At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and grow customer accounts while identifying new business opportunities.
- Company: Join a leading company in Protective & Marine Coatings with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive pay, bonuses, and a company car.
- Why this job: Make an impact by building strong relationships and driving sales in a dynamic market.
- Qualifications: Experience in coatings and strong relationship-building skills are essential.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and continuous training available.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join us as an Area Sales Manager and help grow our business by building strong customer relationships and identifying new opportunities in the Protective & Marine Coatings market. If you are someone who enjoys being out in front of customers, understands what good account management looks like, and knows how to grow business through trust, knowledge, and smart planning, this could be the next career move for you.
Responsibilities
- Manage and grow a mix of key, new, and existing accounts across your region
- Develop a clear business plan to drive sales, volume, and profit
- Visit customers regularly and deliver presentations, including at Board level
- Identify and win new business in core market areas
- Build strong internal and external relationships
- Advise customers on coating systems and product options
- Negotiate contracts, pricing, and protect margins
- Analyse market trends and competitor activity
- Provide monthly updates on progress, challenges, and opportunities
- Support forecasting and make adjustments based on demand
Qualifications
- Have solid coatings knowledge and ideally experience in Protective & Marine Coatings or related industries
- Be confident building strong relationships at all levels, including board-level presentations
- Be commercially minded, with a natural ability to spot opportunities and close deals
- Be organised, proactive, and comfortable managing a pipeline of new and existing accounts
- Have strong negotiation skills and the confidence to protect margins and value
- Be curious, analytical, and able to interpret market trends
- Enjoy autonomy, problem-solving, and owning results
- Bring a positive, collaborative mindset to working with colleagues across the region
- A degree is an advantage, but your industry experience, commercial awareness, and customer-focused attitude matter most
- A driving license and live in Central UK / Midlands
What we can offer you...
- Hybrid and flexible working for great work–life balance
- Competitive pay + sales incentive bonus
- Company car, iPad, and iPhone
- International career growth opportunities
- Industry-leading innovation and expertise
- Continuous training through Sherwin Academy
- Attractive wellbeing, mental health, women's inclusion and ID&E programmes
Please note that Sherwin Williams is unable to respond to any enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Area Sales Manager employer: Sherwin-Williams
Contact Detail:
Sherwin-Williams Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Sales Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get out there and network! Attend industry events, trade shows, or local meet-ups where you can connect with potential employers and other professionals in the Protective & Marine Coatings market. Building relationships face-to-face can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! Whether you're meeting someone for coffee or presenting at a board level, having a clear and confident way to talk about your experience and what you can bring to the table is crucial. We recommend rehearsing with friends or colleagues to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay informed about market trends and competitor activity. This knowledge not only helps you in conversations but also shows potential employers that you're proactive and engaged. Share insights during discussions to demonstrate your expertise!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our success.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Sales Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Area Sales Manager role. Highlight your coatings knowledge and any relevant experience in Protective & Marine Coatings to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about sales and how you can build strong customer relationships. Be sure to mention specific examples of your past successes.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your work history, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you increase sales by a certain percentage? Did you successfully manage key accounts? Numbers speak volumes, so let them do the talking!
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 to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sherwin-Williams
✨Know Your Coatings
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Protective & Marine Coatings. Be ready to discuss specific products and their applications, as well as any recent trends in the market. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about the industry.
✨Build Rapport with Your Interviewers
Since relationship-building is key for this role, practice how you can connect with your interviewers. Use their names, maintain eye contact, and engage them with thoughtful questions about the company’s approach to customer relationships. This will demonstrate your ability to build strong connections.
✨Prepare a Business Plan
Come prepared with a mock business plan that outlines how you would manage and grow accounts in the region. Highlight your strategies for identifying new opportunities and how you would approach presentations at board level. This shows initiative and strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Be ready to discuss past experiences where you've successfully negotiated contracts or pricing. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to protect margins while still delivering value to customers. This will illustrate your commercial mindset and confidence in negotiations.