Area Sales Manager, Strategic Accounts in Preston

Area Sales Manager, Strategic Accounts in Preston

Preston Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Ingersoll Rand

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive revenue growth through strategic account management and proactive sales in your territory.
  • Company: Join Ingersoll Rand, a global leader in industrial solutions with over 160 years of innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, employee ownership, and health cashback plan.
  • Other info: Remote work with travel; training provided for personal development and product knowledge.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by nurturing customer relationships and exploring new business opportunities.
  • Qualifications: Experience in B2B sales and account management; engineering background is a plus.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

  • Job Title
  • Area Sales Manager
  • Location

Reporting to the Preston Service Centre, this is a remote working role.

You will cover the Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cheshire Areas of the North West.

About Us

Ingersoll Rand is a global leader in mission-critical flow creation and industrial solutions, with over 160 years of innovation and engineering excellence.

We design, manufacture, and service high-performance air compressors, power tools, pumps, and lifting equipment that support a wide range of industries—from automotive and aerospace to food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and energy.

Our purpose is simple yet powerful

Lean on us to help you make life better .

We achieve this by delivering reliable, efficient, and sustainable solutions that empower our customers to succeed, while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and care for our communities and planet.

Job Summary

As an Area Sales Manager, you will play a pivotal role in driving revenue growth through strategic account management and proactive sales of both capital equipment and service contracts.

You will be responsible for nurturing existing customer relationships, identifying upselling opportunities, and ensuring long-term satisfaction and retention.

In addition to managing inbound leads, you will actively prospect for new business, generate your own opportunities, and build a robust pipeline across your designated territory.

Responsibilities

  • Manage existing customer accounts within your area, ensuring strong relationships and consistent engagement to drive retention and growth.
  • Renew service contract agreements promptly and efficiently, maintaining continuity of service and customer satisfaction.
  • Actively prospect for new business across both sales and aftermarket opportunities, using initiative and market insight to build your own pipeline.
  • Develop capital equipment sales opportunities with both new and existing customers, preparing compelling quotes and business cases to support successful order conversion.
  • Collaborate with the Service Team to craft tailored maintenance package proposals that meet customer needs and add long-term value.
  • Maintain CRM accuracy by updating pipeline activity in line with SDX standard work, ensuring visibility and alignment across the business.
  • Provide accurate forecasts for sales and service activity, supporting planning and performance tracking within your region.
  • Work closely with the Preston team to achieve shared sales and aftermarket targets, contributing to a high-performing and collaborative environment.
  • Basic Qualifications
  • Fluent in English.
  • GCSE Grade 4-9 (or Equivalent) in Maths and English.
  • Proven experience in Full-Cycle B2B Sales and Account Management.
  • Engineering or Technical background is beneficial but not essential.
  • Applicants must possess clean UK Driving Licence.
  • Travel & Work Arrangements/Requirements

You will work remotely and travel throughout your allocated regions to manage existing accounts and seek new opportunities.

You will have access to the Preston Service Centre, where you may be asked to attend for Sales meetings and collaborative working sessions.

Training will be provided to help keep you up to speed with our latest products and in line with your own personal development goals - this may be held at any of Ingersoll Rand’s UK locations or at one of their European manufacturing facilities.

  • Key Competencies
  • Experience managing the full sales cycle, especially in industrial capital equipment and service/maintenance solutions.
  • Confidence using proven qualification frameworks like BANT, MEDIC, or MEDDPICC to guide customers through their buying journey and keep your pipeline focused and healthy.
  • A genuine passion for delivering exceptional customer service—both at the point of sale and long after.
  • A proactive approach to lead generation—you’re not afraid to pick up the phone, knock on doors, or explore new markets.
  • A strong presence on social media, using platforms like Linked In to share insights, grow your network, and stay visible in your industry.
  • The ability to explain technical or industry-specific information in a way that’s clear, engaging, and easy to understand.
  • Solid commercial awareness and confidence working with numbers to build compelling business cases and accurate forecasts.
  • A cool head under pressure—you thrive when working to deadlines and hitting targets, keeping focus and energy high even when the pace picks up.
  • Hands-on experience with CRM systems like Salesforce, Zoho, or Hub Spot—you know how to keep your data clean and your pipeline moving.
  • Great attention to detail when it comes to sales admin—your quotes, enquiries, and supporting documents are always accurate and well-presented.
  • Confident using Microsoft 365 tools like Word, Excel, and Outlook to stay organised and communicate effectively.

What we Offer

  • 25 days Holiday + 8 Bank Holidays
  • Competitive Salary and Incentive Scheme.
  • Employee Ownership Program - 10% of salary in equity shares, after 1 year of employment
  • Company Car
  • Holiday Purchase Scheme – additional 5 days annual leave.
  • Company Pension Scheme
  • Westfield Health Cashback Plan
  • Cycle Scheme (After probation period)
  • Costco Gold Company member, with access for employees to join
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Linked In Learning – full free access

Area Sales Manager, Strategic Accounts in Preston employer: Ingersoll Rand

Ingersoll Rand is an excellent employer for those looking to kickstart their career as a Sales and Service Support Technician Apprentice. With a strong focus on personal development, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages learning and growth, alongside competitive perks such as a company pension contribution and health cover. Located in Bradford, this role offers a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic team while gaining valuable experience in the service and sales sector.

Ingersoll Rand

Contact Details:

Ingersoll Rand Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Area Sales Manager, Strategic Accounts in Preston

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 Area Sales Manager, Strategic Accounts at Ingersoll Rand, 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 Ingersoll Rand. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Area Sales Manager, Strategic Accounts. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!

We think you need these skills to ace Area Sales Manager, Strategic Accounts in Preston

B2B Sales
Account Management
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Lead Generation
Sales Forecasting
Technical Communication
Commercial Awareness

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 Ingersoll Rand:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Ingersoll Rand. 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 Ingersoll Rand

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 Ingersoll Rand 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 Ingersoll Rand 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 Ingersoll Rand’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.