Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales growth in the industrial chemicals sector and build new customer relationships.
- Company: Fast-growing distributor of speciality chemicals with a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, uncapped bonuses, pension scheme, and opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of the UK commercial strategy.
- Qualifications: Proven sales experience in industrial chemicals and strong networking skills.
- Other info: Exciting career growth prospects in a rapidly expanding organisation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Travel: UK-wide + 4–5 trips to EU HQ + annual international sales meetings + occasional supplier training visits.
Our client is a highly specialised and well-respected distributor of speciality chemicals, supplying a growing portfolio of principals into the industrial manufacturing sector and life sciences. With headquarters in Europe and a UK base in the North West, they offer a unique sourcing service and partner only with carefully chosen principals, ensuring exceptional quality and technical expertise. The organisation is fast-growing, and with the UK division delivering exceptional results, they now require an additional sales professional to help drive the next phase of growth. This is an exciting time to join a supportive, open, and collaborative team with a strong culture across both industrial and life sciences divisions.
This is a key strategic position requiring an experienced and entrepreneurial UK Sales Manager to build sales from zero and drive long-term business growth. You will focus on developing new customer relationships, expanding market presence, and working closely with principals to identify the best opportunities for the UK market. You will have the freedom to shape the UK commercial strategy and, ideally, bring ideas for new principals or even existing relationships to support business expansion.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and execute a UK sales strategy across industrial manufacturing sectors.
- Build new business from the ground up, targeting the industrial sectors including paints, coatings, adhesives, inks, plastics, polymers, composites, and related sectors.
- Strengthen relationships with existing principals and identify new potential partners.
- Act as the main UK contact for customers, suppliers, and the European HQ.
- Manage the full sales cycle from lead generation to contract negotiation.
- Attend UK office and EU office, customer visits, regular annual international sales conferences, and supplier training trips as needed.
- Collaborate with a supportive, cross-functional team known for openness, communication, and strong internal cooperation.
- Proven sales experience within industrial chemicals.
- Background in one or more relevant sectors: Paints & coatings, Adhesives & sealants, Inks, Plastics & polymers, Composites, Other industrial manufacturing materials.
- Experience building new business and growing revenue over time.
- Ideally able to introduce new principals or contribute ideas for expanding the principal portfolio.
- Excellent communicator with strong networking skills.
- Self-motivated, proactive, and commercially focused.
- Open, friendly, and collaborative – fits well within a team that truly supports each other.
- Able to work autonomously while contributing to wider company goals.
- Good standard of education preferably with a degree level qualification desirable, but not essential.
- UK driving licence and the right to work in the UK are essential.
- Attractive salary, Car, Uncapped bonus scheme, great pension scheme and benefits.
- Inclusive, friendly, team-oriented culture.
- Opportunities for international travel and supplier engagement.
- Strong long-term growth prospects within a rapidly expanding organisation.
Sales Manager employer: Merritt Recruitment Limited.
Contact Detail:
Merritt Recruitment Limited. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, trade shows, and local meetups to connect with potential employers and other sales professionals. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Sales Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Leverage social media, especially LinkedIn. Share your insights on the industrial chemicals sector, engage with relevant content, and connect with decision-makers in companies you're interested in. It’s all about getting your name out there!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its principals. Understand their products and market position so you can discuss how you can contribute to their growth. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the right fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting opportunities, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Sales Manager. Highlight your experience in industrial chemicals and any relevant sectors like paints or plastics. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for sales and how you can contribute to our growth. Mention specific strategies you’ve used in the past to build new business – we love hearing about your successes!
Showcase Your Networking Skills: Since building relationships is key, don’t forget to mention your networking abilities. Share examples of how you've strengthened partnerships in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can connect with both customers and suppliers effortlessly!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get noticed. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and let us know why you’d be a great fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Merritt Recruitment Limited.
✨Know Your Industry Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the industrial chemicals sector, especially the specific areas mentioned in the job description like paints, coatings, and adhesives. Being able to discuss trends, challenges, and opportunities in these sectors will show your potential employer that you're not just a sales manager, but a knowledgeable partner.
✨Demonstrate Your Sales Strategy Skills
Prepare to talk about your previous experiences in building sales from scratch. Have specific examples ready that showcase how you've developed and executed successful sales strategies. This is crucial since the role involves driving growth from zero, so be ready to impress with your entrepreneurial spirit!
✨Showcase Your Networking Abilities
Since this role requires strong networking skills, think of instances where you've successfully built relationships with clients or partners. Be prepared to discuss how you can leverage these skills to strengthen existing relationships and identify new principals for the company.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
This position is all about working within a supportive team environment. Share examples of how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight your open and friendly approach, as well as your ability to contribute to wider company goals while working autonomously.
