Job Description
We are currently recruiting for a General Groundcare Sales Manager for our Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd business based at our Head Office in Maldon, Essex.
Role Purpose
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will be responsible for the management, strategic direction, and efficient operation of the Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd Groundcare Division.
As a member of the senior management team, you will attend regular management meetings and play a key role in shaping the future direction and performance of this important sector of our business.
The role will focus on leading and supporting a large domestic and professional groundcare sales operation across our branch network, driving the sales of new and used groundcare machinery and associated products from our key suppliers. These include, but are not limited to, Ransomes, Jacobsen, Iseki, New Holland, Wessex, Stihl, Husqvarna, Honda, Amazone and other leading manufacturers represented by Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd.
You will hold overall responsibility for the Groundcare Division's commercial performance, supplier relationships, stocking strategies, pricing policies, marketing initiatives, and achievement of sales and profitability targets.
Working closely with Branch Managers, Groundcare Sales Specialists, Product Managers and support teams across the business, you will identify market opportunities, develop strategic sales plans, and increase market share whilst ensuring exceptional levels of customer satisfaction.
In addition to sales leadership, you will be responsible for the operational management of the Groundcare Division, including the leadership, development and performance management of divisional staff. You will ensure the division operates efficiently, effectively and in accordance with company policies and objectives.
The successful applicant will also manage relationships with key suppliers, negotiating commercial terms, annual agreements, stocking commitments, demonstration fleets and marketing support packages that align with the Company's strategic goals.
To achieve success in the role, a close working relationship must be maintained with our Parts, Service, Finance and Branch Operations teams to ensure the highest levels of customer support and aftersales service are delivered across the business.
The successful applicant will be expected to uphold and further Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd's strong reputation for reliable, honest and professional sales and aftersales support.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, manage and develop both the domestic and professional Groundcare Divisions across all Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd locations.
* Deliver agreed sales, margin and market share targets.
* Develop and implement divisional business plans and growth strategies.
* Manage and support Groundcare sales personnel and product specialists.
* Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and manufacturers.
* Negotiate supplier agreements, stocking levels, rebates, marketing support and commercial terms.
* Monitor and manage stock holding, aged inventory and demonstrator fleets.
* Work closely with Branch Managers and other company personnel to identify opportunities and improve divisional performance.
* Support and develop key customer relationships including local authorities, contractors, sports turf, golf, education and amenity customers.
* Oversee divisional marketing activities in conjunction with the marketing team and supplier partners.
* Ensure high standards of customer satisfaction and aftersales support are maintained throughout the division.
* Analyse market trends, competitor activity and business performance data to identify opportunities and mitigate risks.
* Prepare and present regular management reports, forecasts and budgets to the Managing Director and Board.
* Ensure compliance with company policies, health and safety requirements and manufacturer standards.
* Drive continuous improvement across all areas of the Groundcare Division.
Essential Skills / Experience
* Proven senior sales management experience within the Groundcare, Agricultural, Construction or related machinery sectors.
* Strong commercial awareness with a proven ability to deliver profitable business growth.
* Sound knowledge of the Groundcare and Amenity machinery market.
* Experience of managing supplier and manufacturer relationships at a senior level.
* Strong leadership and people management skills with experience leading multi-site teams.
* Ability to identify and deliver strategic objectives that drive business performance.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills at all levels of the organisation.
* Strong customer relationship management skills with the ability to develop long-term partnerships.
* Experience of negotiating commercial agreements and supplier terms.
* Ability to analyse data, interpret trends and make informed business decisions.
* Strong financial awareness including budgeting, forecasting and stock management.
* High level of IT literacy including Microsoft 365, ERP and CRM systems.
* Ability to work under pressure within a large, multi-branch organisation.
* High level of discretion, professionalism and confidentiality.
* Ability to collaborate effectively across departments to achieve shared business objectives.
* Experience presenting business performance and strategic plans to senior management and Board level stakeholders.
* Self-motivated, organised and capable of working under own initiative.
* Strong decision-making skills with the confidence to act quickly and decisively.
* Accountability for personal and team performance.
Additional Information
Start Date: Subject to notice period.
Location: Ulting, Maldon, Essex
Hours: 42.5 hours per week – 8:00am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday (1-hour unpaid lunch).
Additional hours may be required during peak trading periods (including
weekends), exhibitions, demonstrations and supplier events.
Salary: Competitive, depending upon experience, plus company car, performance-related
bonus, company pension and private health insurance.
Contract: Permanent, Full-time, Salaried