At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage relationships and drive sales growth in the timber sector across Northwest England and Wales.
- Company: Join a leading family-run timber processing company with a strong heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, flexible working, and a supportive leadership team.
- Other info: Enjoy career growth opportunities in a collaborative and modern work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative company making a real impact in sustainable timber.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience, strong communication skills, and a proactive approach.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
James Jones & Sons Ltd is a 5th generation family business and one of the UK's largest and most progressive timber processing companies with core activities in timber harvesting, sawmilling, pallets & packaging, and distribution. We operate from 27 sites across the UK, 23 Australian and 2 New Zealand sites and employ over 2,100 people. In the UK, we operate seven sawmills throughout Scotland and the northeast of England: an engineered wood manufacturing plant in the north of Scotland and pallet and packaging operations at 14 sites across the UK. We produce high quality, British grown timber for the UK construction, landscaping, and agricultural sectors; market-leading JJI-Joists for the housebuilding and construction markets and pallets and packaging for blue chip domestic and exporting businesses.
We are looking to recruit an experienced field-based Area Sales Manager for our sawn timber department covering Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire, Shropshire & Wales. Previous sales experience and a proven track record in a sales environment is essential. While not critical, it would be advantageous to have previous experience, knowledge and commercial understanding of the UK timber, builders' merchants, pallet, packaging or fencing sectors.
Location: Northwest England
The Role
This is a field-based role, travelling on average 4 days per week with one administrative day from home. You will be required to stay overnight in the further parts of the area, depending on location. Flexibility around working hours can be given. Due to the size and location of the territory, overnight stays will be required where appropriate.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing and developing relationships with timber merchants, buying groups, and key accounts across your region
- Driving volume and value growth in line with company objectives, with a strong focus on margin delivery
- Implementing pricing strategies that reflect market dynamics while protecting business performance
- Delivering accurate and timely sales forecasts to support production and supply chain planning
- Conducting structured customer visits, account reviews, and joint business planning sessions
- Identifying new business opportunities and routes to market within the merchant and distribution sectors
- Monitoring competitor activity and market trends, feeding back clear commercial insight to the wider team
- Working closely with internal departments (customer services, commercial operations, logistics) to ensure high levels of service
- Maintaining high standards of CRM discipline and pipeline management
About You
We are looking for an individual who combines strong commercial awareness with the ability to build long-term, partnership-based customer relationships. You should be able to demonstrate:
- Proven experience in a field-based sales role, ideally within timber, construction products, or the merchant sector
- A track record of delivering profitable growth and account development
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with confidence engaging at branch and regional level
- A high level of commercial discipline, balancing competitiveness with margin and value creation
- Excellent organisation and planning skills, with the ability to manage a geographically spread territory
- A proactive, self-motivated approach with the ability to work independently
- A strong team mindset, aligned to wider business goals and strategy
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonus
- Company car or car allowance
- Flexible, field-based working model
- Opportunity to develop within a well-established, market-leading business
- A supportive and experienced leadership team
What do we stand for
The values of James Jones & Sons Limited are its core beliefs and principles. They guide how work is carried out, how people are treated and how decisions are made. These values not only shape our culture but also play a key role in influencing how teams work together. Understanding our values will help you decide if you want to apply.
- Collaboration - we believe in the power of teamwork
- Ambition - we are driven by our ambition to be the best we can be
- Respect - we act with honesty and integrity so that everyone feels valued, safe and part of our James Jones family
- Excellence - We strive for Excellence in everything we do
At James Jones we CARE - do you?
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a respected, innovative company, leading the way in sustainable timber.
- Work in a supportive, collaborative environment where your ideas are valued.
- Gain hands-on experience across a wide range of marketing disciplines.
- Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
- Work in a modern office environment, with a range of different collaborative workspaces.
Applicants must be able to provide eligibility to work in the UK without the need for sponsorship.
Please email your CV to recruitment@jamesjones.co.uk
Closing date 12 June 2026
Area Sales Manager in Manchester employer: James Jones & Sons Ltd
James Jones & Sons Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that values teamwork and innovation. As a 5th generation family business, we provide our employees with competitive salaries, performance-based bonuses, and flexible working arrangements, all while fostering opportunities for career growth within a market-leading company in the sustainable timber industry. Join us to be part of a respected organisation where your contributions are recognised and valued.
Contact Details:
James Jones & Sons Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Sales Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research James Jones & Sons Ltd, their values, and their products. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Think about how your previous sales experience aligns with the role. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven growth and built relationships in your past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, 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 enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Area Sales Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Area Sales Manager role. Highlight your previous sales experience, especially in timber or related sectors, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our values. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of the timber industry!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your work history, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you drive sales growth or improve customer relationships? We want to see numbers that demonstrate your impact!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at James Jones & Sons Ltd
✨Know Your Timber
Familiarise yourself with the timber industry, especially the products and services offered by James Jones & Sons Ltd. Understand their market position and competitors. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Sales Success
Prepare specific examples of your previous sales achievements, particularly in field-based roles. Highlight how you've driven growth, managed key accounts, and implemented successful strategies. Use metrics to quantify your success, as numbers speak volumes in sales.
✨Demonstrate Relationship Building Skills
Since the role involves managing relationships with timber merchants and key accounts, be ready to discuss how you've built and maintained strong partnerships in the past. Share stories that illustrate your communication and influencing skills, as these are crucial for success in this position.
✨Align with Company Values
Research the core values of James Jones & Sons Ltd, such as collaboration, ambition, respect, and excellence. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've embodied these principles in your work.
