At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a high-performing sales team to drive new business acquisition.
- Company: Join one of the UK's fastest-growing energy suppliers with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension, 25 days leave, and health support.
- Other info: Inclusive culture welcoming diverse backgrounds; hybrid working options available.
- Why this job: Shape the future of energy sales while making a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in B2B sales leadership with strong commercial awareness and coaching skills.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
As one of the fastest-growing and highest-rated commercial energy suppliers in the UK, we are looking to recruit Head of Direct Sales based at our office in Guiseley, Leeds.
Our ambition is to become the UK's most trusted business energy supplier by combining exceptional customer service with innovative commercial strategy and operational excellence.
We're looking for an experienced, commercially-minded sales leader to take ownership of one of UGP's largest commercial divisions.
This is a Senior Management Team role with direct accountability for new business acquisition, forecasting and the development of a high-performing sales organisation - plus a genuine seat at the table shaping wider commercial strategy.
At UGP we aim to attract people from diverse backgrounds to build on our inclusive culture.
We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, race, gender, religion or beliefs, disability, gender identity or sexual orientation.
Responsibilities
- Own and deliver the Direct Sales strategy, aligned to wider business objectives, and contribute to commercial strategy as an SMT member.
- Deliver margin targets, own departmental forecasting and pipeline management.
- Track and improve core commercial KPIs: gross margin, pipeline coverage, forecast accuracy, sales productivity, and conversion rate.
- Identify new commercial opportunities, market trends and routes to market; support strategic customer opportunities directly where needed.
- People leadership
- Directly manage and develop 9 Account Managers and 1 Sales Performance Coach, with a view of scaling the channel over the next 12 months.
- Directly manage the Sales Performance Coach, directing their focus toward the skills and behaviours that will move team performance fastest - objection handling, negotiation, pitch quality, and consistent use of process and CRM.
- Run regular 1:1s, performance reviews and development plans; build a culture of accountability, ownership and continuous improvement.
- Coach and mentor future sales leaders; drive engagement, retention and succession planning across the department.
- Talent & Recruitment
- Own recruitment across Account Management, partnering with the People team on attraction, assessment and onboarding.
- Build talent pipelines for future growth and structured development plans for high-potential team members.
- Ensure new starters are inducted and ramped to productivity quickly, working with the Sales Performance Coach to accelerate onboarding.
- Operational excellence
- Drive continuous improvement in sales process and operational efficiency, including effective use of Hub Spot CRM and reporting tools.
- Take ownership of our recently introduced KPI framework and scorecard, embedding it across the department and evolving it to keep driving accountability and measurable improvement.
- Maintain high standards of CRM compliance and sales governance.
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Partner closely with Marketing on lead generation, handoff quality and conversion, working alongside the SDR team to maintain effective outbound campaigns feeding the pipeline.
- Support wider initiatives in digital transformation, AI adoption and sales enablement.
As a member of the Senior Management Team, you'll also contribute to company-wide business planning, budgeting and resource planning, and act as a role model for UGP's values and leadership standards.
The Individual
We're looking for individuals with strong commercial judgement, inspirational leadership, high accountability, excellent influencing skills, strategic thinking paired with operational rigour, a data-driven approach, resilience and adaptability, and a genuine passion for developing people.
- 3+ years leading high-performing B2B sales teams, including experience at senior sales leadership / head of department level.
- Experience leading sales managers or team leaders (not just individual contributors).
- Strong commercial awareness, strategic thinking and financial/forecasting capability.
- Demonstrable track record in recruitment, talent development and succession planning.
- Experience managing CRM systems and sales reporting.
- Excellent leadership, coaching and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience within the UK business energy sector.
- Experience managing both acquisition and retention teams.
- Experience using Hub Spot CRM specifically.
- Experience leading commercial transformation or business improvement initiatives.
- Join the Team
- Excellent salary based on your experience
- Mon - Fri 9am till 5pm with some hybrid working.
- Excellent Pension scheme with 8% employer contribution
- 25 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
- Long-Term Service Benefit - Receive an additional day of annual leave every 5 years
- Holiday Purchase Scheme - Buy up to 5 additional days of leave per year
- Ongoing training & guidance provided
- A great working environment with a real team spirit
- Company social events
- Health & Wellbeing program with GP consultations, mental health support and discounted gym memberships.
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Head of Direct Sales in Guiseley employer: United Gas & Power
At UGP, we pride ourselves on being one of the fastest-growing commercial energy suppliers in the UK, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in our Guiseley office. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our career progression opportunities, competitive salary, and a supportive culture that values diverse backgrounds. With benefits like a health and well-being cashback scheme and regular social events, we ensure our team members feel valued and engaged while making a meaningful impact in the energy sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Direct Sales in Guiseley
✨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 Direct Sales at United Gas & Power, 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 United Gas & Power. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Head of Direct Sales. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Direct Sales in Guiseley
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 United Gas & Power:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for United Gas & Power. 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 United Gas & Power
✨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 United Gas & Power 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 United Gas & Power 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 United Gas & Power’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.
