At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the sales strategy and inspire a high-performing team in the FMCG sector.
- Company: Established UK food distribution business known for reliability and outstanding service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, pension, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven sales management experience in FMCG or related industries.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the Organisation
We are recruiting on behalf of a long-established UK food distribution business that supplies customers across the country. With many years of industry expertise, the company has earned a strong reputation for reliability, outstanding customer service, and long-term partnerships with both suppliers and clients. Serving a wide variety of customers from independent businesses and specialist manufacturers to larger commercial organisations, the business offers an extensive product range supported by a nationwide distribution network and an experienced team. Its focus remains on delivering quality products alongside consistently high levels of service.
The Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an accomplished Sales Manager to take ownership of the company's commercial sales strategy. Reporting directly to the senior leadership team, you will be responsible for increasing profitable revenue, strengthening key customer partnerships, and leading a motivated sales team to achieve ambitious business objectives. This position requires a commercially driven leader who can balance strategic planning with a practical, hands-on management style.
Key Responsibilities
- Commercial Strategy & Growth
- Develop and deliver a sales strategy that supports the wider business plan.
- Identify opportunities for expansion through new markets, customer sectors, and sales channels.
- Lead annual sales planning activities, including forecasting, budgeting, and target setting.
- Track market trends, customer requirements, and competitor activity to identify commercial opportunities.
- Achieve agreed sales, margin, and profitability objectives.
- Increase new business opportunities while strengthening existing customer relationships.
- Customer Relationship Management
- Build and nurture strong partnerships with key accounts and commercial stakeholders.
- Lead negotiations on major contracts and commercial agreements.
- Ensure customers receive an excellent experience throughout every stage of the sales journey.
- Support initiatives that enhance customer loyalty and long-term account growth.
- Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, coach, and inspire the sales team to achieve high levels of performance.
- Establish clear objectives, KPIs, and development plans for team members.
- Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Support talent development and succession planning across the sales function.
- Cross-Department Collaboration
- Work closely with Operations, Procurement, Finance, and Marketing to align commercial priorities.
- Contribute to pricing strategies, promotional campaigns, and new product launches.
- Represent customer feedback internally to help shape business decisions and future planning.
- Reporting & Commercial Performance
- Produce accurate sales reports, forecasts, and updates for senior management.
- Review performance data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
- Manage departmental budgets effectively to maximise commercial return.
Candidate Profile: Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in a senior sales management role, ideally within food manufacturing, FMCG, foodservice, wholesale, or a related industry.
- Track record of delivering sustainable sales growth and commercial success.
- Experience managing and developing strategic customer accounts.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, coach, and develop high-performing teams.
- Sound knowledge of forecasting, budgeting, and commercial planning.
- Excellent negotiation, influencing, and relationship-building abilities.
- Strong commercial acumen with a solid understanding of financial performance.
- Strategic thinker with a results-focused approach.
- Confident communicator with strong presentation and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to interpret commercial data and translate findings into effective business actions.
Benefits
- Competitive basic salary.
- Performance-related bonus scheme.
- Company pension.
- Life assurance.
- Employee discount programme.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
Sales Manager - FMCG in Belfast employer: VANRATH
Join a well-respected UK food distribution business that prioritises reliability and outstanding customer service, making it an excellent employer for a Sales Manager in the FMCG sector. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive salaries, and a supportive work culture, you will have the opportunity to lead a motivated sales team while enjoying benefits such as performance-related bonuses and a comprehensive employee assistance programme. This role not only offers a chance to drive commercial success but also to grow within a company that values long-term partnerships and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Manager - FMCG in Belfast
✨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 Sales Manager - FMCG at VANRATH, 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 VANRATH. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sales Manager - FMCG. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Manager - FMCG in Belfast
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 VANRATH:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for VANRATH. 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 VANRATH
✨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 VANRATH 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 VANRATH 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 VANRATH’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.
