UK NATIONAL SALES ACCOUNT MANAGER - PREMIUM TEXTILES BEDDING BRAND

Our client, a premium bedding and textiles brand based in the North West, is looking to recruit an experienced UK Sales Account Manager who has worked with premium retailers and brands such as John Lewis, Fenwick, Harrods, and many more, with a strong background in textiles and bedding/soft homeware products.

THE ROLE

• To build a relevant, growing, and profitable home textile business by extending the brand's portfolio into all targeted trade channels, in existing & new categories/geographies.
• To manage existing accounts such as John Lewis, Fenwick, and many more for the brand across various regions within the UK and continuously bring in new account opportunities in national premium retailers.

Candidate Profile:

• 5-10 years’ experience in UK sales account and business development for a premium bedding textiles company.
• Ability to think strategically and perform detailed planning to achieve business objectives.
• A proven history in business development and account management in the market working with national premium retailers.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering sales and profitable growth.
• Commercial sales experience within the home textiles.

Key Responsibilities:

• Day-to-day management of groups' national retail accounts such as John Lewis, Fenwick, Harrods.
• Manage the sales budget.
• Analyse and monitor the current global markets to identify and develop new sales opportunities and develop go-to-market strategies.
• Actively contribute to the long-term vision and developing the sales strategy.
• Manage and develop successful relationships with distributors, direct retail, and new channels.
• Work with existing and new relationships to create & implement business market plans – monitor and review.
• Follow up leads quickly and efficiently to secure business.
• Continually assess company progress through sales analysis and reporting at senior level.
• Provide global market intelligence and competitor activity reports to management.
• Proactively develop constructive and effective solutions to any issues that slow down or hamper procedures and activities.
• Awareness of market and undertake regular market research to ensure correct products are in place and any opportunities/gaps are identified.
• Present new products and opportunities to customers.
• Ensure customers receive requested products and services in a timely fashion.
• Ensuring correct branding and marketing support is in place.
• Work closely with internal departments: Product Development, Marketing, Logistics, Customer Service, Accounts, Sourcing, and Factories to ensure all customer requirements are being serviced.
• Stock forecasting and managing of stock inventory.

THE CANDIDATE

• Ability to think strategically and perform detailed planning to achieve business objectives.
• A proven history in business development and account management in the market.
• B2B premium brands and retailers.
• Demonstrated track record of delivering sales and profitable growth.
• Commercial sales experience within the textiles/homewares industry is essential.
• Proven track record in achieving sales targets over £2 million (individual achievement).
• Experience in home textiles (Bed and Bath) and working with retailers such as Marks and Spencer, John Lewis, Fenwick, etc.
• Product & market knowledge.
• Bedding/textiles product knowledge and import supply chain industry experience.
• Customer focused with strong account management skills.
• Planning and organising.
• Negotiating and meeting customer requirements.
• Business Development Skills.
• Produce and deliver PowerPoint presentations.
• Able to travel as needed within the UK and to trade shows overseas.
• Hold UK Driving Licence.