At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead international sales strategy and drive growth in global markets.
- Company: High-growth branded food manufacturer with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity to shape international strategy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global market expansion and commercial success.
- Qualifications: Senior sales leadership experience in FMCG and proven international growth track record.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong focus on innovation and accountability.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 Β£ per year.
QLM Search is partnering with a high growth branded food manufacturer who are looking to appoint a Head of Sales - International Markets. Reporting to the CEO, this newly created position will play a central role in shaping our international strategy, identifying the markets where we can win, and working closely with the wider leadership team to turn that strategy into sustained commercial performance.
Our client is looking for someone who brings the best of both worlds: a leader who has been classically trained within a major branded food or FMCG organisation and truly understands what βgoodβ looks like, but who has also proven they can apply that discipline and know-how in more agile, high-growth environments. This combination of structured commercial thinking and entrepreneurial agility is critical for success here.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic Leadership
- Define and deliver a clear international growth strategy, covering all markets outside UKI and North America.
- Build a strong point of view on where to play and how to win, and ensure this guides decision-making across markets.
- Identify the right opportunities, channels, and partners to unlock meaningful long-term growth.
- Develop optimum route to market and category strategies to execute and win in store.
- Customer & Market Development
- Build and nurture senior relationships with international retailers, distributors, brokers, and strategic partners.
- Lead negotiations and joint business planning to secure distribution, drive category performance, and deliver commercial results.
- Stay close to global consumer, category, and market trends, and use these insights to shape our approach.
- Commercial Execution
- Lead rigorous sales planning, forecasting, and performance management across all markets.
- Establish the right commercial structure as we grow, including distributor networks and future internal resources.
- Ensure commercial plans deliver profitable, sustainable growth and support broader business objectives.
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Work closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to maintain alignment on priorities, performance, and market developments.
- Partner with Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, and Finance to ensure international plans are integrated and executable.
- Foster strong communication, transparency, and accountability across teams.
- Senior commercial leadership experience (Sales Director, Commercial Director, Head of Sales) with a track record of leading and delivering international, multi-market growth.
- Proven success building relationships and delivering results with international retailers and distributors.
- Strong foundations from a major branded food or FMCG company, with a clear understanding of commercial best practice.
- Complementary experience in entrepreneurial, high-growth or scale-up environments, demonstrating the ability to work hands-on and make things happen at pace.
- Experience creating market strategies, opening new markets, and growing distribution and revenue.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen, including P&L ownership.
- Strategic thinker who can translate insight and analysis into practical, actionable plans.
- Excellent relationship builder and negotiator with strong influencing skills.
- Comfortable moving between strategic work and hands-on execution.
- Self-driven and highly accountable, while maintaining strong communication and alignment with senior leaders.
- Entrepreneurial, pragmatic, and resilient.
- Low-ego leadership style with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
- Collaborative, open communicator who builds trust and alignment quickly.
- Confident and credible when representing the business externally.
- Operationally agile, multi-tasker with high action orientation.
- Able to work standalone, sets high standards with a strong focus on delivery.
Head of Sales - International Markets in England employer: QLM Search
Contact Detail:
QLM Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Head of Sales - International Markets in England
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and donβt be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its competitors, and come armed with questions that show youβre genuinely interested. Practice your pitch so you can confidently showcase how your experience aligns with their needs.
β¨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and highlight any key points from your conversation.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Weβve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, itβs super easy to keep track of your applications that way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales - International Markets in England
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Sales - International Markets. Highlight your experience in both structured environments and agile settings, showcasing how you've successfully driven international growth.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us about your strategic thinking and relationship-building skills. Share specific examples of how you've navigated complex negotiations or developed successful market strategies.
Showcase Your Achievements: Quantify your successes! Whether it's revenue growth, market expansion, or successful partnerships, we want to see numbers that demonstrate your impact. This will help us understand how you can contribute to our international strategy.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you donβt miss any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at QLM Search
β¨Know Your Market Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the international markets relevant to the role. Understand the trends, key players, and potential challenges. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also your strategic thinking capabilities.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with the company's culture. Share specific examples of how you've built relationships and driven results in previous roles, especially in high-growth environments.
β¨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical challenges related to market entry or sales strategy. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, demonstrating both your analytical skills and your ability to execute.
β¨Align with Company Values
Research the companyβs mission and values, and think about how your personal style and experiences reflect these. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their goals while maintaining a collaborative and open communication style.