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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Build customer relationships and drive new business across Kent and Essex.
- Company: Established family-owned enterprise in the UK food-service sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commission, company car, and flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Proven field sales experience and strong relationship-building skills.
- Other info: Enjoy 28 days holiday, learning opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 39000 £ per year.
We are the internal recruitment partner for our client, a well-established, independent, family-owned enterprise that has been a cornerstone of the UK food-service distribution sector for five decades. They are seeking an Area Sales Manager to develop and grow customer relationships while identifying new business opportunities across Kent and Essex. This is a field-based role, working closely with the Telesales team to focus on face-to-face account development, category growth, and new business acquisition. The role is contracted at 45 hours per week, offers flexibility to meet customer needs, and requires effective diary management rather than a traditional 9-5 approach.
Responsibilities:
- Represent the company professionally and deliver a high level of service to all customers
- Develop existing customer relationships, identifying opportunities to introduce new products and categories
- Proactively identify, target, and open new business accounts
- Respond to incoming sales leads and work closely with the telesales team
- Plan and manage a structured customer visit schedule across your territory
- Drive category growth across ambient, frozen, fish, fats, and oils
- Support the Accounts team in maintaining agreed credit terms
- Maintain accurate daily call reports and CRM records
- Monitor and report on competitor activity within your territory
- Produce regular sales activity and performance reports
- Support company-wide sales campaigns and attend weekend exhibitions when required
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:
- Proven field sales experience (minimum 2 years)
- Strong relationship-building skills with owner-managed and independent businesses
- Excellent organisation and time-management skills to manage a flexible, field-based working pattern
- A clean UK driving licence
- Foodservice or food industry experience is advantageous but not essential
In return we are offering:
- Salary £37,000 - £39,000 per annum
- Quarterly commission, with earning potential of up to £2,500 per quarter (up to £10,000 per year), with realistic earnings around £500-£1000 per quarter.
- Additional new business incentives
- Company car
- Mobile phone & laptop
- Monday to Friday working
- 28 days holiday including Bank Holidays
- Pension scheme
- Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Staff discounts
- Learning and development opportunities
Interested? Then APPLY now for immediate consideration.
Area Sales Manager in Basildon employer: Vero HR
Contact Detail:
Vero HR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Sales Manager in Basildon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, products, and recent news. This will help you tailor your approach and show them you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Area Sales Manager role. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common sales scenarios. Think about how you'd handle objections or close a deal. Being ready to showcase your skills in real-life situations will impress the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role can keep you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm and professionalism.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Sales Manager in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Area Sales Manager role. Highlight your field sales experience and relationship-building skills, as these are key for this position. We want to see how your background aligns with what our client is looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to develop customer relationships and identify new business opportunities. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Organisation Skills: Since this role requires effective diary management, make sure to highlight your organisational skills in your application. Share examples of how you've successfully managed your time and schedules in previous roles. We appreciate a well-structured approach!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we’re here to help if you have any questions along the way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vero HR
✨Know Your Territory
Before the interview, take some time to research Kent and Essex. Familiarise yourself with the key players in the food-service distribution sector and understand the local market dynamics. This will show your potential employer that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and maintained customer relationships in the past. Think about specific instances where you identified new business opportunities or turned around a challenging account. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a field-based sales role.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires effective diary management, be ready to discuss how you plan and manage your time. You might want to share your strategies for balancing multiple client visits while ensuring you meet all deadlines and targets. This will highlight your suitability for a flexible working pattern.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Competitor Activity
Understand the competitive landscape within your territory. Be prepared to talk about what you know regarding competitors and how you would approach monitoring their activities. This shows that you’re not just focused on your own sales but are also aware of the broader market context.
