At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Inbound Sales Team to manage waste wood supply and ensure profitability.
- Company: Join a diverse and inclusive company that values your talent and perspective.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, training opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced role while developing your career in sales management.
- Qualifications: Strong communication, planning, and people management skills are essential.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic workplace with opportunities for growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Role Title: Sales Manager
Reporting To: Supply Chain Manager
Department: Supply Chain
Responsible For: 2 × Materials Area Managers, 2 × Inbound Consultants
Why Work With Us
We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate. We aim to attract the best talent to support our commitment to a truly diverse workforce where everyone is valued and respected for who they are and the talent they bring.
We use anonymous screening during our recruitment process so identifiable candidate data is hidden from those making hiring decisions. We review our language and imagery to ensure we speak to everyone and reflect the communities we live in.
We are committed to agile working, supported by our flexible working policy. Balancing work and home life is important to us, so we recruit with an open mind – it’s all about your talent.
Our People
Our people are resilient self-starters who share a desire to succeed. They are trusted to deliver and are comfortable working in a fast-changing environment where opportunities to learn, develop, and grow careers are encouraged.
Working as part of a high-performing team, we look for people who can identify opportunities to improve the way things are done and who have the initiative to put great ideas into practice.
Our culture is:
- Open and honest
- Agile and flexible
- Solution-focused
- Collaborative and accountable
We take pride in delivering our best every day, supporting colleagues and customers, and continually improving together.
Job Purpose
To effectively manage the Inbound Sales Team to ensure the delivery of all commercial and contractual aspects of unprocessed waste wood supply within parameters set by the Biomass Sourcing Manager. The role is responsible for identifying risks within the supply chain while maintaining profitability in line with targets and budgets.
You will manage Area Managers and Inbound Consultants, working in line with targets, budgets, and KPIs to ensure continuity of inbound supply while remaining accountable for any variances to budget. You will also work closely with transport and operations teams to ensure efficient fleet utilisation and manage inbound deliveries to operational sites, identifying any shortfalls or downturns in supply that could impact current or future volumes. The role will support sourcing of additional materials as directed by the Materials Trading Manager and ensure the team fully supports this strategy.
Key Responsibilities
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Develop strong relationships with unprocessed waste wood suppliers built on respect and integrity
- Manage and support supplier relationships appropriately
- Develop excellent working relationships with strategic partners at all levels
- Support the development and implementation of supply risk management strategies
- Maintain strong market knowledge of suppliers and competitors to maximise profitability
- Secure required materials at the agreed commercial terms and quality standards
- Develop regional sourcing strategies aligned with business and budget expectations
- Identify and execute opportunities to optimise margins
- Apply a commercial mindset to the day-to-day management of supplier relationships
- Lead, manage, and develop the team to achieve expectations, KPIs, and budgets
- Provide clear operational and strategic direction
- Ensure focus on key priorities and performance expectations
- Implement strategies to drive financial value internally and externally
- Utilise the CRM system to identify and close market opportunities
- Identify and capitalise on opportunities to maximise financial returns
- Support tender processes and develop Local Authority relationships
- Provide performance reports and updates to the line manager and senior leadership team as required
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
Essential
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong planning and organisational skills
- Strong people management capability
- Ability to influence and negotiate
- Financial awareness and commercial acumen
- Comfortable working with financial reporting and data
- Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
- Strong personal resilience and character
- Ability to balance detail with strategic awareness
- Results-driven with a strong delivery focus
- Willingness to challenge the status quo and drive improvement
Desirable
- Experience in the wood or waste management sector
- Established decision-making contacts within Local Authorities
Development and Support
You will be supported by an experienced team and will have opportunities to further develop your skills and career. Training opportunities include:
- Internal training programmes
- Mentoring and coaching
- Apprenticeships
- External training and professional development
- A mobile learning management system is available to allow training access at a time and place that suits you.
- Compliance training will also be required to ensure safe and legal operations.
Additional Information
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Working hours to be agreed with the line manager.
Location: Office-based at Viking House or In-Trade 3–4 days per week, with 1 day working from home where appropriate.
Sales Manager in Widnes employer: Irlam Associates
Contact Detail:
Irlam Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Manager in Widnes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Sales Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you show them that you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the team too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to talk about your experience and how it relates to the job. Highlight your achievements in managing teams and driving sales – make sure they see the value you can bring to their organisation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager in Widnes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Sales Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing teams and supplier relationships, and don’t forget to showcase your financial acumen and commercial mindset!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific examples of how you've driven results and improved processes in previous roles.
Showcase Your People Skills: As a Sales Manager, strong communication and people management skills are key. Make sure to highlight any relevant experiences where you’ve successfully led a team or built strong relationships with suppliers.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Irlam Associates
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Sales Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial awareness and commercial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to sales performance, budgets, and KPIs. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
This role involves managing a team and building relationships with suppliers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or negotiated with partners. Highlight your communication skills and ability to influence others, as these will be crucial in the interview.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with the wood and waste management sector. Research current trends, competitors, and potential challenges. Being able to discuss market knowledge will show that you're proactive and ready to tackle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Be Solution-Focused
The company values a solution-focused approach, so think of examples where you've identified problems and implemented effective solutions. Prepare to discuss how you can apply this mindset to improve processes and drive financial value in the new role.