National Sales Director - UK & Ireland
Reports to: Managing Director
Responsible for: 5 Direct Reports; 44 Indirect
Location: Can be based Nationally but must be able to travel regularly throughout the UK and Ireland and will be required to visit Midlands Head Office at least once per week
Overview
We are seeking an accomplished and visionary National Sales Director to lead and drive our commercial strategy within the project sector, across the UK and Ireland. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will play a pivotal role in steering the Projects business forward for Piping Systems, bathroom ceramics and behind the wall flushing systems.
This role will be pivotal in the delivery of our ambitious growth plans, as we look to expand the business significantly over the next 5 years.
This role demands more than revenue growth — it's about vision, market foresight, leadership and building strategic capability for the future.
You will be a dynamic and strategic leader, capable of translating market insights into actionable sales strategies, while inspiring high-performing teams to exceed targets. A deep understanding of B2B sales cycles, channel management, industry trends and sales leadership is essential. To ensure we remain in control of our own destiny demand creation will be the primary focus for the project team, as we look to establish new ways of working across the construction market.
Key Responsibilities
Customer Excellence Strategy:
* Champion a culture of customer-centricity across the sales function by embedding service excellence standards, customer satisfaction KPIs, and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance the end-to-end customer journey.
Strategic Leadership:
Develop and execute a robust sales strategy for the UK and Irish markets, aligned with overall business objectives to drive growth, market share, and profitability.
Strategic Planning & Documentation:
* Lead the development of mid-term strategic sales plans (3–5 years), aligning commercial objectives with broader business goals, market forecasts, and operational capabilities. Ensure all planning is underpinned by data-driven insights and market intelligence.
* Executive Reporting & Board Presentations:
* Prepare and deliver high-quality strategic reports and presentations for the Managing Director and Executive Board, articulating sales performance, future opportunities, commercial risks, and recommendations for long-term growth.
Executive Contribution:
Actively contribute to the Executive Leadership Team, supporting broader business planning, performance reviews, and long-term strategic initiatives.
Team Leadership & Development:
Lead, mentor, and develop the UK and Ireland sales team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Market & Competitive Analysis:
Monitor market dynamics, customer needs, and competitor activity across the UK and Ireland to identify new opportunities, risks, and potential areas for differentiation.
Operational Planning:
* Translate sales strategy into executable commercial plans, setting KPIs, revenue targets, and performance metrics to ensure accountability and results.
* Building strong relationships will be essential in this role, leveraging industry connections to secure new business opportunities
Key Account Management:
Build and maintain strong relationships with major clients, distributors, and strategic partners across both markets to enhance customer loyalty and long-term partnerships.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work closely with Product, Marketing, Operations, and Finance teams to ensure alignment of product development, promotional activity, and supply chain performance.
Budget Management:
Develop and manage the annual sales budget for the UK and Ireland, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation and strong ROI on commercial activities.
Sales Forecasting & Reporting:
Oversee forecasting processes and provide accurate, timely reports and insights to the Managing Director and Board.
Innovation & Transformation:
Lead change management initiatives in response to evolving market conditions and customer expectations, including digital tools and sales enablement technologies.
Requirements
* Exceptional leadership skills to build and inspire a high-performing sales team
* A track record of driving growth with M&E contractors, Main Contractors, Architects, Design Consultants, Merchants and Specialists across construction sector
* Proven track record in a senior sales leadership role, ideally within the plumbing product categories. Experience in the piping sector would be seen as highly desirable.
* Demonstrable experience developing and executing sales strategies within the UK and Ireland.
* Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities, with the ability to interpret market data and translate into business plans.
* Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills.
* Inspirational leader with a hands-on approach and a passion for developing people and teams.
* Comfortable operating at Board level with a high degree of commercial acumen.
Desirable Attributes
* Experience within the project sector of the construction industry.
* Familiarity with CRM systems and data-driven sales methodologies.
* Strong personal network within the UK and Irish building products or bathroom supply chain.
Package & Benefits
* Competitive salary + executive bonus scheme
* Long term incentive share scheme
* Company car
* Pension scheme
* Private healthcare
* 28 days holiday + bank holidays
* Opportunities for professional development and executive leadership training