Head of Sales
Location: Hertfordshire
A well–established and growing food and beverage manufacturer is seeking an experienced Head of Sales to lead and drive the company's commercial strategy. This is a fantastic opportunity for a results–driven sales leader to develop and execute a robust sales plan, manage key national accounts, and lead a high–performing team to support the company's ambitious growth plans.
Key Responsibilities
Sales Strategy & Growth
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Develop and implement a sales strategy aligned with company–wide growth objectives both in the UK and internationally.
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Identify new business opportunities and drive lead generation to expand market share.
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Work closely with the Marketing Director to align sales strategies with brand positioning, product innovation, and market trends.
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Ensure pricing strategies, contract negotiations, and commercial terms are structured to maximise profitability.
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Develop and maintain multi–level customer relationships with key stakeholders in retail, food service, and contract manufacturing.
Team Leadership & Performance
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Provide sales leadership across the business, ensuring the sales team is structured, aligned, and motivated to achieve strategic growth objectives.
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Strengthen the new business development function while ensuring existing accounts remain well–managed.
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Implement sales KPIs and performance metrics to track success and identify areas for improvement.
Commercial & Operational Collaboration
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Work closely with NPD, technical, and operations teams to ensure product and service offerings align with customer needs.
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Collaborate with supply chain and finance teams to ensure customer demands are met efficiently and profitably.
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Support the business in identifying opportunities for automation, efficiency improvements, and strategic partnerships to enhance sales.
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Ensure a data–driven approach to sales forecasting, budgeting, and financial planning.
Customer & Market Development
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Lead the customer relationship with a selection of key national accounts.
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Develop and execute customer engagement plans to strengthen key account relationships and attract new clients.
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Keep abreast of market trends, competitor activity, and industry innovations, using insights to inform sales strategies.
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Represent the company at industry events, trade shows, and networking opportunities to enhance business reputation and visibility.
Key Skills & Experience Required
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Proven track record in a senior sales leadership role within food or beverage manufacturing, FMCG, or food service.
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Strong experience in developing and executing sales strategies, driving revenue growth, and winning new business.
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Expertise in key account management, commercial negotiations, and pricing strategy.
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Experience managing a diverse sales team, ensuring high performance and development.
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Strong understanding of P&L management, forecasting, and data–driven decision–making.
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Ability to influence at board level and collaborate cross–functionally with marketing, operations, and finance teams.
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Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and project management skills.
What's in it for you?
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Opportunity to shape the commercial strategy of a growing and ambitious business.
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Leadership role with autonomy and line management of three direct reports, including a Sales Manager.
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Competitive salary and benefits package.
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Career development opportunities within a fast–growing organisation.
Benefits include:
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23 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays – increasing to 25 days (3 years' service), 28 days (5 years' service), and 30 days (10 years' service).
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Free parking.
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Government pension scheme.
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Death in Service, including access to GP24.
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Enhanced Maternity/Paternity/Adoption leave.
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PerkBox, a discount scheme with hundreds of high street brands.
If you are a strategic sales leader looking for an exciting opportunity to make an impact in a growing business, we'd love to hear from you!