At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow Veetee Foods' ethnic foods presence in the UK and EU.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Veetee Foods, a leader in ethnic foods.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and career development.
- Other info: Opportunity to manage a team and drive international growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing market with fresh strategies.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years FMCG sales experience and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Job Purpose: To own and grow Veetee Foods' presence in the ethnic foods and cash & carry channel across the UK, and to lead ethnic rice sales across the EU. The role combines strategic account planning with hands‑on execution: bringing structure and discipline to a market that has traditionally been relationship‑led, while building the coverage, promotional and pricing plans needed to grow volume, margin and distribution. The role holder will manage a defined portfolio of accounts, and will lead a small team, ensuring a single, consistent commercial approach across the whole channel.
What you’ll do:
- You’ll take ownership of our ethnic foods and cash & carry channel strategy in the UK, deciding which accounts to prioritise and invest in, and where to step back, based on real commercial value rather than habit.
- You’ll personally manage a portfolio of key accounts across the South, and set the direction and standards for our Senior Commercial Manager (North).
- You’ll also lead our ethnic rice sales strategy across EU markets, identifying the right customers and routes to market as we grow internationally.
Annual & Quarterly Planning
- You’ll build the annual coverage and promotional plan for the channel, setting clear account priorities, volume and margin targets, and a promotional calendar that gives the business a real roadmap rather than reactive decision-making.
- From there, you’ll break that plan down into quarterly execution plans with defined activity, clear ownership and a regular review cadence, bringing structure and accountability to a market that’s traditionally been run on relationships.
- You’ll report progress directly to the COO and SLT on a regular cycle, flagging risks and opportunities early so the business can act on them in good time.
Commercial Execution
- You’ll lead negotiations on trading terms, listings and promotional activity with our cash & carry, wholesale and ethnic foods customers, and take full ownership of the promotional plan for the channel.
- You’ll work closely with supply chain, finance and marketing to ensure forecasts, pricing and promotional mechanics are realistic, deliverable and profitable.
- Maintain a strong, current understanding of competitor activity, pricing and promotional weight across the ethnic foods and rice category, in both the UK and EU.
Leadership
- Manage, coach and develop a small team, setting clear objectives and holding them accountable for performance.
What you’ll bring:
- 5-10 years' FMCG sales experience across UK and EU markets.
- Proven experience in ethnic foods, ideally with direct cash & carry channel exposure.
- A track record of hitting volume, distribution and profit targets on major wholesale accounts.
- The ability to bring rigour and process to a relationship-led market, without losing the relationships.
- Strong negotiation skills and the confidence to operate at senior buyer level.
- Rice or ethnic grocery category experience is a plus, as is prior EU market experience.
Sales Lead in Rochester employer: Veetee Group
Join a dynamic HR team where your organisational skills and people-focused approach will thrive. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth, with opportunities to develop your career in HR while making a meaningful impact on our recruitment processes. Located in a vibrant area, you'll enjoy a collaborative environment that values innovation and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Lead in Rochester
✨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 Lead at Veetee 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 Veetee Group. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sales Lead. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Lead in Rochester
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 Veetee Group:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Veetee 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 Veetee 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 Veetee 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 Veetee 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 Veetee 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.
