Commercial Executive – Indie Sales

Commercial Executive – Indie Sales

Full-Time 27000 - 33000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Surya Foods

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the Independent Sales Team with pricing, promotions, and customer relationships.
  • Company: Join Surya Foods, a leading provider of international food products.
  • Benefits: Enjoy staff discounts, competitive salary, and access to wellness resources.
  • Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and development.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving sales and making an impact in the food industry.
  • Qualifications: Experience in sales support or analysis, strong Excel skills, and a commercial mindset.

The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.

Reports to

  • Global Business Unit Director-Frozen & Director of Independent retail
  • About Surya Foods
  • Commercial Executive – Indie Sales

Location

Surya Foods HQ, Europa Way, Harwich, Essex, CO12 4PT

Department

Independent Sales Team

Reports to

  • Global Business Unit Director-Frozen & Director of Independent retail
  • About Surya Foods

Surya Foods is a leading provider of international food products, with an extensive range of over 1,300 SKUs.

We cater to diverse cultural food groups as well as mainstream consumers looking to broaden their food experiences.

With a strong presence in the UK retail market and exports to 45 countries worldwide, Surya Foods serves over 100,000 retail points across the UK mainstream retail channel and works with leading retailers.

The Role

  • This is a site-based position at Surya Foods HQ in Harwich, Essex (CO12 4PT).
  • Candidates must be able to reliably commute to our Harwich HQ or be willing to relocate.
  • The role will also involve occasional travel to support Sales Managers and Sales Executives at sales meetings, including meetings held at our sister hotels.
  • Candidates must therefore have a valid UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, or otherwise have reliable access to suitable transport, to meet the travel requirements of the role.
  • Hours are 9am till 6pm Monday to Friday
  • We are looking for a

Commercial Executive – Indie Sales to join our growing Commercial Team and provide hands‑on commercial support to our Independent Sales Team. This is a site-based, commercially focused role that will work closely with our Sales Managers and Sales Executives, helping them maximise sales opportunities, manage customer requirements and make informed commercial decisions.

You will play an important role in supporting the team with pricing, promotions, customer relationships, sales analysis and performance reporting , ensuring that commercial decisions are supported by accurate data and deliver against our sales and margin objectives.

This role would suit someone who is commercially minded, analytical, confident and resilient , with the personality to hold their own within a fast-paced sales environment.

You will need to be comfortable asking questions, challenging information when necessary and constructively pushing back where something doesn't make commercial sense.

We are looking for someone who will think commercially, spot opportunities, challenge the numbers and actively support the sales team in delivering results.

Key Responsibilities Commercial & Sales Support

  • Provide day-to-day commercial support to the Independent Sales Team.
  • Support Sales Managers and Sales Executives with pricing, promotions and customer proposals .
  • Prepare and maintain accurate pricing and promotional information.
  • Support the development of customer‑specific commercial proposals and opportunities.
  • Monitor pricing, promotional activity and commercial performance.
  • Work closely with the sales team to ensure pricing and promotional activity is aligned with commercial objectives.
  • Challenge pricing, promotional or customer requests where appropriate and ensure decisions are commercially justified.
  • Identify opportunities to increase sales, improve customer performance and maximise product penetration.
  • Sales Analysis & Reporting
  • Analyse sales data, customer performance, product performance and promotional activity.
  • Prepare regular sales reports, dashboards and performance analysis for the Commercial Team.
  • Monitor sales against agreed targets and KPIs.
  • Identify trends, opportunities and areas of underperformance and communicate these clearly to the sales team and management.
  • Support the team in turning data and analysis into practical sales actions .
  • Track the effectiveness of promotions and other commercial initiatives.
  • Maintain accurate commercial records and ensure information is kept up to date.
  • Customer Relationships
  • Support Sales Managers and Executives with customer queries and commercial requirements.
  • Assist with customer communications relating to pricing, promotions, products and commercial activity.
  • Build positive working relationships with customers and internal stakeholders.
  • Help resolve commercial issues promptly and professionally.
  • Develop a good understanding of our customers, products and the Independent channel.
  • Sales Team Support
  • Work closely with Sales Managers and Sales Executives to understand their customer requirements and priorities.
  • Provide the team with the information and analysis they need to support customer meetings and sales activity.
  • Attend sales meetings where required and provide commercial and analytical support.
  • Work collaboratively with the wider Commercial, Finance, Supply Chain and Marketing teams.
  • Support the preparation of presentations, sales packs and customer meeting materials.
  • Help ensure agreed actions from sales meetings are followed through.
  • Meetings & Travel

Although this is a site-based role at our Harwich HQ , the position will involve occasional travel to support the Independent Sales Team at customer and sales meetings.

Sales meetings may take place at our sister hotels and other locations, so the successful candidate must be able to drive or have reliable access to suitable transport to attend meetings when required.

About You

We are looking for someone who is

Commercially minded and sales-number driven , with a genuine interest in understanding what drives sales and profitability.

  • Highly analytical, with strong attention to detail and the ability to interpret and explain sales data.
  • Confident working with numbers, pricing, margins, targets and KPIs.
  • Assertive and confident enough to hold their own within a busy sales environment .
  • Not afraid to ask questions, challenge information or respectfully challenge decisions.
  • Strong-willed, resilient and able to work with a range of personalities.
  • Organised and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
  • Customer-focused with strong communication and relationship‑building skills.
  • Proactive, with the ability to identify issues and opportunities rather than simply waiting to be told what to do.
  • Comfortable working independently while also being a strong team player.
  • Able to communicate commercial information clearly to both sales colleagues and management.
  • Confident using Excel and working with sales data and reports.

Experience & Qualifications

  • Previous experience in a commercial, sales support, sales analysis, account management or similar role .
  • Experience working within the food, FMCG, wholesale, retail or Cash & Carry sector would be advantageous.
  • Strong Excel and data analysis skills.
  • Experience working with pricing, promotions, sales targets and/or customer performance data.
  • Experience supporting a sales team or working closely with sales professionals would be advantageous.
  • A commercial or sales-related qualification would be advantageous but is not essential where relevant experience can be demonstrated.

What We Offer

After successful completion of probation, employees receive a Staff Discount Card entitling them to:

  • Discounted / free food.
  • Staff events.
  • Access to our

Benefits Reward Platform , offering discounts at leading retailers across home, beauty, clothing and electronics, plus access to a virtual GP, wellbeing hub, fitness/gym and nutrition apps, and much more.

  • Competitive salary.
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

Commercial Executive – Indie Sales employer: Surya Foods

Surya Foods is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Harwich HQ where collaboration and innovation thrive. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, a comprehensive rewards platform, and opportunities for professional growth within the vibrant food industry. With a strong focus on employee well-being and a culture that values teamwork and individual contributions, Surya Foods is committed to fostering a supportive atmosphere for all team members.

Surya Foods

Contact Details:

Surya Foods Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Commercial Executive – Indie Sales

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 Commercial Executive – Indie Sales at Surya Foods, 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 Surya Foods. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Commercial Executive – Indie Sales. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!

We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Executive – Indie Sales

Commercial Awareness
Sales Analysis
Data Interpretation
Pricing Strategy
Promotional Planning
Customer Relationship Management
Communication Skills

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 Surya Foods:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Surya Foods. 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 Surya Foods

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 Surya Foods 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 Surya Foods 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 Surya Foods’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.