Area Sales Manager (m/f/d)

Volmary Ltd is part of the Volmary Group and the UK’s leading young plant producer and plant breeder. We are seeking an enthusiastic and professional horticultural Area Sales Manager (m/f/d).

Location: Field Based - North West & Midlands, United Kingdom

Duties

1.     Reporting to the Sales Director, to maximise sales and long-term profitability for the company by selling to the existing customer base.

As part of this to:

a.     Develop a relationship with each customer, to understand their needs and be able to take advantage of all opportunities to supply them as a preferred supplier.

b.     Understand the full potential of the customer and how best to develop the relationship.

c.      Provide offers and quotations for young plant products on an on-going basis. Manage the pricing with the client in line with company policies in order to maximise long-term profitability.

d.     Maximise the percentage of sales taken with each order.

e.     To keep customers informed about new products, services and promotions.

f.       In conjunction with the main office, update customers on the progress of their orders.

g.     Pursue regular feedback of customer’s perceived performance by the company.

h.     Manage the above in a cost-effective manner, using site visits, telephone calls, Teams meetings and e-mail.

2.     Identify, attract and sell to new customers in both existing, and new markets, working on your own initiative and in coordination with the Sales Director:

a.     Research and prepare lists of potential new customers.

b.     Contact these potential customers systematically in order to open new commercial relationship, demonstrating tact and persistence as required.

3.     Maintain contact with all customers on a regular basis to ensure the highest standards of customer service. Aiming to visit all customers at least once annually, but more frequently to customers on a pro rata turnover basis, or based on a customer’s perceived service demand.

4.     Plan visits to customers in an efficient, effective and safe manner, bearing in mind safe working practices and the companies Duty of Care responsibilities. Use nights away to make and plan appointments in efficient clusters.

5.     Aim to visit customers in set geographical areas on a six-week rotation.

6.     Field sales managers need to be capable of managing 150 plus grower accounts.

7.     Provide weekly visit reports and notes to the Sales Director and senior managers. These should give an accurate picture of market situation and our companies performance.

8.     When service or quality issues arise, resolve these in the most appropriate manner using the company’ quality assurance system to record, follow-up and resolve the issues.

9.     As and when required, proactively work with the main office to help sell surplus products.

10.  Develop a product knowledge base, to an acceptable standard, to provide detailed information and advice to customers regarding appropriate or alternative products to match their needs - thereby promoting and maximising sales opportunities.

11.  Provide realistic, but challenging targets for the budget process, taking into account an analysis of the customer base and new sales initiatives.

12.  Using the companies IT system, keep up-to-date accurate records of all transactions and maintain all administrative work to a high standard.

13.  Provide support and be active in promoting the company’s reputation and brand on a daily basis, in all activities including Customer Visits, Open Days, Trade Exhibitions, etc.

Education Requirements: Relevant Educational and Horticultural Qualifications

Experience Requirements: Knowledge of the young plant or ornamental plants market, IT Skills particularly Excel, Word and Email

Work Environment: Main Office or Home Office, and field based

Hours of work: 08.30 – 17.30 (excluding travelling time, with additional hours as and when required)

Days of Work: Mon- Fri (some weekends at peak times)

Annual Pay: A generous and Competitive remuneration package will be provided.

Benefits: Competitive Salary, Pension Scheme, Company Car, Laptop & iPhone

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: On the road

Benefits:

• Company car
• Company events
• Company pension
• Work from home