Area Business Manager - Independent Retailers - Northern UK & Scotland in Weybridge
Area Business Manager - Independent Retailers - Northern UK & Scotland

Area Business Manager - Independent Retailers - Northern UK & Scotland in Weybridge

Weybridge Full-Time 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Sony Europe

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Build and enhance relationships with independent retailers across Northern England and Scotland.
  • Company: Join Sony, a super-brand known for innovation and ethical practices.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and personal development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative team while driving sales growth.
  • Qualifications: Proven sales experience and strong communication skills are essential.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse culture that values your unique contributions.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.

We are seeking an ambitious Area Business Manager to build, maintain and enhance our relationships with retailers across Northern England and Scotland. Your goal will be to deliver Sony UK’s (SUK) budgeted sales and share of business through nominated independent retailer businesses within the buying group channel. Crucial to the position is someone who brings local commercial acumen and a customer‑first mindset. You will seek to build on existing and long‑standing relationships with independent businesses, who respond best to genuine customer care and engagement. You should also have a sell‑out mindset, and the ability to understand data, investment vs outcomes, and maintain up‑to‑date pipelines and forecasts.

This is a field‑based role, so you will devise smart route planning for great account coverage. You will be part of a strong, collaborative and friendly team, who support each other to overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities. You will enjoy the growth opportunity here, and be part of a super‑brand, with premium products, within a “most ethical companies” winner for consecutive years.

You Will

  • Deliver agreed sales, margin and customer satisfaction targets by developing and executing channel and account business plans aligned to company and retailer strategies.
  • Drive ranging, availability, merchandising and promotional execution across accounts to maximise sell‑through, conversion and brand representation.
  • Forecast sales, manage stock flow and optimise replenishment to deliver profitable growth across physical and online channels.
  • Implement national and regional promotions, supporting brand and product awareness through dealer engagement, training and in‑store activity.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key retail stakeholders and internal sales and marketing teams, ensuring clear communication and effective collaboration.
  • Develop and execute sales strategies by account and product category, identifying opportunities, barriers and tactical solutions to exceed performance targets.
  • Ensure retail staff are trained and confident in communicating product features, benefits and launches.
  • Analyse area, store and category performance, providing regular reporting and insights to inform future sales, category and brand strategies.
  • Plan and manage an effective journey plan to ensure regular, value‑adding contact with key decision makers.
  • Work closely with the Key Account Sales Manager to align area plans with wider business objectives.

You Will Bring

  • A track record of delivering profitable sales growth.
  • Numeracy, and an ability to identify trends and opportunities i.e. manage tactical expenditure to drive demonstrable ROI.
  • Advanced social, communication, negotiation & influencing skills & behaviours.
  • Products based sales experience within the retail space.

Life at Sony

We ensure competitive salaries and benefits by using established benchmarking. We encourage healthy work‑life balance supported by hybrid and flexible working policies. We are a positive community who dream big together, respect each other, and enjoy a collaborative culture. We celebrate our colleagues who make a real difference using our recognition platform. We also provide access to numerous services and platforms for all aspects of wellbeing. We listen to our people through conversations and surveys, respect their suggestions, then act on them. We also provide allowances for volunteering days so that our staff can support the causes they are most passionate about.

You can build your career around yourself with our fantastic range of learning & personal development programs to enhance your skills. We encourage our staff to try exciting new roles, in a wide range of countries, with a supportive mobility team to support you if you take that leap!

Bring your uniqueness to Sony

We are passionate about creating a culture that promotes equity and cultivates inclusion, diversity, and belonging. We want employees with diverse backgrounds and perspectives that will stimulate innovation and have a direct impact on our creation of social value to fulfil Sony’s purpose – ‘to fill the world with emotion, through the power of creativity and technology’. We want you to bring your unique self to work and help shape our culture.

