Join to apply for the Head of Sales UK SME role at Panda Ireland
Purpose As the Head of Sales UK SME, you will lead the UK SME sales function to deliver ambitious growth targets, manage and develop a high‑performing team of B2B sales professionals, and drive new business acquisition across the SME segment. This role is focused on hands‑on execution, coaching, and performance management while ensuring smooth collaboration across commercial and operational teams.
About the Role You will be responsible for setting the vision and strategy for the SME market, driving revenue growth, and maintaining a culture of high performance through coaching and clear performance KPIs.
Key Accountabilities
Team Leadership & Performance
* Lead, mentor and coach a team of new‑business focused BDMs and sales executives across the UK.
* Set and monitor performance KPIs, ensuring alignment to revenue growth and margin targets.
* Drive a high‑performance, proactive sales culture focused on winning new business and account expansion.
* Lead regular performance reviews, training and development initiatives.
Sales Execution
* Own the SME pipeline and deliver new business across targeted vertical sectors, regions and territories.
* Provide hands‑on support and coaching in high‑value deal closures and complex negotiations.
* Build and approve P&Ls for larger, more complex deals that deliver profitable revenue growth aligned to sales targets.
* Identify and act on market opportunities for SME growth across core service lines (general waste, recycling, equipment, shredding, hazardous waste).
Opportunity & Pipeline Management
* Adopt and embed best‑in‑class CRM practices to drive accurate and timely data input.
* Oversee lead generation, prospecting activities and CRM discipline across the team.
* Ensure all sales activity is tracked accurately to inform forecasting and reporting.
* Collaborate with the telesales, marketing and tendering teams to align campaigns and bids, increasing lead generation.
Collaboration & Mobilisation
* Own and lead the onboarding and account implementation process of all new customer wins.
* Work cross‑functionally with operations, finance, customer services and commercial support teams to ensure seamless mobilisation of new SME contracts.
* Collaborate cross‑functionally to deliver customer‑centric, commercially viable solutions.
* Support onboarding of new clients and early‑stage account management handover.
* Lead and sign off all account hand‑overs from sales to account management teams, ensuring a smooth transition.
Key Requirements
Experience & Skills
* 5–8 years of experience in B2B new‑business sales, with a minimum of 2 years in a sales leadership role, ideally within environmental services, waste management, or a similar operationally intensive sector.
* Experience leading and managing managers (at regional level) to deliver performance excellence.
* Proven track record in leading, managing and growing SME sales teams and delivering consistent revenue growth.
* Strong negotiation, presentation, networking and relationship‑building skills across all levels.
* Ability to translate high‑level sales strategies into understood tactical plans for the team.
* Results‑driven with a hands‑on approach to coaching and leadership.
Knowledge & Attributes
* Understanding of SME customer behaviours and buying cycles.
* Familiarity with CRM systems and data‑led sales tracking.
* Commercially astute, with a solid grasp of pricing, margin and sales profitability.
* Willingness to travel nationally across the UK as required.
Qualifications
* Degree or equivalent experience in business, sales, marketing or a related field.
* Knowledge of the waste, recycling or environmental services industry is advantageous.
* Strong understanding of waste management regulations and best practices.
* Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.
* Proficiency in data analysis and use of relevant software applications.
* Ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams.
About You
We’re looking for a leader who is passionate about driving growth, developing talent and innovating in a fast‑moving industry. Your ability to collaborate across functions, model a high‑performance culture and champion the company’s sustainable values will be essential.
About Us
Panda Wales is a resource recovery business that has grown over three decades, delivering a partnership approach to managing resources responsibly. We are committed to innovation, safety and sustainability, and aim to attract and retain a skilled, diverse workforce. (DE&I Policy Statement)
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Sales and Business Development
Apply now to join our team.
#J-18808-Ljbffr