor for current and future equipment needs.
- Liaise with warehouse, purchasing, suppliers, and engineering or installation partners to ensure smooth delivery and setup.
- Keep accurate records of leads, opportunities, and customer interactions in our CRM (Zoho or similar).
- Stay up to date on new machinery, industry trends, and competitor products, and share insights with the wider team.
- Represent Home Chocolate Factory at trade shows, demonstrations, and industry events.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Proven experience in technical sales, ideally involving machinery, equipment, or capital goods.
- Strong technical aptitude, with the ability to understand machinery and explain it clearly to both beginners and experts.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with a consultative, customer-first approach.
- Commercially minded, confident managing the full sales cycle and comfortable with targets.
- Highly organised, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple opportunities at once.
- Confident using digital tools and systems (Shopify, Zoho, or similar).
- Fluent English speaker, with additional languages a bonus for supporting international customers.
- Background or genuine interest in chocolate, food production, hospitality, or manufacturing is a big plus.
- Willingness to travel occasionally for customer visits, installations, and trade events.
WHY JOIN
You'll be part of a growing family business that supports the makers behind the UK's best chocolate, combining care, craft, and creativity in everything we do. You'll play a key role in helping chocolatiers and producers grow, equipping them with the machinery that brings their ideas to life. And best of all, you'll be working for a chocolate company.
Technical Sales Manager (Chocolate Machinery) in London employer: Home Chocolate Factory
At Home Chocolate Factory, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and innovative employer, dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering a collaborative work environment. Our London headquarters offers a vibrant atmosphere where you can engage with passionate colleagues and contribute to the success of chocolatiers across the UK. With opportunities for professional growth and a unique focus on the chocolate industry, you'll find meaningful work that combines your technical expertise with a love for craft and creativity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Sales Manager (Chocolate Machinery) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Before your interview, dive into Home Chocolate Factory's history, values, and product range. This way, you can show off your enthusiasm and understanding of their mission, which will definitely impress them.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! Since you'll be demonstrating machinery, make sure you can confidently explain how each piece works and its benefits. Role-play with a friend or in front of a mirror to nail down your delivery and make it engaging.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Attend trade shows and industry events where you can meet potential colleagues and customers. Building relationships now can pay off later when you're looking to close those sales.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After interviews or networking events, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your excitement about the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Sales Manager (Chocolate Machinery) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Chocolate:When you're writing your application, let your love for chocolate shine through! Share any experiences or interests you have in the chocolate industry, whether it's making it, tasting it, or just being a fan. We want to see that you're as excited about this role as we are!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the Technical Sales Manager role. Use keywords from the job description and demonstrate how you've successfully managed technical sales processes in the past. We appreciate a personal touch!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We love detail, but make sure you’re not rambling on. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. Clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which is a big plus for us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Home Chocolate Factory
✨Know Your Chocolate Machinery
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the chocolate machinery you'll be selling. Familiarise yourself with tempering machines, enrobers, and moulding lines. Being able to discuss their features and benefits confidently will show that you're not just a salesperson, but a knowledgeable expert.
✨Understand Customer Needs
Prepare to demonstrate your consultative approach by thinking about how you would assess a customer's needs. Consider different scenarios, from independent artisans to large-scale producers, and be ready to discuss how you'd tailor your recommendations based on their unique requirements.
✨Practice Your Demonstration Skills
Since hands-on demonstrations are key in this role, practice explaining how the machinery works clearly and engagingly. You might even want to set up a mock demonstration at home or with friends to refine your delivery and ensure you can answer questions on the spot.
✨Stay Updated on Industry Trends
Research current trends in the chocolate industry and any new machinery developments. Being able to discuss these topics during your interview will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely passionate about the field and committed to staying informed.