Area Sales Manager

William Henry Associates; North East; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

William Henry Associates is seeking an ambitious Area Sales Manager to drive growth within the UK electrical wholesale and distribution sector. You will own an existing customer portfolio while proactively developing new accounts across the local area.

The role focuses on building genuine relationships, delivering knowledgeable product advice, and converting opportunities into profitable business. A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel are required.

Qualifications

• Experience in external sales within wholesale (electrical/merchant)
• Proven ability to grow customer accounts against targets
• Strong negotiation and closing skills
• Excellent relationship-building and communication abilities
• Willingness to travel with a full UK driving licence

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow an existing portfolio of trade customers.
• Develop new business opportunities in the territory.
• Visit customers and sites to identify needs and opportunities.
• Provide knowledgeable advice on products, solutions and services.
• Prepare quotations and negotiate pricing; convert opportunities into sales.
• Coordinate with internal branches to ensure stock, orders and deliveries.
• Follow up leads to maximise conversion, revenue and margin.
• Resolve customer, service and delivery issues promptly and professionally.
• Monitor account performance, margins and sales activity.
• Keep up to date with market conditions and competitor activity.

Skills

External sales

Negotiation

Relationship building

Time management

CRM experience

Driving licence

Tools

CRM systems

Pricing software

Job description

We’re looking for an ambitious and commercially minded Area Sales Manager to join a well-established and highly respected business within the UK electrical wholesale and distribution sector.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys being out in the field, building genuine customer relationships and turning opportunities into profitable business. You’ll take ownership of an established customer portfolio while actively developing new accounts across the local area.

You’ll be joining a long-established organisation with a strong reputation for service, product expertise and investing in its people. With an extensive branch network, significant product range and relationships with leading manufacturers, you’ll have the backing and resources to deliver for your customers.

The Role

• Managing, retaining and growing an existing portfolio of trade customers.
• Developing new business opportunities across your territory.
• Regularly visiting customers, sites and prospects to understand their requirements and identify opportunities.
• Providing knowledgeable advice on products, solutions and services.
• Preparing quotations, negotiating pricing and converting opportunities into sales.
• Working closely with internal branch teams to ensure stock, orders and deliveries are managed effectively.
• Following up leads and quotations to maximise conversion, revenue and margin.
• Resolving customer, service and delivery issues quickly and professionally.
• Monitoring account performance, margins and sales activity.
• Keeping up to date with market conditions, competitor activity and customer requirements.
• Working with leading suppliers and supporting relevant product promotions and initiatives.
• Providing regular feedback on market trends, customer needs and commercial opportunities.

The Candidate

• Previous experience in external sales within a wholesale environment (electrical wholesale, builder’s merchant, plumber’s merchant etc)
• Experience managing and growing customer accounts against sales or margin targets.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills, with the confidence to close business.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
• A proactive approach to finding and converting new opportunities.
• Good organisation and time-management skills, particularly when managing a busy diary and customer pipeline.
• Confidence working independently while collaborating closely with an internal team.
• Good numerical and IT skills, including the ability to work with pricing, margins and CRM/sales systems.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly throughout the local area