Regional Freetrade Sales Manager

Regional Freetrade Sales Manager
Competitive Salary + Car Allowance + Bonus | Midlands | Full-time, Permanent

Are you an experienced Freetrade sales leader from a food or FMCG background with a proven track record of winning new business, developing high-performing sales teams and delivering profitable growth? An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Regional Freetrade Sales Manager to join an established and growing business within the food/FMCG sector. This is a senior commercial position with responsibility for driving new business and developing Freetrade sales across a regional territory.

You will lead and develop a field-based sales team, drive new customer acquisition and grow existing accounts while taking responsibility for achieving ambitious sales, margin and profitability targets. The role will cover the Midlands and surrounding areas, with regular travel across the region and attendance at company locations when required.

What you'll be doing

Your responsibilities will include:
Leading, supporting and developing a field-based Freetrade sales team
Driving profitable new business across your geographical territory
Identifying, winning and retaining new Freetrade customer accounts
Developing existing customers to increase sales and margin
Taking accountability for regional sales, margin and performance targets
Developing and implementing sales plans aligned with wider business objectives
Managing sales budgets, forecasts, KPIs and performance
Building and maintaining strong relationships with key customers
Leading, coaching and mentoring the team to improve individual and overall performance
Recruiting, training and developing team members
Managing performance through KPIs, development plans, regular one-to-ones and field-based coaching
Spending time in the field supporting the team with customer development and new business opportunities
Leading regular team meetings and communicating commercial priorities
Working closely with operational and commercial teams to ensure new business can be delivered effectively
Driving sales campaigns and ensuring the team remains focused on agreed commercial priorities
Monitoring customer retention and identifying opportunities for further growth
Managing action plans and budgets, including effective cost management
Maintaining accurate CRM, pipeline and sales information
Analysing sales performance, trends, margins and opportunities
Presenting performance, pipeline and action plans to senior management
Driving continuous improvement across sales performance, customer experience and team engagement
What we're looking for

We are looking for an experienced and commercially focused sales leader with a strong understanding of Freetrade sales and the food/FMCG market.
Previous sales experience within food, foodservice or FMCG is essential
Strong Freetrade sales experience
Proven track record of winning and retaining profitable new business
Experience achieving and exceeding regional sales and margin targets
Strong account development and customer retention experience
Previous experience leading and developing a field-based sales team
Strong people management, coaching and mentoring skills
Experience managing budgets, forecasts and commercial performance
Excellent negotiation and influencing skills
Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management ability
Commercially aware with a clear understanding of sales, margin and profitability
Strong understanding of customer needs within a fast-paced food/FMCG environment
Customer-focused and results-driven
Strong planning and organisational skills
Confident analysing sales performance and turning information into clear actions
Good CRM, reporting and IT skills
Full UK driving licence
Candidates must be able to demonstrate relevant food/FMCG sector experience alongside a successful background in new business development and sales leadership.

What you'll get in return

Competitive salary
Car allowance
Management bonus scheme
Generous holiday entitlement
Company pension
Healthcare and wellbeing benefits
Life assurance
Employee discounts and rewards
Additional employee benefits
How to Apply:
This is a confidential appointment and further information regarding the company, full benefits package and opportunity will be provided to suitable candidates during the recruitment process.
Apply now, and a member of the Workforce team will be in touch to discuss the opportunity in confidence.
Or simply call or email on:
P: (phone number removed)
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Cheltpro
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed