At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the national sales strategy in the automotive Bodyshop sector.
- Company: Dynamic automotive company focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, company car, and excellent benefits.
- Other info: Join a high-performing team with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Drive sustainable revenue growth and make a real impact in the automotive industry.
- Qualifications: Proven sales leadership experience and strong negotiation skills required.
Salary £70,000 - £80,000 per annum + £10,000 Bonus + Company Car
Excellent Company Benefits
Location - The Midlands
Role Overview
The National Sales Director is responsible for leading and developing the company's national sales strategy within the automotive Bodyshop and refinishing sector. The role focuses on driving sustainable revenue growth, strengthening distributor relationships, expanding market share, and developing a high-performing sales team. The position requires a commercially minded leader who can balance strategic planning with hands-on customer engagement across distributors, Bodyshop groups, independent repair centres, and key industry stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
- Sales Leadership & Business Growth
- Reporting into the Managing Director and overseeing 6 Regional Sales Managers and a Sales Co-ordinator. Overseeing their development and growth.
- Develop and implement the national sales strategy to achieve revenue, margin, and market share objectives.
- Identify and secure business opportunities across the Bodyshop, collision repair, and automotive refinishing markets.
- Drive sales growth through existing accounts while developing new customer channels and partnerships.
- Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and customer requirements to identify opportunities for business expansion.
- Deliver regular sales forecasting, pipeline management, and performance reporting to senior leadership.
- Manage pricing strategies and commercial negotiations to maximise profitability while maintaining competitiveness.
- Distributor Management
- Build and maintain strong strategic relationships with national and regional distributors.
- Promotional programmes, and growth plans with distribution partners.
- Work collaboratively with distributors to increase product penetration, market coverage, and customer acquisition.
- Conduct regular business reviews with key distributor accounts to monitor performance and identify growth opportunities.
- Resolve commercial issues and ensure a high level of customer satisfaction throughout the supply chain.
- Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, motivate, and develop a team of seven sales professionals, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Set clear objectives, KPIs, and performance expectations for all team members.
- Conduct regular coaching, mentoring, and performance reviews to support professional development and succession planning.
- Identify training needs and implement development programmes to enhance commercial capability and industry knowledge.
- Foster a customer-focused and results-driven sales culture.
- Key Account Management
- Develop relationships with major Bodyshop groups, vehicle repair networks, and strategic customers.
- Support the sales team in securing and managing high-value accounts.
- Lead complex commercial negotiations and contract discussions.
- Ensure customer retention through exceptional service, technical support coordination, and proactive account management.
- Strategic Planning & Market Development
- Develop annual sales budgets and business plans aligned with company objectives.
- Work closely with marketing, operations, technical, and customer service teams to deliver integrated growth strategies.
- Identify new product opportunities and provide market feedback to support product development initiatives.
- Represent the company at industry events, trade exhibitions, and customer meetings.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Achievement of annual sales and gross margin targets.
- Growth in national market share.
- Distributor sales performance and account retention.
- New business acquisition and pipeline conversion.
- Team performance against individual and collective targets.
- Customer satisfaction and retention levels.
- Accuracy of sales forecasting and budget management.
Skills & Experience:
Essential
- Proven senior sales leadership experience within the automotive Bodyshop, collision repair, automotive refinishing, coatings, paint, abrasives, or related aftermarket sectors.
- Demonstrable track record of delivering sustained sales growth through direct sales teams and distributor networks.
- Experience managing and developing regional sales teams.
- Strong commercial negotiation and key account management skills.
- Excellent leadership, coaching, and people development capabilities.
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and business planning skills.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Experience working with national distributor networks.
- Knowledge of automotive paint, refinishing products, Bodyshop consumables, equipment, or associated products.
- Experience managing major Bodyshop groups and insurance repair networks.
- Degree-level qualification in Business, Sales, Marketing, or a related discipline.
Summary
The National Sales Director will play a pivotal role in accelerating growth across the UK Bodyshop market by leading a team of seven sales professionals, strengthening distributor partnerships, securing strategic accounts, and delivering a high-performance sales culture that drives sustainable commercial success.
Sales Director in Coventry employer: ROSE & YOUNG RECRUITMENT LTD
As a leading player in the automotive Bodyshop and refinishing sector, our company offers an exceptional work environment for the National Sales Director role, located in the Midlands. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative culture that prioritises employee development, providing comprehensive training programmes and clear career progression paths. With competitive salaries, generous bonuses, and a company car, we ensure our employees are well-rewarded while driving meaningful growth in a dynamic industry.
Contact Details:
ROSE & YOUNG RECRUITMENT LTD Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Director in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks at events, trade shows, or even online forums. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a personal brand on LinkedIn by sharing insights about the automotive sector. This not only highlights your knowledge but also attracts potential employers who are looking for someone just like you.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews like it’s game day! Research the company, understand their market position, and come armed with questions that show you’re genuinely interested in their growth and challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Director in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Sales Director role. Highlight your experience in leading sales teams and driving growth in the automotive sector. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in sales leadership and how you’ve developed high-performing teams.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In your application, demonstrate your strategic planning abilities. Talk about how you've successfully implemented sales strategies in the past and how you plan to do the same with us at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ROSE & YOUNG RECRUITMENT LTD
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Sales Director, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of sales metrics and KPIs. Brush up on your past achievements in revenue growth, market share expansion, and team performance. Be ready to discuss specific figures and how you achieved them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about how you can convey your approach to managing and developing a sales team. Prepare examples of how you've motivated teams, set clear objectives, and fostered a results-driven culture.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with current trends in the automotive Bodyshop and refinishing sector. Be prepared to discuss competitor activities and how you would position the company to seize new opportunities. This shows you're not just a leader but also a strategic thinker.
✨Build Rapport with Distributors
Since distributor management is key, think about how you can establish strong relationships. Prepare to share your experiences in collaborating with distributors, resolving issues, and driving mutual growth. This will highlight your ability to enhance partnerships effectively.
