At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic sales team and drive business growth through customer engagement.
- Company: Join Macfarlane Packaging, a leader in protective packaging with over 75 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus scheme, company car, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities with structured development plans.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in B2B sales management and a passion for customer relationships are essential.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Package: Competitive salary + bonus scheme (OTE circa £55,000), company car or allowance
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday
Sector: Protective Packaging & Manufactured Solutions
Protecting what matters, together. At Macfarlane Packaging, we protect what matters most - our people, our customers, our communities and the environment. With more than 75 years of heritage, we combine long-term stability with a forward-thinking, continuous improvement culture. You'll be joining a supportive and collaborative business where expertise is valued, development is encouraged, and everyone has the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution.
About our business: Polyformes, part of Macfarlane Group, has been established for over 40 years and is recognised as one of Europe's leading polyethylene foam converters. Based from our Leighton Buzzard manufacturing site, we support a wide range of customers with specialist protective packaging and foam conversion solutions.
The Sales Manager Role: This is a genuinely varied and hands-on sales leadership role, combining responsibility for managing an internal sales team with an active customer-facing commercial remit involving regular national travel. Reporting to the General Manager, you will lead and develop a small internal sales team at our Leighton Buzzard site whilst also taking personal responsibility for developing customer relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and growing existing accounts across the UK. This position will suit a commercially driven sales professional who enjoys balancing office-based leadership and team development with external customer engagement and field-based business development activity. You should therefore be comfortable both working from site on a regular basis whilst also being happy to travel nationally for customer meetings, account development, trade events, and commercial visits as required. Working closely with internal teams and senior leadership, you will identify opportunities, present tailored protective packaging solutions, negotiate commercial agreements, and secure profitable new business growth. Alongside leading the internal function, you will play a key role in driving overall sales performance, maintaining pipeline activity, and supporting the wider strategic growth of the business.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead, motivate, and develop the internal sales team, ensuring high standards of performance, service, and accountability
- Manage recruitment, onboarding, coaching, appraisals, and ongoing development of sales staff
- Set and monitor sales KPIs, objectives, and performance standards across the team
- Build and maintain a strong pipeline of new business opportunities through proactive prospecting, networking, referrals, and customer engagement
- Develop relationships with both existing and prospective customers across a range of sectors and applications
- Conduct customer meetings and site visits nationally to identify opportunities and present tailored packaging solutions
- Prepare quotations, solution costings, and commercial proposals in line with company parameters
- Negotiate pricing and commercial agreements to maximise margin and long-term account value
- Work collaboratively with internal departments including production, operations, and customer service to ensure successful delivery and customer satisfaction
- Maintain accurate records of sales activity, opportunities, quotations, and pipeline progression
- Manage and develop allocated customer accounts, ensuring excellent levels of service and relationship management
- Resolve customer issues and complaints professionally and efficiently
- Support the business at trade shows, exhibitions, and customer events where required
- Ensure all activity is conducted in accordance with company quality, health & safety, and operational procedures
- Keep up to date with technical product developments and market trends
What You Will Bring:
- Minimum of two years' experience in a B2B sales management or commercial leadership role
- Previous experience managing or supervising an internal sales/support team
- Proven track record of winning new business and achieving commercial growth targets
- Strong consultative sales approach with the ability to identify customer needs and deliver tailored solutions
- Experience generating opportunities through proactive prospecting, networking, and account development activity
- Commercial awareness with the ability to negotiate effectively and manage margins
- Comfortable balancing office/site-based leadership responsibilities with regular external travel for customer visits/meetings
- Self-motivated, organised, and capable of managing multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment
- Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills
- Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office and CRM systems
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable:
- Experience within packaging, manufacturing, foam conversion, distribution, or a related technical product environment
- Experience working within a solutions-led manufacturing or bespoke products environment
- Familiarity with technical or protective packaging applications
What You Will Get:
- 21 days annual leave (rising with service) plus bank holidays
- Company car or cash allowance
- Contributory pension scheme
- Extensive training and development opportunities
- Health and dental cover options for qualifying roles
Your Future With Us: At Macfarlane Group, we actively support career progression and internal mobility. This role offers genuine long-term opportunities within a successful and growing business, supported by structured development plans and ongoing training. You'll have access to both internal expertise and external development programmes, including accredited pathways with organisations such as the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) and the Institute of Sales Professionals (ISP).
How to Apply/Next Steps: We are moving quickly to identify high-calibre candidates and expect to begin interviews shortly. Please click apply to submit your up-to-date CV. All applications will be acknowledged. If you have not heard from us within 2-3 weeks, please assume your application has been unsuccessful. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, gender expression, religion, or sexual orientation. Should you require any support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please email our recruitment team directly. No recruitment agencies please.
Sales Manager in Leighton Buzzard employer: Macfarlane Packaging
At Macfarlane Packaging, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a competitive salary and bonus scheme alongside a supportive work culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement. Our Leighton Buzzard location provides employees with extensive training and development opportunities, including pathways to professional qualifications, ensuring that you can grow your career while making a meaningful impact in the protective packaging sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Manager in Leighton Buzzard
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, trade shows, and local meetups to connect with potential employers and other sales professionals. Remember, it's all about building relationships and getting your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, understand their products, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the right fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and reinforces your interest in joining their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Let’s get you that Sales Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager in Leighton Buzzard
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Sales Manager role. Highlight your B2B sales management experience and any achievements in growing accounts or winning new business.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams, developed customer relationships, and achieved sales targets in the past.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of customer interaction, make sure your application demonstrates your excellent communication and relationship-building skills. We want to see how you connect with clients!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role as quickly as possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Macfarlane Packaging
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand Macfarlane Packaging's products and services inside out. Familiarise yourself with their protective packaging solutions and how they stand out in the market. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and ability to contribute to their success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Sales Manager, you'll be leading a team, so be ready to discuss your previous experiences in managing and developing sales teams. Prepare specific examples of how you've motivated your team, set KPIs, and achieved targets. This will show that you're not just a great salesperson but also a capable leader.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle customer issues. Think of scenarios where you've successfully resolved complaints or negotiated deals. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the company culture, team dynamics, or future growth plans. This shows that you're not only interested in the role but also in how you can fit into and contribute to the company's long-term vision.
