Shepcote is a family run business founded in 1969 based in Driffield, East Yorkshire. We pride ourselves on our first‑class products and first‑class service. We manufacture marzipan fruits and cake decorations under our own brand and own label. We source and supply sugar and syrups and ingredients such as nuts, seeds and dried fruit and beans, pulses and grains to bakeries, food service, health food shops and retail outlets including farm shops and delicatessens.
The Role
We are looking for a self‑motivated and proactive Area Sales Manager to join our Sales Team.
Whilst we are flexible subject to experience, the candidate would ideally be based in or around one of the following counties:
This is a field‑based role focused on maintaining and developing existing customers, identifying growth opportunities, and increasing sales and profitability within your designated area.
You’ll spend the majority of your time on the road meeting customers, managing existing accounts, and building new ones across food service, wholesale, and retail sectors. With an expectation of growing and developing new accounts. Reporting to the Senior Sales Manager and Managing Director.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage and grow existing customer accounts within your assigned territory.
* Identify and secure new business opportunities in food service, wholesale, and niche retail markets.
* Build strong, positive relationships with customers through regular site visits, calls, and updates. Resolving customer complaints and issues where needed.
* Present product proposals and promotions tailored to customer needs.
* Negotiate prices and terms within agreed company parameters.
* Collaborate with the internal Sales and Customer Service teams to ensure customer satisfaction and smooth order processing.
* Maintain accurate records of visits, communications, and sales activity using our sales system.
* Provide regular updates and summary of sales performance to the Senior Sales Manager.
* Attend relevant trade shows and networking events to promote Shepcote and gather market insight.
* Support the wider Sales Team by sharing customer and market feedback, including ideas for new lines.
We’d love to hear from you, if you have:
* Strong experience and performance in field sales and territory management within the food ingredients and bakery trade.
* Proven ability to develop customer relationships and deliver against sales targets.
* Strong communication and negotiation skills.
* Self‑motivated, well‑organised, and comfortable working independently.
* Confident presenting to customers and handling objections.
* Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.
* Extensive knowledge of bakery, confectionery and health food markets.
What We Offer
* Salary: Competitive subject to experience.
* Commission
* Discretionary Company Bonus
* Expenses
* Location: Field-based with regular travel
* Hours: 37.5 - 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday
* Holidays: 25 + bank holidays
* Pension: 5% EE / 3% ER
* Training and ongoing support
Shepcote is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace.
We recruit and reward based on capability and performance, irrespective of gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, race, background, physical ability, or gender identity.
If you require reasonable adjustments or support during the recruitment or interview process, please inform us, and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
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