At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales strategies and build strong customer partnerships in the plumbing sector.
- Company: Join NZ Panels Group, a respected New Zealand business with a strong product portfolio.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, vehicle, tools of trade, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive culture focused on collaboration and accountability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving sustainable business growth and leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Proven sales management experience and strong relationship-building skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
South Island | NZ Panels Group
NZ Panels Group is a proud New Zealand business with a strong portfolio of market-leading interior products and brands. Within our portfolio, Mercer is a trusted and respected brand servicing the plumbing industry with high-quality sinks, taps and other plumbing solutions. We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Sales Manager – Mercer to lead the South Island territory.
This is a senior sales leadership role responsible for driving profitable growth, leading a high-performing account management and sales support team, and building strong long-term customer partnerships across the plumbing sector.
The Opportunity
Reporting into senior leadership, the Sales Manager – Mercer will lead the New Zealand account management function, ensuring sustainable sales and margin growth through customer retention, market share expansion, and strategic account development. This role combines hands-on key account management with people leadership and commercial strategy. You’ll work closely with plumbing businesses, merchants, distributors, and internal stakeholders to strengthen Mercer’s market position and deliver exceptional customer value.
Key Responsibilities
- Sales & Business Growth
- Develop and execute sales strategies aligned with annual and long-term business plans
- Drive profitable sales and margin growth across the South Island territory
- Lead sales initiatives that grow market share and strengthen customer engagement
- Contribute to annual budgeting and manage sales performance against targets
- Customer & Account Management
- Build, manage, and grow strategic relationships with key plumbing industry customers
- Understand customer needs and deliver value-driven, win-win solutions
- Champion exceptional customer service and long-term partnership development
- Present to customer groups and lead regular sales meetings as required
- Collaborate cross-functionally to support successful customer outcomes and business initiatives
- Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, coach, mentor, and inspire a small team
- Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, growth, and collaboration
- Brand & Market Leadership
- Develop deep knowledge and passion for the Mercer brand and product portfolio
- Champion brand positioning, customer value propositions, and market opportunities
- Provide market insights, channel strategies, and competitive intelligence to the wider business
About You
You are an experienced sales leader who thrives on building relationships, leading teams, and delivering commercial results. You will bring:
- Proven experience in sales management, key account management, or business development
- Background within plumbing, building products, construction, manufacturing, or trade industries
- Strong commercial and financial acumen
- Exceptional relationship-building and negotiation skills
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
- Strategic thinking with the ability to execute and deliver results
- Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
- A proactive, hands-on, and solutions-focused approach
What We Offer
- Opportunity to lead a respected and established New Zealand brand
- Competitive salary package including vehicle and tools of trade
- Supportive and collaborative culture
- Career growth opportunities within NZ Panels Group
If you are passionate about sales leadership, customer partnerships, and driving sustainable business growth, we would love to hear from you. Apply now with your CV and cover letter.
Sales Manager - Mercer in Canterbury employer: New Zealand Panels Group
At NZ Panels Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative culture that fosters career growth and development. As the Sales Manager for Mercer, you will lead a high-performing team in a respected New Zealand brand, with competitive salary packages and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the plumbing industry across the South Island. Join us to thrive in a role that combines strategic leadership with the chance to build lasting customer partnerships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Manager - Mercer in Canterbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the plumbing industry. Attend trade shows, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers or clients, make sure to highlight your experience in sales management and key account management. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth and built strong customer relationships.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand Mercer’s position in the market and think about how you can contribute to their growth. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager - Mercer in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Sales Manager role. Highlight your sales achievements, leadership experience, and any relevant industry knowledge to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about the plumbing industry and how you can drive growth for Mercer. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team, make sure to emphasise your leadership style and any successful team initiatives you've led in the past. We want to see how you inspire and develop others!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the NZ Panels Group family!
How to prepare for a job interview at New Zealand Panels Group
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of Mercer’s product portfolio. Familiarise yourself with their sinks, taps, and plumbing solutions. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can drive sales and customer engagement effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Sales Manager, you'll be leading a team, so be prepared to discuss your leadership approach. Share specific examples of how you've coached and inspired teams in the past. Highlight your ability to foster a high-performance culture and how you plan to do this at Mercer.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Prepare scenarios where you've successfully managed key accounts or driven sales growth. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Customer-Centric Approach
Mercer values strong customer partnerships, so be ready to discuss how you build and maintain relationships. Share examples of how you've understood customer needs and delivered win-win solutions. This will show that you’re not just focused on sales, but also on providing exceptional customer service.