Sales Manager in Colchester

Sportsafe is a UK-based company headquartered in Colchester, specializing in the supply, installation, and maintenance of sports, fitness, and leisure equipment for schools, clubs, local authorities, and sports centres. Established in 1997, the company serves over 10,000 customers across the UK and employs more than 60 dedicated staff members.

We are looking for a Sales Manager to lead our Inspection & Repair Sales team. Reporting to the Sales & Marketing Director, you will manage a team of up to eight Account Managers and Repair Estimators. You will be responsible for translating the sales strategy into clear priorities and consistent day-to-day execution, with a particular focus on sales, margin, quote conversion, customer retention, and service standards. This is a hands-on management role combining team leadership, commercial delivery, and operational discipline.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead, coach and develop the Inspection & Repair Sales team, setting clear expectations for performance, accuracy, and customer service.
• Manage regular sales meetings, one-to-ones, performance reviews, and development activities.
• Take responsibility for sales and margin performance against weekly, monthly, and quarterly targets.
• Improve quote conversion, average order value, customer retention, and follow-up activity.
• Develop product sales and cross-selling opportunities across the Sportsafe and wider ABEO Group ranges.
• Ensure inspection findings, repair requirements, and customer enquiries are converted into appropriate repair, replacement, or equipment opportunities.
• Maintain accurate customer, quote, pipeline, and follow-up information in SugarCRM.
• Use KPIs, CRM data, and sales reporting to identify priorities and improve team performance.
• Ensure orders, callouts, repairs, and customer requests are raised accurately and planned effectively.
• Manage customer escalations and ensure issues are resolved promptly and professionally.
• Work closely with Operations, Purchasing, Marketing, Business Development, and Logistics.
• Act as operational deputy for the Sales & Marketing Director in relation to the Inspection & Repair Sales function when required.

About you:

You will have proven experience leading a sales or account management team in a commercially focused B2B environment. You should also be able to demonstrate:

• A track record of delivering sales, margin, conversion, and customer retention targets.
• Experience improving sales processes, quote follow-up, and pipeline management.
• Strong people-management and coaching capability.
• Confidence in using CRM systems and performance data to manage activity and results.
• The ability to maintain clear standards and hold a team accountable.
• Experience managing customer relationships and resolving escalated issues.
• A practical, organised, and customer-focused approach.
• The ability to work effectively across commercial and operational functions.
• Experience with SugarCRM would be advantageous but is not essential.
• A background in product and service sales, equipment supply, facilities, education, sport, play, leisure, the public sector, or another service-led environment would also be beneficial.
• A degree or relevant qualification in business, sales, or management would be advantageous, although equivalent commercial experience and a strong record in B2B sales leadership will be equally valued.

This role offers the opportunity to lead and develop an established sales function, improve commercial performance, and contribute to a business providing equipment and services used by schools, sports centres, local authorities, emergency services, and other organisations across the UK.