Area Sales Manager – Head of Retail & Fashion
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Coverage: Nationwide
Location: Flexible
Travel required: 75%>
Leading the Retail & Fashion Sales Strategy for DHL Express UK
Step into a high‑impact leadership role where you’ll shape, drive, and deliver the Retail & Fashion sector strategy across the UK. As our Area Sales Manager, you will lead a national team of five Business Development Managers, guiding them to achieve exceptional results in a competitive, fast‑moving market.
Your influence will directly contribute to customer retention, new business growth, and sector profitability - ensuring DHL remains the partner of choice for the UK’s biggest and most dynamic retail and fashion brands.
Driving High Performance & Commercial Growth
Leading a High‑Performing Sales Team
* Provide strategic leadership to five national BDMs, ensuring they are equipped, motivated, and inspired to exceed expectations.
* Set clear objectives that drive customer retention, new business development, and commercial performance.
Delivering Insight‑Led Sales Excellence
* Utilise key sales tools and reporting platforms (customer data analysis, pipeline reviews, territory performance dashboards, CRM usage) to coach for measurable improvement.
* Review sales force activities regularly to measure efficiency, customer focus, and operational effectiveness.
* Identify performance gaps and improvement opportunities across individual and portfolio levels.
Optimising Territory & Portfolio Performance
* Analyse sales results (area/territory), including revenue, margin, and activity metrics, translating insights into structured development actions.
* Drive consistent, high‑quality sales activity across the national team, ensuring best practices are shared and adopted.
Championing Safety & Compliance
* Adhere to all safety, security, and compliance standards, including import/export procedures and local regulations.
* Ensure any potential security concerns are raised promptly.
* Some duties may require completion of a Counter Terrorism Check (CTC).
What We’re Looking For
* A Proven Sales Leader
* A confident people manager with experience leading high‑performing, field‑based commercial teams.
* A Strategic Thinker & Commercial Expert
* You understand market dynamics, customer behaviour, and sector trends - and use that insight to drive growth.
* A Strong Communicator & Influencer
* You inspire your team, build strong stakeholder relationships, and represent DHL’s brand with credibility and impact.
* An Adaptable & Results‑Driven Professional
* You navigate change positively, solve problems proactively, and consistently deliver high‑quality business results.
Skills & Experience
* Excellent leadership experience with a track record of managing successful sales teams
* Strong commercial and business acumen
* Ability to adapt to fast‑paced and changing priorities
* High personal impact with strong influencing skills
* Proven success driving performance and efficiencies
* Strong planning, organisational, and analytical capability
* 2–3 years people management experience (or demonstrated leadership capability)
* 5 years sales experience within logistics or service-based industries
* Proven track record of commercial and sales growth
Our Promise to You – Benefits
* Competitive salary
* Eligibility for performance‑related bonus schemes
* Generous annual leave, increasing with length of service
* Company Car
* Excellent company pension scheme
* Life Assurance
* Enhanced maternity pay
* Generous company sick pay
* Wide range of voluntary benefits (retail discounts, gym offers, cash dental plans & more)
* Discounted Health Assessments
* Access to wellbeing programmes and mental health first aiders
* Strong focus on training, development, and internal progression
What’s Next?
* Apply now and upload your CV online.
* If shortlisted, a member of our Recruitment & Talent team will contact you within 5–10 days.
* Please note: As part of CAA regulatory requirements, all applicants must provide a full 5‑year employment history and complete a Criminal Record Check prior to starting.
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