At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales strategy and empower a team for sustainable growth.
- Company: Join an eco-conscious candle maker with big ambitions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, employee discounts, and professional development.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow with a B Corp certified company.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Senior sales leadership experience in consumer goods required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 105000 £ per year.
Reporting to: CEO
Salary: £75k + Sales incentive
Location: Cornwall / Hybrid UK home-based. Travel required including HQ in North Cornwall approximately once per month plus customer travel within the UK (regularly) and International (occasionally).
We are looking for a driven and ambitious candidate to lead StEval into its next stage of sustainable growth by developing a clear, commercial UK sales strategy that enhances regional performance, grows national market presence, establishes a scalable commercial model for the flagship store and future retail channels, and positions the business for successful, phased international expansion. A key priority will be to empower and develop the existing team while strategically building additional capability to support long-term growth.
Who we are: We are an environmentally conscious candle maker with bold ambitions to grow from local hero to household name. Our inclusive, family-led culture encourages innovation, creativity, and operational excellence. Located on the stunning North Cornish coast, we foster a community-driven workplace built on ethical and sustainable principles and are proud to be B Corp certified.
Senior sales leadership experience within consumer goods (FMCG) and/or food & drink (or closely aligned category with similar routes to market). Proven track record of delivering growth in a scale-up environment, ideally through the £7m–£20m turnover journey (or equivalent complexity and pace). Demonstrable success developing and executing a UK sales strategy, including segmentation, channel priorities, pricing/margin management, and growth planning. Experience building and leading a sales team (hiring, coaching, performance management, territory design and cadence). Strong understanding of UK routes to market, typically including a mix of: independent retail/premium retail wholesale/distributors/buying groups. Evidence of creating a national and regional sales approach (territory strategy, account prioritisation, field activity standards, and measurable outcomes). Experience working closely with an SLT/Board, translating strategy into execution and reporting against clear commercial KPIs. Experience launching into or scaling international markets (EU and/or other priority regions), including distributor selection, market entry planning, pricing, and route-to-market design.
Skills & capabilities:
- Leadership: can set direction and pace while also getting close to accounts, pitches, range reviews, and negotiation when needed.
- Strong commercial judgement with the ability to balance growth, profitability, and brand integrity.
- Highly collaborative, creative commercial thinker: able to work as part of a team, connecting the dots across Sales, Marketing, Product and Operations.
- Brings creativity and flair alongside precision and commercial rigour, essential for selling a brand-led proposition like St Eval, not just hitting numbers.
- Excellent account management and negotiation skills, including the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Strong planning and forecasting capability: pipeline discipline, targets, revenue phasing, and scenario planning.
- Clear, confident communicator with the ability to bring others with them (internally and externally).
- High standards of personal organisation and team organisation; thrives in fast-moving, resource-conscious environments.
Values & ways of working:
- Motivated to build something meaningful: aligned to sustainable growth, long-term thinking, and being part of a small and ambitious SME.
- Collaborative leadership style: works well cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations, Finance, Product, and Retail teams.
- Ambitious but grounded; brings pace, clarity, and accountability without compromising culture.
Practical requirements:
- UK-based with willingness to travel regularly, including monthly on-site time at HQ in North Cornwall (and additional travel as customer needs require).
Nice to have:
- Experience working with premium/lifestyle brands where brand positioning and retail execution are critical.
- Exposure to flagship retail or brand-owned store growth (commercial model, store rollout support, partnership building, local trading plans).
- Familiarity with operating within B Corp/sustainability-led business principles, or demonstrable interest in responsible growth.
- Experience implementing sales tools/process (CRM).
Leadership competencies (what “great” looks like in role):
- Builder: creates structure where it doesn’t exist yet—team, territories, targets, rhythms, reporting. Sets the pace.
- Operator: turns strategy into execution; establishes weekly/monthly cadence and accountability.
- Partner: trusted advisor to SLT; contributes to wider business decisions beyond sales.
- Coach: develops capability in others and builds a team culture aligned to St Eval’s values.
- Brand ambassador: represents St Eval with warmth, credibility, creativity, and high standards, able to sell the St Eval story with flair as well as commercial confidence.
Looking for:
- Has led a step-change in sales performance during a growth phase (not just “managed accounts”).
- Has hired and developed high-performing teams and can show how they set targets and measured success.
- Has introduced a regional approach that improved coverage, conversion, and customer quality.
- Can show decisions that protected long-term brand/profitability, not just short-term revenue.
- Comfortable working in a self-funded business: pragmatic, ROI-aware, and resourceful.
We offer:
- 33 days holiday (including public holidays)
- 50% employee discount on all St Eval products
- Cycle to work scheme
- Death in service insurance
- Employee assistance programme
- Enhanced family leave
- A dynamic and inclusive work environment
- An opportunity to grow with us - we invest in our people's professional development
- Team social events
- Volunteering opportunities with our charity partners
How to apply: If this sounds like your next challenge, we’d love to hear from you. To apply, please share your resume along with a cover letter explaining what attracts you to StEval and why you are interested in this role to Stacey@st-eval.com.
Head of Sales - Cornwall | Hybrid employer: St Eval Candle Company
St Eval is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture on the stunning North Cornish coast. With a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices, we provide our employees with generous benefits such as 33 days of holiday, professional development opportunities, and a supportive environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. Join us in our mission to grow from a local hero to a household name while making a meaningful impact in the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sales - Cornwall | Hybrid
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like Head of Sales - Cornwall | Hybrid at St Eval Candle Company, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including St Eval Candle Company. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Head of Sales - Cornwall | Hybrid. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales - Cornwall | Hybrid
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for St Eval Candle Company:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for St Eval Candle Company. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Eval Candle Company
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show St Eval Candle Company that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show St Eval Candle Company that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with St Eval Candle Company’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
