At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales for a luxury rug brand, building relationships with designers and clients.
- Company: Pelican House, a sustainable design studio creating bespoke rugs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, gym membership, 34 holiday days, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Join a growing brand and shape its future while promoting ethical craftsmanship.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in trade sales, strong communication skills, and a passion for design.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
Pelican House is a design studio that creates bespoke, hand-crafted rugs for Interior Designers, with core principles of luxury design, ethical production and exceptional craftsmanship. Run by two female Founders, Bella Valenzia and India Holmes, their model is accountable, responsible and sustainable by design, selecting rug partners on ethical grounds. They work with the NGO Label Step to ensure the interests of our artisans are protected at each stage of the process. Pelican House strives towards a world where consumers enjoy both ethical transparency and uncompromised style through the statement rugs they buy.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced, confident, and commercially minded Trade Sales Manager to play a central role in the next stage of Pelican House’s growth. This is a senior, hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys ownership, thrives in a dynamic environment, and takes pride in delivering exceptional client experiences. You will be responsible for managing the full sales journey - from first enquiry through to order fulfilment - while proactively developing new business and nurturing long-term relationships with interior designers, architects, and hospitality clients. This is not a showroom-based role; the focus is on relationship-led sales, outreach, and account management. You will work closely with the Founder, Bella, and Studio Manager, and will have the opportunity to shape processes, strategy, and the future structure of the sales function in a friendly, supportive environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Grow company revenue from trade customers to achieve company sales targets.
- Act as the primary point of contact for clients across the full sales lifecycle, ensuring a seamless, considered, and personal experience.
- Manage and grow relationships with interior designers, architects and hospitality clients.
- Manage inbound enquiries, ensuring all communications are responded to promptly and professionally.
- Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with existing clients.
- Introduce the company to new accounts and sales opportunities.
- Prepare and issue quotations, invoices, and delivery estimates, including international orders.
- Collaborate on and send brochures, price lists, design updates and presentations to clients.
- Maintain customer data and record all sales activity and opportunities accurately within HubSpot.
- Track potential and confirmed orders, proactively progressing leads to conversion.
- Oversee the ordering of samples and coordinate sample loans with support from the Studio Manager.
- Managing and screen trade account enquiries and applications.
- Keep clients informed throughout the production and delivery process, managing expectations with clarity and care.
- Work with the Founder & Creative Director on stock levels, pricing, margins, and sales forecasting.
- Identify event opportunities.
- Work alongside external digital marketing partners where required, ensuring the marketing calendar aligns with our sales goals and supports sales activity.
Business Development & Outreach
- Develop and implement a considered business development and outreach strategy across trade and hospitality sectors aligned with the Pelican House brand.
- Identify key customers to attend Company-hosted events and manage event invitations.
- Identify and pursue new sales avenues including trade partnerships, hospitality projects, collaborations, and international opportunities.
- Lead our growth in the USA.
- Arrange and host studio visits, presentations, and client meetings, and conduct regular visits to interior design studios.
- Represent Pelican House at relevant industry events, fairs, and networking opportunities.
Reporting & Operations
- Report on performance against sales targets monthly, quarterly, and annually.
- Prepare regular sales reports, highlighting key accounts, opportunities, and best- and worst-performing products.
- Lead monthly sales meetings and contribute to quarterly business reviews.
- Assist with forecasting and provide input into cashflow planning related to sales activity.
- Continuously review and improve sales processes to ensure efficiency, clarity, and scalability.
Key Skills & Experience
- Minimum 5+ years’ experience in a similar role.
- Experience in the trade interior world is essential.
- Experience working with HubSpot or a similar CRM system.
- Experience within rugs is desirable but not essential.
- Strong commercial awareness, with confidence working with pricing, margins, and projections.
- Highly organised, detail-oriented, and calm under pressure.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a natural ability to build trust and rapport.
- Proactive, self-motivated, and comfortable working independently within a small team.
- Confident using Apple Mac systems and Googledrive.
- A genuine appreciation for ethical craftsmanship, design, and interiors.
Role Details
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9am–6pm
Location: Hybrid. Tues - Thurs in Camden office
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience.
Benefits: Gym membership, 34 holiday days (including bank holidays) + Christmas break, Flexible daily work schedule 8.30/9am to 5.30/6pm, Hybrid working, Employee/trade discount & sample sales.
Why Join Pelican House?
This is a rare opportunity to take a leading role within a growing luxury brand and help shape its future. You will be trusted with responsibility, encouraged to bring ideas, and supported in building a sales function that reflects the values and ambition of Pelican House.
To Apply
Please send your CV along with a short cover letter outlining why you would be a great fit for the role to: bella@pelican-house.com. We look forward to hearing from you.
Sales Manager in City of London employer: Pelican House
Pelican House is an exceptional employer that champions ethical craftsmanship and luxury design, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in Camden. As a Trade Sales Manager, you will enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and flexible working arrangements, all while playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of a growing brand. With opportunities for personal growth and the chance to make meaningful connections within the interior design community, Pelican House is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Manager in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Pelican House inside out! Research their products, values, and the market they operate in. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, fairs, and networking opportunities where Pelican House might be present. Building relationships with people in the trade interior world can open doors for you.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in reaching out! Don’t wait for job openings to appear. Connect with Bella or other team members on LinkedIn, and express your interest in contributing to their growth. A friendly message can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your sales skills! Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed client relationships and driven sales in the past. Be ready to discuss your strategies and how they align with Pelican House's goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Personalised Cover Letter:When you write your cover letter, make it personal! Mention why you're excited about Pelican House and how your experience aligns with the role. Show us that you understand our values and what we stand for.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on your past roles that relate to sales and client management. We want to see how you've successfully built relationships and driven sales in similar environments. Be specific about your achievements!
Keep It Professional Yet Friendly:While we love a casual vibe, remember to maintain professionalism in your application. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to get to know the real you, so let your personality shine through!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to see what you've got!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pelican House
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Pelican House's ethos and product range. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to ethical craftsmanship and luxury design. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you connect your experience in trade sales to their values.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
Since this role is all about relationship-led sales, prepare examples of how you've successfully built and maintained client relationships in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them to nurture long-term partnerships.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Strategy
Pelican House is looking for someone who can shape processes and strategies. Come prepared with ideas on how you would approach business development and outreach in the trade and hospitality sectors. This shows initiative and aligns with their growth ambitions.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. Ask about their future plans, how they measure success in the sales team, or what challenges they foresee in the market. This demonstrates your engagement and strategic thinking.
