At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales for General Merchandise to UK retail groups and department stores.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing organization with a 37% growth over three years.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, car allowance, and healthcare.
- Why this job: This role offers autonomy and the chance to shape company direction in a dynamic market.
- Qualifications: Must have proven expertise in UK general merchandise sales and strong retail connections.
- Other info: Remote work with travel across the UK to meet clients and strengthen partnerships.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 180000 £ per year.
Title: UK Sales Director
Products: General Merchandise (Food Prep Items, Storage & Organisation, Homewares, etc.)
Sales Focus: UK Retail Groups (Supermarkets) & Department Stores
Location: Remote based in the United Kingdom (with travel)
Salary: £150,000 – £180,000 plus bonus, plus car allowance, healthcare etc.
**MUST have expertise in General Merchandise sales to UK supermarkets**
Do you want to work for an organisation that has grown 37% over the past three years? Are you a seasoned sales leader with a deep understanding of the UK retail sector? Do you thrive on building relationships, expanding product categories, and driving sales growth? If so, we want to hear from you!
We’re seeking a Sales Director – General Merchandise to take charge of selling our clients extensive product range to UK retail groups and department stores. This is a high-impact role, perfect for a driven self-starter who can work independently, think strategically, and execute flawlessly.
This position holds a lot of autonomy which means that you’ll have the freedom to follow your instincts and make your own decisions. You’ll be trusted to know what’s best, guiding your internationally based colleagues on UK sales needs and trends.
You will also be playing a significant role in the general impact of the company. As Sales Director you will be crucial in steering where the company is heading and making sure they stand out and keep growing through retail analysis, customer trends and sales strategies.
Current customers include: Tesco, ALDI, Lidl, ASDA, Morrisons, The Range, Waitrose, TKX, John Lewis, Lakeland, and more. You will need to be confident handling a range of customer accounts.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and grow existing retail accounts while identifying new opportunities in emerging product sectors
- Manage and optimise a diverse portfolio of several hundred SKUs
- Build and maintain strong relationships with buyers, ensuring alignment with retail calendars and pricing strategies
- Travel across the UK to meet clients, strengthen partnerships, and drive sales performance
- Utilise internal tech platforms (MS Teams, Slack, CRM tools) to streamline communication and reporting
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven expertise in general merchandise sales within the UK retail market
- Strong network of retail buyers and key decision-makers in department stores and retail groups
- Highly organised with a structured, strategic approach to account and product management
- Tech-savvy, and comfortable with digital collaboration tools and internal reporting systems
- Self-motivated & independent, able to drive results without constant oversight
If you have expert experience in delivering sales results with General Merchandise products in the UK retail eco-system, I want to speak to you about this exciting remote-based Sales Director opportunity!
Sales Director employer: Oliver Carol Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Oliver Carol Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Director
✨Tip Number 1
Leverage your existing network in the UK retail sector. Reach out to former colleagues or industry contacts who may have insights into the company or the role. Personal connections can often provide valuable information and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends in general merchandise and the UK retail market. Follow relevant news sources, join industry groups, and participate in discussions to demonstrate your expertise and passion for the field during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in previous roles that led to sales growth. Be ready to share examples of how you built relationships with key buyers and navigated challenges in the retail landscape.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarize yourself with the company's product range and current customers. Understanding their offerings and how they fit into the market will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to their growth and success.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your expertise in general merchandise sales, particularly within the UK retail market. Include specific achievements and metrics that demonstrate your success in driving sales growth.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasize your experience with UK supermarkets and department stores. Discuss how your strategic approach and relationship-building skills align with the company's goals and values.
Showcase Your Network: Mention your strong network of retail buyers and decision-makers in your application. This will demonstrate your ability to leverage existing relationships to drive sales and expand product categories.
Highlight Tech Proficiency: Since the role requires using internal tech platforms, be sure to mention your comfort with digital collaboration tools and CRM systems. Provide examples of how you've used technology to streamline communication and reporting in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oliver Carol Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Expertise
Make sure to highlight your proven expertise in general merchandise sales within the UK retail market. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully driven sales growth and built relationships with key retail buyers.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss your structured, strategic approach to account and product management. Share insights on how you identify new opportunities and optimize existing accounts, as this role requires a high level of strategic thinking.
✨Familiarize Yourself with Key Clients
Research the current customers mentioned in the job description, such as Tesco and ALDI. Understanding their business models and recent trends will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their success.
✨Emphasize Tech Savviness
Since the role involves using internal tech platforms like MS Teams and CRM tools, be prepared to discuss your experience with digital collaboration tools. Highlight any relevant skills that demonstrate your ability to streamline communication and reporting.