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 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 and professional growth, you will be empowered to make meaningful contributions and build lasting relationships within the interior design community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Pelican House inside out! Familiarise yourself with their products, values, and the ethical craftsmanship they stand for. This will not only help you in conversations but also show your genuine interest in the brand.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, fairs, and networking opportunities where you can meet potential clients and other professionals. Building relationships is key in this role, so don’t be shy about putting yourself out there.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in reaching out to potential clients. Don’t wait for them to come to you; introduce Pelican House to new accounts and sales opportunities. A friendly email or a quick call can go a long way in establishing those all-important connections.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep track of your progress! Use tools like HubSpot to manage your leads and sales activities. Regularly review your performance against targets and adjust your strategies accordingly. This will help you stay organised and focused on achieving those sales goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:When writing your cover letter, make it personal! Share why you're excited about Pelican House and how your experience aligns with our values. We want to see your passion for ethical craftsmanship and luxury design shine through.
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send the same CV everywhere! Tailor it to highlight your relevant experience in trade sales and client management. Show us how your skills can help grow Pelican House and make a real impact.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured documents that are easy to read. Make sure to highlight your key achievements and experiences without rambling on!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
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 Sales Journey
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past roles that highlight your success in managing client relationships and driving sales. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Come armed with thoughtful questions about Pelican House’s future plans, especially regarding their expansion into the USA. This demonstrates your proactive mindset and genuine interest in the role, while also giving you a clearer picture of how you can fit into their vision.
✨Be Yourself
Pelican House values authenticity and a personal touch in client interactions. During the interview, let your personality shine through. Share your passion for design and ethical practices, and don’t hesitate to express how you can bring your unique flair to the team.
