At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the sales and bid function, ensuring commercial soundness and operational deliverability.
- Company: Oliver Valves, a £100m global engineering business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression to director level, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a culture focused on margin improvement and risk reduction.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions that shape the future of a leading engineering company.
- Qualifications: Experience in bid governance, contract negotiation, and commercial leadership.
The predicted salary is between 69750 - 85250 £ per year.
Role: Head of Commercial Sales
Location: Knutsford, Parkgate Industrial Estate (Office Based)
Working Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am till 5pm
We're looking for a senior commercial leader to take ownership of bid governance and commercial decision-making at Oliver Valves, a £100m global engineering business. This role sits at the centre of how we win work. You will lead the internal sales and bid function, ensuring all opportunities are commercially sound, contractually robust, and operationally deliverable.
You will act as the gatekeeper for major bids - reviewing scope, challenging assumptions, and approving or rejecting opportunities based on margin, risk, and delivery capability. Working closely with engineering, supply chain, and operations, you will ensure alignment before orders are accepted, reducing downstream issues and improving overall contract performance.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has led bid and/or commercial functions within engineering or manufacturing
- Is experienced in contract review and negotiation (LDs, warranties, liabilities)
- Has operated formal bid governance and approval processes
- Is confident challenging senior stakeholders and making difficult commercial decisions
- Focuses on margin, risk, and quality of order intake - not just revenue
You will play a key role in improving margin, reducing risk exposure, and embedding a more disciplined, commercially focused culture across the business. This is a high-impact role with a clear path to director level.
Sales Office Manager in Knutsford employer: Oliver Valves Group
At Oliver Valves Group, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. As an On-Site Supplier Quality Engineer, you will benefit from our commitment to employee development through continuous training and growth opportunities, all while working in the vibrant and culturally rich setting of China. Join us to be part of a team that values quality and excellence in precision machining, ensuring your contributions make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Office Manager in Knutsford
✨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 Office Manager at Oliver Valves Group, 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 Oliver Valves Group. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sales Office Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Office Manager in Knutsford
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 Oliver Valves Group:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Oliver Valves Group. 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 Oliver Valves Group
✨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 Oliver Valves Group 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 Oliver Valves Group 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 Oliver Valves Group’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.
