At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sales strategy and drive growth in UK Grocery and international markets.
- Company: Join a high-growth challenger food brand with an entrepreneurial spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with key customers and manage a high-performance team.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a fast-growing brand and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Senior commercial leadership experience in FMCG and strong UK Grocery background.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 £ per year.
We’re partnering with a high-growth challenger food brand that’s entering a genuine scale-up phase. Founder-led, entrepreneurial and demand-backed, the business is now building the commercial structure to accelerate growth across UK Grocery and international territories.
The Head of Sales role will report into the MD, owning the numbers, setting the strategy, and helping shape the next chapter of growth. While this is a leadership position, it’s not an “ivory tower” role; you’ll need to be comfortable staying close to key customers and managing the most important account whilst opening doors at senior level. You will manage a team of 3 National Account Managers.
The business has a strong turnover already, with ongoing pitches to UK Retail (including an established international retail relationship), but the major growth is in UK Grocery with clear ambitions to scale significantly over the next 3–5 years, including an expansion into new categories.
Key Responsibilities:- Own the commercial number for the UK Grocery business and support the international retail relationship.
- Build and execute the customer strategy with a focus on unlocking Top 4 growth (Tesco/Waitrose-level).
- Develop and lead the JBP approach, ensuring plans align with brand, category and margin ambitions.
- Lead and coach the commercial team (including NAMs and sales support), building a high-performance culture.
- Strengthen the business’ route-to-market and customer mix, ensuring focus and clarity across accounts.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders across finance, supply chain, operations and NPD to deliver sustainable growth.
- Bring structure and pace without overcomplicating process — pragmatic leadership in a scaling environment.
- Be willing to own a select number of key relationships personally, particularly during strategic growth phases.
- Senior commercial leadership experience in FMCG (Head of Sales / Sales Director / Controller / SNAM ready to step up).
- Strong UK Grocery background with credible experience opening and nurturing Top 4 relationships.
- Confident owning P&L / margin delivery, and comfortable operating in a competitive category.
- Commercially sharp with strong JBP and category understanding.
- Leadership style that develops others — growth mindset, coaching, and accountability.
- Entrepreneurial approach: hands-on, adaptable, not precious, and comfortable driving change.
- Comfortable operating in a founder-led environment with high ambition and fast decision making.
If the role and responsibilities sound like a good fit for you, then I’d love to speak to you!
Head of Sales in Leeds employer: The Advocate Group
Join a dynamic and entrepreneurial food brand as the Head of Sales, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the company during its exciting scale-up phase. With a strong emphasis on personal development and a high-performance culture, this position offers competitive compensation, including a generous bonus structure, and the opportunity to work closely with key customers while leading a talented team. Located in Leeds, this hybrid role provides a unique chance to make a significant impact in the UK Grocery sector and beyond, all within a supportive and ambitious environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Sales in Leeds
✨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 at The Advocate Group, 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 The Advocate Group. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Head of Sales. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Sales in Leeds
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 The Advocate Group:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for The Advocate Group. 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 The Advocate Group
✨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 The Advocate Group 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 The Advocate Group 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 The Advocate Group’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.
