Head of Sales

Head of Sales

W Talent Manufacturing are proud to be partnering with a leading UK manufacturing organisation to appoint an experienced and commercially driven Head of Sales.

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious sales leader to take ownership of the UK commercial strategy and play a key role in the next phase of growth for the business.

This is not simply a role focused on managing an existing sales team or maintaining established customer relationships. The successful individual will be expected to identify where the next stage of growth will come from, develop the commercial strategy to deliver it and build stronger relationships across the market to turn opportunity into revenue.

Industry experience is essential

We are specifically looking for someone who has built their career within the chimney, flue, fireplace, stove, wood-burners or a closely related heating/product sector.

You will ideally already understand the UK market, including the relationships between manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, independent retailers, fireplace specialists, installers and other routes to market.

Your existing industry knowledge and network will be a significant advantage as you look to identify new opportunities, develop existing accounts and help shape the future commercial direction of the business.

The Opportunity

The business has a strong platform from which to grow and is looking for a Head of Sales who can help unlock its next phase. You will have the opportunity to take a fresh look at the UK market, understand where the greatest opportunities sit and develop a clear, commercially focused plan to deliver sustainable growth.

This will include:

• Growing revenue across existing markets and customer accounts.
• Identifying and developing new customers and routes to market.
• Strengthening relationships with key distributors, wholesalers, retailers and installers.
• Increasing the company's presence and profile within the UK market.
• Identifying opportunities for new products, markets and customer segments.
• Using market intelligence and customer insight to influence the wider business strategy.
• Developing a high-performing sales culture focused on accountability, activity and results.
• Working closely with technical, operations, product development and marketing teams to ensure the business is aligned around customer and market opportunities.

The role will combine strategic thinking with hands-on commercial leadership. We are looking for someone who is comfortable operating at senior level but who also enjoys being in front of customers, winning new business and developing relationships.

What will you be responsible for?

Commercial Strategy & Business Growth

You will take ownership of the UK sales strategy and translate the wider business objectives into a clear commercial growth plan.

This will include:

• Developing and implementing a UK sales strategy focused on sustainable revenue growth.
• Identifying target markets, sectors, customers and routes to market.
• Creating and managing sales forecasts, budgets and performance targets.
• Identifying gaps in the current market proposition and opportunities for growth.
• Monitoring competitor activity, market trends and customer behaviour.
• Using data and market intelligence to support commercial decision-making.
• Working with the senior leadership team to shape the future commercial direction of the business.

New Business Development

A major part of the role will be identifying where the next growth comes from.

You will:

• Proactively identify and develop new customer opportunities.
• Build relationships with new distributors, wholesalers, retailers, OEMs, contractors and installation businesses.
• Develop new routes to market and commercial partnerships.
• Convert opportunities into long-term, profitable customer relationships.
• Represent the business at industry events, exhibitions and customer meetings.
• Develop a strong and measurable sales pipeline.

Key Account Development

The role will also involve maximising the potential of the existing customer base.

You will build strong relationships with key customers and become a trusted commercial partner, understanding their businesses, challenges and future requirements.

You will:

• Develop strategic account plans for key customers.
• Identify opportunities to increase share of wallet.
• Understand changing customer requirements and feed this insight back into the business.
• Lead commercial negotiations and framework agreements.
• Provide technical and commercial support throughout the customer journey.
• Build relationships at multiple levels within key accounts.

Leadership & Influence

You will lead and develop the UK sales function, creating a culture that is commercially focused, customer-led and accountable for results.

You will work closely with:

• Product Development
• Technical
• Marketing
• Operations
• Customer Service
• Purchasing
• Senior Leadership
• European colleagues

The ability to influence across the organisation will be important, ensuring that customer and market opportunities are translated into action.

Who are we looking for?

This role requires genuine sector experience.

You are likely to be an experienced Sales Manager, Sales Director, Head of Sales, Business Development Manager or Senior Key Account Manager who has worked within one of the following industries:

Chimneys Flues Fireplaces Stoves Wood-burners Heating Products Fireplace & Stove Distribution Related Building/Heating Products

You will ideally bring:

• A strong understanding of the UK chimney, flue, stove, fireplace or wood-burner market.
• Existing relationships across independent retailers, distributors, wholesalers, installers or related channels.
• A proven track record of delivering sales growth.
• Experience developing both existing accounts and new business.
• Strong commercial and negotiation skills.
• The ability to understand technical products and communicate their value to customers.
• A proactive, entrepreneurial approach to business development.
• The confidence to challenge existing ways of working and identify new opportunities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on commercially.
• A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly throughout the UK.
• Most importantly, you will be someone who wants to grow a business rather than simply manage a sales function.

Why this role?

This is an opportunity to join a business at an important stage of its development and have a visible impact on its future growth. You will have the freedom and responsibility to look at the market differently, develop new opportunities and help shape how the business grows across the UK. For the right person, this could be a genuinely career-defining opportunity: a chance to take ownership of a commercial growth agenda, build relationships across a specialist market and see the direct impact of your work on the success of the business.

Package

• 55,000 - 70,000
• Company car or car allowance
• Annual performance-related bonus
• Pension and company benefits
• Ongoing training and development
• The opportunity to play a key role in the continued growth of an established UK manufacturing business