Sales Manager

At The Helm; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

At The Helm seeks an experienced Sales Manager to enhance retail customer relationships and lead a dynamic sales team. This role requires a creative approach to traditional and digital sales strategies, alongside a strong understanding of supply chain and data analytics. The ideal candidate will have a proven sales management track record and expertise in the furniture industry, particularly upholstery and leather products, to drive growth and performance.

Benefits

Competitive salary + package

Commission-based performance

Car allowance

Employee Assistance Programme

Private medical insurance

Pension and other employee benefits

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience in senior sales management is essential.
• Industry experience in furniture, particularly upholstery and leather sofas.
• Strong strategic and commercial mindset with a proven track record.

Responsibilities

• Build and develop relationships with retail customers.
• Manage and support Regional Account Managers to drive sales growth.
• Provide senior management with regular sales analysis reports.

Skills

Sales Performance Management

Team Management

Analytical Skills

Customer Relationship Management

Strategic Thinking

Communication

Education

Degree-level qualification

Job description

The Role

You will be an experienced Sales Manager who will build and develop our relationships with our retail customers whilst driving improved sales performance and providing effective team management.

This role requires a hands-on, strategic and creative approach to sales and relationship management. You will need a solid understanding of large chain retail operations, the manufacturing supply chain, and a strong data- and analytics-driven mindset.

You will have a proven track record of managing a sales team in a proactive way and can demonstrate improvement and growth in a measurable way.

While our industry is very traditional at its core, we aim to be forward-thinking and innovative with our sales techniques and in-store communication, balancing traditional methods with innovative digital methods.

Objectives & Responsibilities

Sales Performance Management

• Collaborate with the Board to define and monitor sales performance targets for Regional Account Managers and key accounts.
• Actively manage and support of Regional Account Managers across the UK and Ireland to drive sales growth.
• Negotiate key commercial terms with new and existing accounts, providing assistance to regional account managers as required.
• Improve business sales performance and practice across the business.
• Organise and lead regular sales and marketing meetings.
• Provide senior management with regular sales analysis reports and actionable insight.

Market and Product Development

• Utilise market expertise to drive product development initiatives, advising the CEO and design team on product trends, especially in leathers and fabrics.
• Project-manage new model development and delivery from a sales perspective.
• Collaborate with retail buyers and internal teams to identify new product opportunities.

Retailer and Customer Relations

• Establish and develop strong relationships with target retailer buyers and key stakeholders.
• Develop customer understanding and affinity for the At The Helm and Hydeline lifestyle brands.
• Ensure retail staff are trained to effectively promote product ranges.
• Grow sales and product ranges with existing retailer partners.
• Handle retailer requests and communication efficiently and professionally.

Sales Operations and Marketing Support

• Ensure retailer orders are processed and fulfilled to brand standards.
• Align stock planning between retailers and internal teams.
• Work with marketing to deliver innovative point-of-sale (POS) materials and enhance in-store brand galleries.
• Capture and communicate feedback from retail buyers, store staff and consumers to support continuous improvement and development.
• Assist marketing in exploring digital and online opportunities to drive retail sales.

Administration and Communication

• Maintain effective communication between office and customers.
• Ensure accurate sales documentation.
• Perform other related duties, as required.

Personal Qualities and Qualifications

• You will have industry experience in furniture, particularly upholstery and leather sofas; cabinetry and lighting would be highly advantageous.
• 3-5 years’ experience in senior sales management is essential.
• Highly organised, with exceptional attention to detail and understanding of top-quality brand representation.
• Effective communicator with internal and external personnel of various roles and working styles.
• A strong strategic and commercial mindset with a proven track record of driving client acquisition, conversion and retention growth using a broad range of marketing channels.
• Ability to demonstrate creative and innovative thinking.
• A strong understanding of e-commerce and digital marketing in interiors.
• Commercially astute, with the ability to interpret data and extract actionable insights.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable learning new systems and tools and effectively prioritising multiple projects.
• Degree-level qualification (preferred but not essential).

What do we offer?

Competitive salary + package (incl. commission-based performance, car allowance), Employee Assistance Programme, private medical insurance, pension and other employee benefits.