Sales Manager

Job Title:      Sales Manager

Location:    Home based, with travel as needed

Reports to:      Commercial Manager

Position Purpose:   

Responsible for the management and strategic development of a portfolio of high-value regional/geographical accounts. This role is crucial in driving sales volume, profit, and the achievement of strategic objectives within the assigned customer base. The Sales Manager will work closely with the Lesaffre UK and Ireland commercial team to ensure the successful implementation of the company's commercial strategy and contribute to global objectives.

Essential Position Functions:

Sales and Profitability

• Promote and generate sales volume and profit across all Lesaffre UK products and services within the assigned accounts.
• Achieve the set strategic, budgetary, and profitability targets for the designated accounts
• Monitor performance against objectives and propose actions to improve efficiency and results

Account Management and Negotiation

• Manage the negotiation and implementation of annual agreements with key accounts, ensuring alignment with Lesaffre UK policies
• Actively seek new accounts to support the growth strategy.
• Collaborate with the commercial Manager and other departments to implement the commercial strategy in terms of products, pricing, conditions, logistics, and services

New Business Development

• Identify and capitalise on opportunities for new product and ingredient developments within current and potential accounts
• Work closely with the Commercial Manager to prioritise and develop high-impact projects.
• Engage cross-functionally with the customer's management, NPD, quality, marketing, and production teams.

Financial Management

• Monitor and control the payment terms and financial performance of the assigned accounts
• Collaborate with the finance team to optimise commercial terms and minimise risk

Market Intelligence and Relationship Building

• Develop strong relationships with customers to gather market insights and intelligence
• Stay up-to-date on market trends, competitor activities, and industry developments
• Communicate relevant information to support decision-making across the business.

Knowledge,  Skills and Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in key account management or a similar commercial role

• Proven track record of driving sales growth and profitability within a portfolio of strategic accounts

• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to secure favourable commercial terms

• Strong understanding of the food manufacturing, ideally in the baking industry, including products, raw materials, processes, and economics

• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments and functions

• Capacity to manage complex projects and new business development initiatives

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise effectively with stakeholders at all levels

• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and make data-driven decisions

• Proactive, solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement

This is a commercial role requires a strategic solution orientated mindset, strong business acumen, and the ability to contribute and support the delivery of the overall commercial strategy of Lesaffre UK and Ireland.

Attributes:

• Strong decision-making abilities.

• Detail-oriented with a focus on continuous improvement.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Excellent problem-solving skills.

• Commitment to fostering a positive