At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop sales teams to drive growth in independent retail and foodservice sectors.
- Company: Join a leading premium food distributor with a strong market reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, autonomy in decision-making, and opportunities for significant impact.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with ambitious growth plans and a focus on team development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing business while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in commercial leadership within food or FMCG sectors.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location - South Home Counties HQ, 1 / 2 days PW
**Key Experience - successful candidates must demonstrate the leading of a field sales (and ideally telesales) team that has sold into independent retailers / restaurants / pubs etc.
Ideally within food but other product areas could be considered**
The Opportunity
Our client is a leading premium food distributor, supplying high-quality branded and own-label products to retail, wholesale and foodservice customers across the UK.
Built on strong supplier partnerships, exceptional service and a reputation for quality, the business is entering an exciting phase of growth and is seeking an ambitious sales leader to help shape its next chapter.
The Role
Reporting to the Managing Director, you will lead the commercial strategy and performance of the business, driving sustainable growth across key accounts and independent sales channels.
This is a senior leadership role with full responsibility for sales strategy, customer development, pricing, margin management and team performance.
You'll play a key role in shaping business direction while ensuring commercial targets are delivered.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the commercial strategy to drive revenue, profit and market growth.
- Lead and develop high-performing Key Account and Independent Sales teams.
- Strengthen existing customer relationships and identify new growth opportunities.
- Drive pricing, margin and commercial performance across the business.
- Deliver accurate forecasting, reporting and commercial insight to the leadership team.
- Collaborate closely with Operations, Finance, Marketing and Supply Chain to achieve business objectives.
About You
- Proven commercial leadership experience within food, foodservice or FMCG with experience in the independent / wholesale space
- Strong track record of delivering profitable sales growth and margin improvement.
- Experience managing key accounts and field-based sales teams.
- Strong commercial, financial and negotiation skills.
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
- A strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and a passion for developing people.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing business with ambitious plans, a strong market reputation and the autonomy to make a significant commercial impact.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Field Sales - Independents in London employer: Vertical Advantage
Vertical Advantage is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of Greater London. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have ample opportunities for growth while working on impactful supply chain projects. The competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, combined with the flexibility of a hybrid role, make this an attractive opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Field Sales - Independents in London
✨Leverage Local Networking Events
Field sales is all about building relationships, so look out for local networking events or industry meetups. These gatherings are prime spots for making connections with potential clients and employers. Bring your A-game and chat about your experiences—first impressions matter!
✨Showcase Your Sales Success Stories
Prepare a couple of solid success stories from your past experiences in sales to share during interviews. Think about specific targets you hit or ways you went above and beyond for your clients. Don't be shy—these stories help illustrate your value to Vertical Advantage as a field sales pro!
✨Scout Out the Competition
Research potential competitors for Vertical Advantage and tailor your approach based on what you find. Understanding their sales strategies will not only help you in interviews, but also give you better talking points when you connect with current employees or industry pros on platforms like LinkedIn.
✨Apply Through Our Website
We know that applying through job boards is tempting, but hitting up Vertical Advantage’s website directly can show your genuine interest. Plus, you might find some hidden gems or roles that haven't been advertised yet. So, make it a priority to check it out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Field Sales - Independents in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Sales Savvy:For a field-sales role like this one at Vertical Advantage, highlight your previous sales experience prominently on your CV. Use specific numbers to showcase your achievements—think along the lines of 'exceeded sales targets by 20%' or 'expanded client base by 50%'. We want to see your skills in action!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect not just your enthusiasm for the role at Vertical Advantage, but also your understanding of the field sales landscape. Talk about what strategies you've successfully employed in past positions and how they could translate to success in this new role. This is your chance to shine!
Emphasise Interpersonal Skills:Field sales isn't just about the sale—it's about building relationships. Make sure to highlight your communication and negotiation skills in your application materials. We’re all about someone who can connect with clients, so weave those soft skills into your CV and cover letter.
Proof of Performance:If you have any sales certifications or training, definitely include those in your application. They add credibility and show your commitment to growing your sales skills. We believe in the power of ongoing development, so don’t hesitate to include those details to stand out to us at Vertical Advantage.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Advantage
✨Show Off Your Sales Savvy
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of key sales techniques and terminologies. We can expect to dive into your past sales experiences, so be ready to discuss your approach to prospecting, closing deals, and managing client relationships. A few solid examples of your past successes could really make you stand out!
✨Know Your Product Inside Out
Having a solid understanding of the products or services that Vertical Advantage offers is essential. We want to hear how you would convey the value of these to potential clients and address any common objections they might have. If you can tie your knowledge back to real-life scenarios, that'll make your answers even more compelling!
✨Flex Your Adaptability Muscles
As a full-time field-sales rep, your day can be unpredictable. Be prepared to share how you've adapted your sales strategies to different situations or client needs. We love to hear stories where you’ve had to think on your feet or adjust your pitch mid-meeting—this shows you’re not just a one-size-fits-all salesperson!
✨Plan Your Questions Wisely
At the end of the interview, we'll likely ask if you have any questions for us. Use this opportunity to ask about the sales team's culture and the tools you'll be using out in the field. This not only shows your genuine interest in Vertical Advantage but also helps you get a feel for whether you’d thrive in that environment.
