Sales Area Manager

Barker Ross; Derby; On-site; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established bakery brand is seeking a dynamic Sales Area Manager to lead a portfolio of retail shops across the Midlands. This exciting role goes beyond sales, focusing on operational excellence, team development, and enhancing customer experience. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in multi-site retail management, particularly within the food-to-go or bakery sectors, and possess the ability to inspire and lead teams effectively. Join a beloved regional brand and make a significant impact while enjoying a supportive work environment and excellent benefits.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

30% staff discount on all company products

Opportunity to work with a beloved regional brand

Qualifications

• Proven experience in multi-site retail management, preferably in food or bakery sectors.
• Strong leadership and results-driven mindset with excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple stores ensuring operational excellence and sales performance.
• Develop strategies to achieve sales targets and manage team performance.

Skills

Leadership

Sales Management

Customer Service

Team Development

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Flexibility

Job description

Our client, a well-established bakery brand known for serving freshly baked goods including pies, cakes and pastries to take away, is seeking an experienced Sales Area Manager to join their team.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead and support a portfolio of retail shops across the Midlands.

Whilst 'sales' is featured in the job title, this role offers a broad remit beyond revenue generation. You will be instrumental in supporting shop operations, team development, customer experience, and regional performance. Flexibility is essential, as you may be required to support shops outside your designated area.

Role Purpose

As Sales Area Manager, you will oversee multiple stores within a defined region, ensuring operational excellence, consistent application of company standards, optimal sales performance, and exceptional customer service.

Key Responsibilities

1. Sales & Performance Management:
   Develop and implement strategies to achieve sales targets and growth objectives.
   Monitor store performance in line with the company's six key retail metrics - the 'Big Six': Total Sales, Average Spend, Waste Percentage, Product Targets, Contracted Hours Targets and Wage Percentage.
   Analyse sales data to identify trends, areas of improvement and opportunities for growth.
2. Leadership & Team Development:
   Provide ongoing support and leadership to Shop Managers, ensuring they are fully equipped to deliver operational standards.
   Visit every shop in your area in accordance to the schedule set to assess performance and offer constructive feedback.
   Recruit, train and mentor Shop Managers, nurturing high-performing teams and identifying future leaders for succession planning.
   Inspire and energise shop visits with enthusiasm and hands-on support.
3. Customer Experience:
   Uphold a consistent, high-quality customer experience across all sites.
   Ensure stores are visually aligned with the brand's marketing guidelines.
   Address and resolve customer complaints linked to your region.
   Oversee store cleanliness and adherence to health and safety standards.
4. Strategic Planning:
   Collaborate with other business functions (e.g. New Product Development, Finance) to develop and execute key initiatives.
   Contribute to weekly performance meetings by reporting on objectives and sharing initiatives to enhance profitability.
   Complete quarterly reviews of each shop with their respective Shop Manager and present findings to the Senior Leadership Team.

Ideal Background

This role would suit a candidate with a strong background in multi-site retail management, ideally within food-to-go, convenience, or quick service environments. Experience in managing dispersed teams, working with KPIs, and driving operational consistency is essential. Candidates from high street bakery chains, supermarkets with in-store bakery sections, or fast-paced hospitality operations will be particularly well-suited. A hands-on approach, commercial acumen, and the ability to thrive in a customer-focused environment are key to success in this role.

Key Requirements

1. Proven experience in a multi-site retail management role, preferably within food or bakery sectors.
2. Strong leadership and people management skills.
3. Results-driven mindset with the ability to interpret performance metrics.
4. Excellent communication and organisational skills.
5. Flexibility to work 40 hours over 5 days per week, including weekends on a rota. Availability between 7:00 am - 5:00 pm is required.
6. Willingness to travel and support stores across the Midlands region and beyond when needed.

Benefits

35,000 per annum, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, 30% staff discount on all company products.
Opportunity to work with a beloved regional brand delivering quality bakery products.

If you are a dynamic and adaptable leader with a passion for retail excellence and team development, we would love to hear from you. To apply, please submit your CV and a short covering letter outlining your relevant experience.