At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic sales team and drive commercial growth 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: Join a collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping sales strategies and building strong customer relationships.
- Qualifications: Proven sales management experience in FMCG or related industries.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ 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 Lisburn 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.
