Sales Manager
Created:
Established in 1992, Ison Distribution Ltd (ID) has long been known as an outstanding distributor of high-quality bicycles, parts and accessories. We offer many exclusive market leading products, and our dedicated staff strive to provide excellent service to all our customers.
Ison Distribution offers a strategic mixture of own brands along with a selection of 3rd party products, primarily focussed on the UK market. We are also developing international opportunities with our expanding line of in-house brands.
This is a senior position within the Company, and you will be liaising closely with other senior management. We are looking for a ‘team player’ who will inspire and be inspired by your colleagues.
Ideally you will have very significant bicycle industry knowledge as well as being PC literate, commercially astute and technically minded. Primarily office based at our Ely headquarters, a degree of UK based travelling to key customers is expected, along with occasional interaction with international suppliers and customers where appropriate.
A real passion for cycling will be an advantage, as we believe this is an exceptionally unusual opportunity to pursue a career in Sales Management with some of the World's finest cycling products, inside a family owned company that has been passionately involved in the cycling industry for over 100 years.
Job Description
Post: Sales Manager
Responsible to: Managing Director
Job Holder:
Job Purpose: Lead and manage the sales operation of all Ison Distribution products to customers throughout the U.K., including the management of the UK sales team.
Oversee export sales
Sales Manager Duties & Responsibilities
Lead and manage the sales operation of all Ison Distribution products to customers throughout the U.K., including the management of the UK sales team
1. Manage the day to day activities of the Ison territory sales and the internal office sales personnel, by being the first point of contact for all communications.
2. Manage the overall dealer base and sales team to ensure customers are serviced appropriately.
3. Directly manage identified key accounts ensuring excellent customer satisfaction is maintained. This will include direct visits and active contact, as well as ensuring that appropriate Brand Manager detailed support is provided.
4. Liaise with Brand Managers and the Marketing Manager to provide support to sales staff as may be appropriate (including product knowledge information and customer visits).
5. In cooperation with Directors and sales personnel set annual targets for sales and/or gross profit, monitor performance on a regular basis.
6. Work with the Operations Manager and Brand Managers to ensure that sales staff are aware of the stock status, paying particular attention to slow moving or soon to be discontinued lines.
7. Identify market movements and liaise with the Marketing Manager to develop and implement appropriate sales activities.
8. Working with the Marketing Manager, ensure that all sales staff are advised of applicable sales promotions, offers etc., and consider incentive schemes to help drive growth.
9. Where required assist and train sales staff, by working directly with them, ensuring the highest standards are met and maintained.
10. Working with other key stakeholders, assume overall responsibility for the CRM systems, ensuring that the data is kept current and reports are available from the system for those that need them.
11. Receive sales reports, collate, and report overall performance, opportunities, and threats to senior management, and disseminate appropriate information to all parties requiring feedback on a weekly basis.
12. By liaising with the Operation and Marketing Teams (including Ison's Web/Design/Support staff) ensure that Ison sales information is adapted for integration with 3rd party customer technology in the marketplace, including EPOS and Ecommerce.
13. Support sales staff and brand managers at events and attend exhibitions and events on behalf of the Company as requested.
14. Support the office sales team directly as an integral member who is happy to talk to customers, sell products and process orders efficiently.
15. Liaise with the accounts staff to ensure customers receive excellent support.
16. Manage sales staff to ensure that logistical efficiency is always maximised.
17. Write reports, as defined by senior management.
18. Liaise with the Marketing and Operations Managers on a regular basis to ensure that marketing and sales activities are well synchronised.
Oversee Export Sales
19. To be the main point of contact for international distributors of Ison brands.
20. Ensure that distribution partners receive appropriate information, service and support from Ison.
21. Work with the MD, Marketing Manager and Operations Manager to develop and deliver sales strategies for each export territory area.
22. Oversee Ison sales administration to ensure that export dealers receive appropriate information, service and support.
General
At all times work safely, ensuring your own safety and that of others in the Company.
At all times work within all Company procedures and protocols.
Undertake other duties as reasonably requested by the Company.
Person Specification
Education, Knowledge and Training/Qualifications:
Essential:
Extensive knowledge of the UK sales channels, including the IBD Network
Knowledge of the main suppliers in the bicycle industry
Good working knowledge of bicycles and associated parts and accessories
Ability to produce and interpret sales reports and other relevant data’
Relevant but not essential:
Training in coaching / mentoring / training others in sales techniques
Previous experience of using CRM systems
Experience
Personal attributes and skills required to perform in the job effectively
Ability to:
• Manage and motivate the sales team, encouraging excellent performance and dealing effectively with under-performance, where necessary
• Employ effective communication skills, both verbal and written
• Establish effective relationships with dealers and Ison house accounts and ‘up sell’ with confidence
• Work well on own initiative and as part of the management team
• Multi-task, prioritise and manage time effectively
• Be flexible to meet deadlines
• Remain calm when under pressure
• Be available to attend trade shows both in UK and in Europe and further afield which may involve late working, overnight stays and weekend working
• Undertake manual handling where appropriate.
To apply, please send a full CV and covering letter in the strictest confidence to:
kathryn.pratt@ashtonshrconsulting.co.uk
Please advise us where you heard about this vacancy within your application.
Closing Date: 31st December 2020
Please note that we may not be able to respond to all applicants individually as are expecting a high response to this vacancy.