We are the internal recruitment partner for our client, a well-established, independent, family-owned enterprise that has been a cornerstone of the UK food-service distribution sector for five decades.
They are seeking an Area Sales Manager to develop and grow customer relationships while identifying new business opportunities across Kent and Essex. This is a field-based role, working closely with the Telesales team to focus on face-to-face account development, category growth, and new business acquisition. The role is contracted at 45 hours per week, offers flexibility to meet customer needs, and requires effective diary management rather than a traditional 9–5 approach.
Responsibilities:
1. Represent the company professionally and deliver a high level of service to all customers
2. Develop existing customer relationships, identifying opportunities to introduce new products and categories
3. Proactively identify, target, and open new business accounts
4. Respond to incoming sales leads and work closely with the telesales team
5. Plan and manage a structured customer visit schedule across your territory
6. Drive category growth across ambient, frozen, fish, fats, and oils
7. Support the Accounts team in maintaining agreed credit terms
8. Maintain accurate daily call reports and CRM records
9. Monitor and report on competitor activity within your territory
10. Produce regular sales activity and performance reports
11. Support company-wide sales campaigns and attend weekend exhibitions when required
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following:
12. Proven field sales experience (minimum 2 years)
13. Strong relationship-building skills with owner-managed and independent businesses
14. Excellent organisation and time-management skills to manage a flexible, field-based working pattern
15. A clean UK driving licence
16. Foodservice or food industry experience is advantageous but not essential
In return we are offering:
17. Salary £37,000 – £39,000 per annum
18. Quarterly commission, with earning potential of up to £2,500 per quarter (up to £10,000 per year), with realistic earnings around £500-£1000 per quarter.
19. Additional new business incentives
20. Company car
21. Mobile phone & laptop
22. Monday to Friday working
23. 28 days holiday including Bank Holidays
24. Pension scheme
25. Life Assurance
26. Employee Assistance Programme
27. Cycle to Work Scheme
28. Staff discounts
29. Learning and development opportunities