Avocet is a leading UK manufacturer of flame retardants, dyes, and textile auxiliaries, and part of the John Hogg Technical Solutions Group. Since 1982, we have supplied high-quality solutions to the textile industry from our site in Brighouse, offering a diverse range of acid, basic, disperse, reactive, and solvent dyes; as well as pigments and auxiliaries for preparation, dyeing, and finishing. With a strong focus on technical support, rapid response, and customer partnerships, we help businesses compete on a global scale. For more information, visit our website.
We are looking for an experienced Sales Manager - Speciality Chemicals to join our team and help support the continued growth of our business.
About the role:
The Sales Manager is responsible for driving profitable sales growth within the textile market, developing strategic customer relationships and leading commercial activities within the business. Combining technical textile expertise with commercial leadership, the role plays a critical part in expanding market presence, identifying new business opportunities and delivering sustainable growth across existing and emerging markets.
The successful candidate will lead and develop the sales team, manage key customer accounts, collaborate closely with Research & Development and Marketing teams, and support the continued growth of innovative chemical solutions and product offerings. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially focused sales leader who enjoys developing customer relationships, driving business performance and working within an international market.
Responsibilities
Planning & Execution
- Develop the Textile Business Unit commercial strategy into clear team plans, setting priorities and allocating resources to ensure delivery of sales objectives.
- Develop short- to medium-term sales plans that achieve budget (volume, turnover, profit) and align with wider company goals.
- Ensure robust sales forecasting and pipeline management processes are in place to support accurate reporting and informed decision-making via CRM system.
- Drive visibility of Business Unit plans across the company, ensuring alignment with key functional teams.
- Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities, driving market presence and positioning Avocet as the go-to provider of innovative chemical solutions for Flame retardant chemistry.
- Assist in the development of the Marketing Plan, collaborate on new Sales Materials, product ranges and targeted promotions, online, trade shows, conferences etc.
Relationships
- Sales & Customer Management: Cultivate and manage relationships with key customers, agents and distributors expanding Avocet’s Sales network and establishing new agents and networks, develop new contacts with other strategic partners such as Trade, Research bodies and Retail groups.
- Champion the voice of the customer across the company, ensuring customer needs and expectations are understood and considered in decision-making.
- Build and maintain key commercial relationships externally and internally.
- Build and maintain a strong working relationship with the Marketing department utilising their knowledge to develop an understand of the market and assisting in the collation and reporting of customer feedback.
Operational
- Implement and manage sales administration tasks.
- Manage the financial reporting for the Business Unit performance.
- Monitor and manage team performance against KPIs, provide regular feedback, and implement corrective actions as needed to meet targets.
Other
- Innovation and R&D Collaboration: Work closely with R&D teams to drive continuous innovation, particularly in FR, DWR and Finishing chemistry and explore opportunities in other areas enhancing Avocet’s product offerings and market reach.
- Understand the required resource needed to support the BU commercial activities, actioning as appropriate. Provide additional training and development where needed.
- Represent the BU Commercially when appropriate across the company and externally.
- Actively support and contribute to projects and improvement initiatives, working collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes and deliver business objectives, including undertaking project management responsibilities where appropriate.
About you
Qualifications:
A degree in Chemistry or a related discipline would be advantageous. Project management qualifications and additional language capabilities would be beneficial.
Experience:
Extensive international sales management experience, ideally within the Material Science industry, is essential. Demonstrable experience of business development, territory planning, key account management and sales leadership is required. Experience leading and developing sales teams and influencing cross-functional stakeholders is highly desirable.
Behaviours:
Conceptual Thinking, Innovativeness, Self Control, Positive Self Image, Adaptability, Rational Persuasion, Concern for Impact, Development Orientation, Results Orientation, Initiative
Sales Manager in Manchester employer: John Hogg Technical Solutions
Avocet is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Brighouse where innovation and quality are at the forefront of our operations. With a strong commitment to employee development through a comprehensive training plan and health initiatives, we foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. Join us as a QC Technician and be part of a team that values your contributions while providing competitive benefits and a supportive atmosphere.
Contact Details:
John Hogg Technical Solutions Recruitment Team
