Position : UK/EU Sales Manager Location : Launched in 2007, Blackstar is globally recognised and respected as an innovator and leader in guitar amplification design. We are a company of musicians and music lovers who are truly passionate about what we do and understand the importance of great sound.
Blackstar is based in Northampton, with over 80 years’ combined experience in guitar amplification design and production. Blackstar, and Carry-on by Blackstar products are the best in the world for design, technology and performance – we create the ultimate tools for self-expression.
Our company values promote equality, diversity and inclusion. Our team are experts in their field, passionate about music and driven to be the most professional company in the industry. If you approach your work with pride, want to be the best, and help to grow our global brand to its full potential, we would love to hear from you.
We are recruiting an experienced and commercially minded UK/EU Sales Manager deliver Blackstar’s ambitious sales goals.
Blackstar is a world-class company which operates at a very high pace and is constantly evolving its business and brand proposition. The UK/EU Sales Manager will drive sales and achieve targets across the UK direct to dealer market and European distributor region, along with sales across European E-Commerce channels for both Blackstar and Carry-on by Blackstar products.
Responsible for the performance and development of the European market.
· Lead & manage the UK sales team and work with the Director of Sales to develop UK and European business strategy and achieve sales targets.
· Ensure departmental use of the CRM in line with company process.
· Monitor the performance of staff and ensure the necessary direction and training are provided.
· Develop a business plan and sales strategy for the European and UK markets, that ensures sales and KPI targets are achieved.
· As required, support in the development of non-MI (consumer) sales channels for Blackstar products with Director of Sales.
· Provide weekly feedback to Senior Management regarding performance at the Commercial Meeting and via the weekly Sales Report.
· Manage department travel planning and meetings; being mindful of cost and effective time management.
· Work with store manager and owners to ensure sales are maximised through product placement and sales strategy.
· Monitor market conditions and new products, communicate findings to Senior Management and R&D team.
· Ensure New Products are loaded into the retail channel to achieve desired representation and commercial success at launch.
Relationship Management
· Manage the relationships with all stakeholders across the European distribution network through monthly sales meetings, regular territorial visits, and regular general comms.
· Own UK dealer performance, compliance and interface with the Company and ensure that our dealers maximise growth potential.
· Activities (physical/digital) with dealers to ensure Blackstar has excellent visibility in the market place, in conjunction with marketing team.
· The European Sales Manager is the ‘voice’ of Blackstar to the European market and the ‘voice’ of the European market to Blackstar.
· Track European business results alongside Export Sales Manager, Chinese Sales Manager and Internal Sales Manager
E-commerce
· Manage the sales process of NPI for Carry-on by Blackstar and Blackstar products through direct channels.
· Produce agreed sales reports.
· Sales Management
· Stock and forecasting management
· Excellent numerical and analytical skills, including commercial calculations (Excel)
· Understanding of marketing function at brand and retail level
· Knowledge of the UK MI dealer network
· Proven track record of exceeding sales targets in a B2B function.
· Independent and self-reliant, being able to work without close supervision.
· Commerciality, including pricing and budget management.
· Market and trend analysis - fact-based decision-making. A willingness to travel as needed across the EU territory.
· Full driving-licence
Sales Leadership
· Inventory and purchasing management
· Amazon VC management
· Experience within the EU MI sales channel
· Sales team leadership
· E-Commerce management, specifically Amazon
· Distributor management
· Salary + Commission + Bonus scheme
· Workplace pension
· 25 days annual leave (+1 day annually after 2 nd work anniversary, up to maximum 30 days)
Working within a KPI (Key Performance Indicator) structure.
Office hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm (1 hour lunch) Monday to Friday, and a willingness to work extra hours as and when required to achieve results.
Blackstar Amplification welcomes applications from all, irrespective of disability, gender, gender expression and identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, age, race, colour, ethnic origin, nationality (subject to UKBA permission), trade union membership and activity, political or religious beliefs, socio-economic background and any other distinction.
If you wish to apply, then please return a completed Blackstar application form, along with your CV and a brief video to introduce yourself in 60 seconds or less.