At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing sales team and drive profitable growth in the packaging industry.
- Company: Respected manufacturer of innovative packaging solutions with a strong commitment to quality and service.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, performance bonus, car allowance, pension, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Confidential application process with excellent long-term career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Influence strategic direction and make a real impact in a growing international business.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in commercial leadership within packaging, strong negotiation and relationship management skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT & HR EXPERTS ACROSS THE PLASTICS, PACKAGING, SPECIALITY CHEMICALS, LIFE SCIENCES, BIOPOLYMER, FOOD ADDITIVES & INGREDIENTS, ENERGY AND RECYCLING SECTORS SINCE 1975.
Location: United Kingdom (with regular UK and European travel).
Salary: Attractive Executive Package + Performance Bonus + Car Allowance + Benefits
Our Client: A highly respected and successful manufacturer of innovative packaging solutions, supplying many of the world's leading consumer and industrial brands. Continued investment, a strong commitment to innovation and a customer-centric approach have positioned the business for significant future growth.
As part of its long-term strategic development, our client is seeking to appoint an experienced Sales Director to lead its commercial function and drive the next phase of profitable expansion. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this is a key leadership appointment with responsibility for developing the commercial strategy, strengthening customer partnerships and leading a high-performing sales organisation.
The Opportunity: This is an outstanding opportunity for a commercially astute leader to influence the strategic direction of a well-established manufacturing business with an excellent reputation for quality, service and innovation. The successful candidate will lead a talented commercial team, develop new market opportunities and work closely with customers and internal stakeholders to deliver sustainable, value-added packaging solutions across multiple industry sectors.
- Key Responsibilities
- Commercial Leadership
- Develop and implement the company's sales strategy in line with long-term business objectives.
- Lead, coach and develop a high-performing sales team focused on profitable growth.
- Create a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Recruit, mentor and develop future commercial talent.
- Business Growth
- Identify and deliver new business opportunities across targeted market sectors.
- Expand relationships with existing customers while securing strategic new accounts.
- Develop market strategies that drive sustainable revenue and margin growth.
- Translate market intelligence into commercially successful sales initiatives.
- Strategic Customer Management
- Build trusted executive-level relationships with major customers.
- Lead complex commercial negotiations while protecting profitability.
- Champion customer-focused packaging solutions across materials, printing, converting and sustainable packaging technologies.
- Ensure exceptional levels of customer satisfaction and service delivery.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Operations, Technology, Quality, Supply Chain and Business Development teams.
- Support new product development and commercialisation initiatives.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of compelling customer value propositions.
- Commercial Performance
- Drive best practice in CRM, pipeline management and sales forecasting.
- Utilise data and commercial analytics to improve decision-making and sales effectiveness.
- Implement structured business development processes to support long-term growth.
- Candidate Profile
- At least 10 years' progressive commercial experience, including senior sales leadership within packaging.
- A proven history of delivering profitable sales growth.
- Experience building, motivating and developing successful sales teams.
- Strong strategic selling, negotiation and relationship management skills.
- Excellent commercial judgement and leadership capability.
- The ability to influence both customers and internal stakeholders at executive level.
- Desirable Experience
- Flexible packaging, films, laminates or other engineered packaging solutions.
- Knowledge of packaging materials, printing and converting processes.
- Experience supporting sustainability-led packaging initiatives.
- MBA or equivalent advanced business qualification.
- Competitive basic salary
- Performance-related bonus
- Company car or car allowance
- Pension and comprehensive benefits
- Long-term career development within a growing international business
The ideal candidate will be an experienced commercial leader with a successful track record within the packaging or converting industry. You will demonstrate:
The Package: An attractive executive remuneration package is available, including:
Confidential Application: Listgrove has been assigned to manage this appointment on behalf of our client. All applications and enquiries will be handled in the strictest confidence. To discuss this opportunity confidentially, or to apply, please contact Listgrove Ltd, quoting the reference number for this assignment. Please understand that due to the expected high number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the country where the role is located. Evidence of the right to work may be required during the recruitment process.
For reasons of readability, gender-specific language has been simplified. All references to individuals apply equally to people of all genders.
Sales Director employer: Listgrove
Listgrove is an exceptional employer located in Worcestershire, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement, particularly in the exciting field of new product introductions. Join us to be part of a team that values quality and timely delivery while supporting your career aspirations in a thriving environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Director
✨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 Sales Director at Listgrove, 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 Listgrove. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sales Director. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Director
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 Listgrove:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Listgrove. 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 Listgrove
✨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 Listgrove 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 Listgrove 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 Listgrove’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.
