Regional Sales Manager - South West in Bristol

About us

Austin Frye is a truly global Executive Search firm specialising in packaging, machinery and chemicals. We are leaders in recruitment for a circular economy and our clients include some of the most reputable manufacturers and sector relevant private equity organisations in the world. We ourselves are funded by private equity, take a completely carbon neutral approach, and are one of the most forward-thinking international recruitment groups in the UK. Simply put, we source great candidates for great jobs.

Client Insights

Our client are a leading manufacturer of plastic packaging for use across all market sectors. They pride themselves on being first choice for rigid plastic packaging solutions through their reliability, efficiency, and innovation as a manufacturer of sustainable packaging on a local and global platform.

Position Insights & Objectives

The purpose of the role is to develop new and existing business in line with the UK s growth strategy, actively targeting the food manufacturing and foodservice markets across the UK. Working closely with the Head of Sales, the post holder is expected to grow and develop UK market share to maximise sales and achieve budget.

Key Responsibilities:

Understand the commercial strategy of the business to achieve sales targets and help contribute towards the growth of UK Market share.

Ensure accurate management and understanding of high-profile customers, managing existing and new accounts.

Create a proactive strategy for each customer and develop an account plan to include mutual objectives, performance reviews, expectations, and customer details.

Achieve budget for both new business targets and growth within existing customers along with any agreed KPI’s.

Understand the concept of profitable business and work to increase profit by account year on year

Understand the concept of yearly budgeting and provide a realistic budget in line with the sales strategy.

Responsible for liaising with all key functions; R&D, Quality and Production Teams, to ensure that the flow of information is aligned to customer requirement and business needs, this includes the capture and feedback of innovation requirements both within the client base and market.

Accountability for new project launches, liaising with all areas in the business as necessary to ensure a successful launch.

Keep internal departments advised of potential future business developments.

Responsible for sales vs budget trackers, so that customer services, planning & operations are informed of any changes or variance to forecasted demand.

Monitor aged stock and action / escalate accordingly.

Escalate any delivery issues to either Sales Director or relevant Operations Director.

Ensure effective reporting of sales activity via CRM, monthly reports and pipeline deadlines are adhered to.

Preferred Professional Experience

You will demonstrable significant experience working in a similar sales role, selling to customers within the food manufacturing, foodservice or retail sectors

To be successful in this role you will need to be comfortable working under pressure and to deadlines.

Experience in flexible packaging is ideal, however experience of the wider packing industry is more important than material specialism.

Personal Attributes

Ability to prioritise and plan time effectively within a fast-moving sector.

Excellent communication skills across a range of mediums with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.

Demonstrable experience of building and maintaining effective relationships with key customers.

Ability to network effectively throughout the business and demonstrate a team-focused approach.

Proven selling and negotiation skills, with the ability to make commercially justifiable decisions.

Ability to provide reports and analysis to tight timescales.

Ability to be flexible, self-motivated, and proactive to achieve results

Education, Compensation, & Location

A degree in business or a related subject is desirable, however not essential for this role. Experience and demonstrated success in a similar role within are industry is just as (if not more) important than qualifications.

This is a hybrid position – home based in the South West with travel as necessary to one of the manufacturing sites, and to meet new and prospective clients.