We thank you for your interest in Hawkridge Farmhouse Dairy Produce.
Job Description – Area Sales Manager
| Job Title | Area Sales Manager (ASM) |
| Reports to | Independents – Sales Manager Rowcliffe and Sales Manager Hawkridge |
| Location | South/Southwest |
About us:
Rowcliffe & Hawkridge combined are one of Britain’s leading importers and distributors of quality cheese and fine foods, supplying premium independent retailers, foodservice and supermarkets since 1967.
Our mission since 1967 is to champion and support artisan producers from all over Britain and Europe and that has not changed since becoming part of the Lactalis Group, who are the world’s leading dairy group, in 2023. Hawkridge & Rowcliffe are committed to offering best in class products whilst maintaining an outstanding and friendly level of service. As well as offering a range of our own branded products, we also offer our customers over 500 cheeses and a plethora of speciality chilled and ambient products including: charcuterie, olives, olive oils, vinegars, butters, fresh provisions, cakes, pies and pastries and we continue to develop this diverse range to meet the needs of our customers.
During this exciting period, we are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, initiative-taking Area Sales Manager to join our team and service, develop and grow sales in the South and Southwest England.
Job Role:
- Effectively and efficiently manage ‘independent’ sales in a designated geographical area by growing customers whilst maintaining a loyal customer base.
- Meet and strive to exceed quarterly sales targets within company guidelines and profit margins.
- Provide exceptional customer service.
- Champion and promote our producers and our own branded products.
- Comply with all Company policies and procedures.
Summary of Main Sales Duties/Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Identify sales prospects, follow-up on leads and generate sales within assigned geographical area to meet or exceed set sales targets.
- Monitor competitor activity, especially with regards to their offerings and what to offer as alternatives, and to identify any other openings/opportunities.
- Working collaboratively with the Sales Managers to develop and deliver an effective independent selling strategy for assigned geographical area with focus on growing customers while maintaining an established customer base.
- Develop cohesive and collaborative working relationships with the Telesales Teams.
- Develop exceptional knowledge of Company products, services, and promotions.
- Produce and analyse monthly sales reports and KPIs as required for assigned geographical area, ensuring corrective action is taken as agreed with Sales Managers.
- Responsible for self-management of time, schedules, and customer appointments.
- Working effectively and efficiently to achieve targets in sales and customer services.
- Maintain detailed records of sales activity and submit these in a timely manner to line-managers.
Customer Service:
- Using the companies IT systems, work with the Telesales Team in maintaining and delivering first-class, long-term, and sustainable customer relationships.
- Work collaboratively with the Sales Managers and Finance Team on any arising Credit Control issues.
Person Specification – Area Sales Manager
| Factor | Essential (E) or Desirable (D) |
| Qualifications | |
| GCSE or equivalent as a minimum. | E |
| Experience | |
| A background in sales within chilled food sector, at least three years. | E |
| Proven history of increasing sales and maximising opportunities. | E |
| Experienced in conducting meetings and presentations in a professional and considerate manner. | E |
| Knowledge | |
| Knowledge of Company products (dairy) and be able to discuss value with clients. | D |
| Knowledge of target customers to advance the Company’s image and sales. | D |
| Understanding of sales targets and key performance indicators. | E |
| Skills and abilities | |
| Strong negotiation, influencing and persuading skills. | E |
| Excellent communication and team working skills. | E |
| Ability to generate meaningful reports and statistics. | E |
| Personal qualities | |
| Uses own initiative. | E |
| Flexible and adaptable in approach. | E |
| Team player. | E |
| Positive ‘can do’ attitude. | E |
| A polite, tactful, and friendly attitude. | E |
| Motivation | |
| Demonstrates drive and is target driven. | E |
| Strong motivational skills. | E |
| Strong commitment to providing an excellent customer service. | E |
| Proactive approach to work. | E |
Uniforms are provided as appropriate. Staff Discounts. Enhanced Performance Responsibility Related Pay Scale. Company Pension.
Please note we are a rural location with no public transport. Hawkridge are an equal opportunities employer.
Your details or a C.V with contact details, CLEARLY STATING WHICH POSITION(S) you are applying for, and should be sent to simon@hawkridge.uk.com
References will not be taken without your permission. Please advise current rate of pay and notice period.
