Sportsafe is a UK-based company headquarted in Colchester, specializing in the supply, installation, and maintenance of sports, fitness, and leisure equipment for schools, clubs, local authorities, and sports centers. Established in 1997, the company serves over 10,000 customers across the UK, employs more than 60 dedicated staff members and maintain regional offices in multiple locations. Sportsafe consistently exceeding client expectations through innovation, flexibility, and professionalism.
Sportsafe is part of the French ABEO Group, one of the global leaders in sports and leisure equipment, which unites its employees together around shared values: trust, perseverance, and team spirit.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Sales Manager in Colchester employer: Sportsafe UK Ltd
At Sportsafe, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and engaging work environment where our employees can thrive. As a Warehouse Operative, you'll be part of a dedicated team that values trust, integrity, and operational excellence, all while contributing to the success of a company that serves over 10,000 customers across the UK and beyond. With opportunities for training and development, along with a commitment to maintaining high standards, Sportsafe is an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the heart of Essex.
