ABOUT TALA
Tala is on a mission to be the definitive zero-carbon lighting brand. Founded in 2015, we are a design-led, sustainability-focused lighting company headquartered in London, with global fulfilment centres in Atlanta, Amsterdam, and London. We create high-quality lighting products that blend design, technology, and sustainability - and we are growing.
THE ROLE
We are looking for a commercially sharp, self-directed Sales Manager to own Talas most important UK relationships and open up new international markets.
This is a role for someone who knows how to operate within complex retail and wholesale organisations, earning trust at buying director level, navigating large accounts, and driving revenue without needing to be managed. You will hold a portfolio of the UKs most prestigious retail and wholesale accounts, develop new high-value partnerships across premium department stores, electrical distributors, and national buying groups, and lead Talas commercial expansion into international distribution territories outside the EU and US.
This role involves regular UK travel and periodic international travel as the territory requires. We want someone who brings structure, credibility, and consistent execution, and who is energised by the weight of the opportunity presented.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Own and grow Talas most strategic UK retail accounts, including established partners across premium department store and lifestyle retail, ensuring revenue growth, strong sell-through, and long-term partnership health.
* Identify, pursue, and close new high-value UK retail and wholesale partnerships across premium department stores, electrical distributors, and national buying groups.
* Build and execute an international distribution strategy for territories outside the EU and US, identifying, evaluating, and onboarding distribution partners across target markets.
* Own the full sales cycle end-to-end: prospecting, pitching, negotiating terms, and closing, then managing accounts to maximise growth and retention.
* Maintain a healthy pipeline in the CRM, forecast accurately, and use data to prioritise effort and improve conversion.
* Represent Tala at trade shows, industry events, and key customer meetings across the UK and internationally.
* Work closely with marketing, product, and operations to ensure account needs are met and new launches are well supported.
WHAT WERE LOOKING FOR
* Significant B2B sales experience in lighting, interiors, furniture, homewares, or a good track record in consumer goods, with a history of hitting and exceeding targets.
* Experience managing complex national retail accounts and/or working with wholesale or distribution networks at a senior level.
* Commercially astute - you understand margin, trading terms, and what it takes to grow an account profitably, not just in volume.
* Comfortable operating with significant autonomy - you manage your own time and pipeline and deliver without fuss.
* A confident communicator who builds relationships at buying director and senior leadership level.
* Organised and data-disciplined - you track everything in the CRM and use it to sharpen your approach.
* Comfortable with regular travel across the UK and internationally where the role demands.
* International commercial experience is a strong advantage, particularly across APAC, the Middle East, or LATAM.
WHAT WE OFFER
* Competitive salary (£60k+) + uncapped commission
* 26 days annual leave + bank holidays
* 60% staff discount on Tala lighting