At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic sales team and drive SMB growth with hands-on coaching.
- Company: Join Zinc, a trusted background-check platform revolutionising hiring.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, remote work options, and unique perks.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant culture with exciting team retreats and social events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Sales management experience and a proven track record in SMB sales.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 75000 £ per year.
Zinc is building the most trusted background-check and employment-history platform in the market. Our SMB business is the engine - high volume, fast-moving, and growing. We're looking for a Sales Manager who knows how to win in that environment and who can build a team that does the same. This is a permanent role, initially stepping in to cover a period of maternity leave and leading an established team from day one. You'll own the SMB segment end to end: pipeline, process, people, and performance. This isn't a purely strategic role - you'll be in the deals, on the calls, and leading from the front.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the SMB number - pipeline health, conversion rates, forecasting accuracy, and revenue delivery against a £2m target.
- Player/coach from day one: cover deals when reps are out, join key calls, and model the behaviour you want to see.
- Build and maintain best-in-class SMB playbooks, KPIs, and processes - including pipeline development, forecasting, enablement, and performance management.
- Hire well and ramp fast - plan for +1–2 AEs in Sep/Oct and own the full hiring and onboarding process.
- Lead with kindness, not niceness - have the hard conversations early, hold the bar, and protect the culture of the team.
- Work cross-functionally with marketing, partnerships, and outbound to ensure the top of funnel is healthy and the hand-offs are tight.
- Coach reps individually: weekly 1:1s, pipeline reviews, call coaching, and clear development plans tied to quota attainment.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Required
- At least 1 year of sales management experience, with direct responsibility for quota-carrying reps.
- Proven track record selling and scaling in the SMB segment (£10k–£50k ACV).
- Comfortable as a player/coach - not just managing from a dashboard, but in the work.
- Strong process builder: you’ve created or meaningfully improved a sales playbook, not just followed one.
Preferred
- 2+ years of management experience, ideally at a SaaS or HR-tech company.
- Several years at a single org – depth of experience in one GTM motion over job-hopping.
- Experience hiring, onboarding, and ramping AEs in a fast-growth environment.
- Familiarity with background screening, compliance, or HR-tech buying cycles.
What we offer
- £60k Variable
- 24 days holiday + Bank Holidays + your birthday off
- £1200 annual benefits allowance (ThanksBen, from month 2)
- Early finish Fridays (16:00)
- Yearly company retreat abroad (This year Turin)
- 30 days to Work from anywhere
- Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption Leave
- Statutory pension with NEST (3% employer, 5% employee)
- Zinc shares, issued through the EMI Scheme
- Unlimited access to MoreHappi coaching
- Company socials, quarterly team socials
- Free Monday lunches
- Nursery workplace benefit scheme (Yellownest)
- Option to lease an electric car through Electric Car Scheme
- Celebrated Zinc anniversaries
SMB Sales Manager employer: Zinc
Zinc is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and supportive work culture, perfect for those looking to thrive in a fast-paced SMB environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive benefits including generous holiday allowances, flexible working options, and unique perks like early finish Fridays and annual retreats. Join us in London to be part of a team that values kindness, collaboration, and innovation while making a meaningful impact in the background-check industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SMB Sales Manager
✨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 SMB Sales Manager at Zinc, 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 Zinc. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a SMB Sales Manager. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace SMB Sales Manager
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 Zinc:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Zinc. 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 Zinc
✨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 Zinc 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 Zinc 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 Zinc’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.
