At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a national sales team while managing key accounts in the foodservice sector.
- Company: Growing UK food supplier with a focus on wholesale and foodservice markets.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, 29 days leave, and company pension.
- Other info: Flexible field-based role with opportunities for travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on leadership role with significant autonomy.
- Qualifications: Proven B2B food sales experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: National UK – ideally Midlands based
Salary: £60,000–£65,000+ basic, negotiable depending on experience + performance-related bonus
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Field-based / Home-based | National Travel
Are you an experienced B2B food sales leader who knows how to grow key accounts, develop a sales team and open doors across the UK foodservice and wholesale market? We are recruiting a Head of Sales for a growing UK food supplier operating nationally across wholesale, foodservice, catering, distribution and independent retail. This is a hands-on commercial leadership role for someone who enjoys being close to both customers and the sales team. You'll lead a team of Business Development Managers while personally managing major accounts, developing relationships with key buyers and driving sustainable national sales growth. The position can be based anywhere in the UK, although a Midlands location would be particularly convenient due to the national customer coverage and regular field travel.
The Role
As Head of Sales, you'll take responsibility for developing the UK sales function while remaining actively involved in major customer relationships and commercial negotiations. Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading, coaching and developing a national team of Business Development Managers
- Taking ownership of key accounts and building strong relationships with major buyers
- Growing sales across wholesale, foodservice, catering, distributors and independent retail
- Identifying opportunities to increase repeat business, revenue and margin
- Re-engaging lapsed customers and rebuilding commercially valuable relationships
- Developing new business within agreed priority sales channels
- Negotiating commercial terms and closing significant pallet and high-volume orders
- Supporting the sales team in the field and helping progress key opportunities
- Using sales data, forecasts and account plans to set priorities and make commercial decisions
- Working closely with operations and supply chain teams to ensure customer commitments can be delivered
- Monitoring sales performance and creating greater structure and accountability across the sales function
About You
We're looking for an established sales professional with strong knowledge of the UK B2B food market and the credibility to deal confidently with buyers, distributors and commercial decision-makers. You should have:
- Proven experience leading and developing a sales team or sales function
- Strong B2B food sales experience within the UK market
- Good knowledge of wholesale, foodservice, catering, distribution and/or independent retail channels
- A strong track record in key account management and business development
- Experience negotiating commercial terms and closing substantial orders
- The ability to coach and motivate field-based salespeople while remaining hands-on yourself
- Commercial confidence using sales figures, forecasts and reports to drive decisions
- Strong relationship-building, negotiation and communication skills
- Fluent professional English
- A valid UK driving licence and your own car
- Flexibility to travel extensively across the UK
Experience selling ambient food products into relevant B2B channels would be particularly valuable, as would an existing network of UK wholesalers, distributors, foodservice customers or major buyers. CRM and structured sales reporting experience would also be advantageous.
What's on Offer?
- £60,000–£65,000+ basic salary, negotiable according to experience
- Performance-related bonus linked to commercial and team performance
- National, field/home-based position
- Significant autonomy and influence over UK sales growth
- Opportunity to lead and develop an established sales team
- Direct involvement with major national customer accounts
- Business mileage/fuel and reasonable authorised travel expenses reimbursed
- 29 days' annual leave, including public holidays, a birthday day off and 5 additional well-being days (34 days in total)
- Company pension
- Company sick pay following probation
- Long-term opportunity within a growing food business
Working Pattern
This is a genuinely national, customer-facing Head of Sales position, rather than a predominantly desk-based management role. Following the initial onboarding period, you should expect to spend up to four days per week in the field, visiting customers and supporting the sales team. One non-travel day is protected for team management, reporting and account planning. Occasional overnight stays will be required.
Interested?
If you are an experienced Head of Sales, National Sales Manager, Sales Director, Commercial Sales Manager or Senior Business Development Manager with a strong background in UK foodservice, wholesale or food distribution, we'd be interested in hearing from you. Apply today with your CV for a confidential discussion. Please note: only candidates currently based in the UK with a valid right to work will be considered. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Head of Sales in London employer: RND Recruitment
Join a leading premium bakery chain in London, where we pride ourselves on our vibrant work culture and commitment to employee development. As the Head of Multi-Site Bakery Operations, you will benefit from competitive remuneration, comprehensive training programmes, and opportunities for career advancement within a supportive team environment that values innovation and excellence in customer service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sales in London
✨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 Head of Sales at RND Recruitment, 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 RND Recruitment. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Head of Sales. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales in London
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 RND Recruitment:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for RND Recruitment. 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 RND Recruitment
✨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 RND Recruitment 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 RND Recruitment 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 RND Recruitment’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.