We are Sony Europe

Our people collaborate in an environment of respect, integrity, and open‑mindedness. Diverse teams from all over Europe are the driving force for our business, and we embrace the differences that make each of us original and unique. With offices in 28 European countries, Sony Europe caters to consumer, professional, semiconductor and healthcare markets with innovative electronics products and solutions. Our European laboratories research and develop new technologies and capabilities that contribute to the Sony Group and important issues on a planetary scale.

Bring your passion, creativity and ambitions to Sony Europe. Apply now, and let’s create the future together.

Equal Opportunity

Sony Europe is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, citizenship, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, medical condition, or any other protected characteristics.

Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Sony Europe

Sony Europe will provide reasonable accommodation for any qualified individuals with disabilities in the application process. For reasonable accommodation requests, please contact us by email at AccommodationRequest@eu.sony.com or by mail to: Sony Europe Limited, Human Resources Department, the Heights, Brooklands, Surrey, KT13 0XW, UK. When contacting us please indicate the position you are applying for, and the accommodation required.

Recruitment Fraud Notice

Please be aware that unauthorised individuals or organisations may attempt to solicit personal information or payments from job applicants by impersonating our company through fraudulent job postings. While we take these matters seriously, we cannot control third‑party websites. To protect your personal information, please verify that any job posting you respond to also appears on our official Sony Europe Career Portal. Please also be advised that we never request payment or personal financial information.

Area Business Manager - Independent Retailers - Northern UK & Scotland in Weybridge employer: Sony Europe

At Sony, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering competitive salaries and a strong focus on work-life balance through hybrid and flexible working policies. Our collaborative culture fosters personal growth and development, with numerous opportunities for career advancement and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Join us in Northern UK & Scotland, where you can make a meaningful impact while being part of a supportive team that values your unique contributions.
Sony Europe

Contact Detail:

Sony Europe Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Area Business Manager - Independent Retailers - Northern UK & Scotland in Weybridge

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company inside out! Research Sony's values, products, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions and scenarios related to the role. Think about how your past experiences align with the responsibilities of an Area Business Manager and be ready to share specific examples.

✨Tip Number 4

Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Area Business Manager - Independent Retailers - Northern UK & Scotland in Weybridge

Commercial Acumen
Customer Engagement
Sales Strategy Development
Data Analysis
Forecasting
Relationship Management
Negotiation Skills
Communication Skills
Merchandising Execution
Training and Development
Route Planning
Performance Analysis
Problem-Solving Skills
Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about building relationships with independent retailers and driving sales. A genuine passion can really set you apart from the crowd.

Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in retail and sales. We’re looking for someone who understands the nuances of the market, so be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role. Customising your application shows us you’ve done your homework!

Be Data-Savvy: Since this role involves analysing performance and forecasting sales, don’t shy away from showcasing your numerical skills. Mention any experience you have with data analysis or managing stock flow, as it’s crucial for delivering profitable growth.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sony Europe

✨Know Your Numbers

As an Area Business Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to analyse data and identify trends. Brush up on your numeracy skills and be prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive sales growth in previous roles. Bring examples of how you managed tactical expenditure to achieve a strong ROI.

✨Build Rapport with Retailers

Since this role is all about building relationships with independent retailers, practice your communication and negotiation skills. Think of ways to engage with potential clients genuinely. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your customer-first mindset and how you've successfully maintained long-standing relationships in the past.

✨Master Your Journey Plan

This is a field-based role, so having a smart route plan is crucial. Before the interview, create a mock journey plan for visiting key retailers in Northern England and Scotland. Be ready to explain how you would optimise your time and ensure regular, value-adding contact with decision-makers.

✨Showcase Your Team Spirit

Collaboration is key in this role, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively within a team. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues in overcoming challenges or capitalising on opportunities. Highlight your ability to align your plans with wider business objectives, especially when working alongside a Key Account Sales Manager.

Area Business Manager - Independent Retailers - Northern UK & Scotland in Weybridge
Sony Europe
Location: Weybridge

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