Job Description
?Sales Manager – Independent Toy & Family Retail (UK)
Location: Pangbourne office (UK) – hybrid flexibility available Reports to: Managing Director
We are hiring!
Join a thriving specialist distributor and take full ownership of our fast-growing independent retail channel focused on toy, gift and family-oriented products across the UK.
As Sales Manager, you will define and execute the national strategy for independent toy stores, gift shops, garden centres, family attractions, museum shops, educational retailers and regional buying groups — driving new account acquisition, deeper brand and range penetration, and consistent profitable growth.
Key Responsibilities
* Own the UK independent channel strategy and identify high-potential white-space opportunities
* Lead structured acquisition campaigns and seamless retailer onboarding (range selection, merchandising, training)
* Grow existing accounts through range expansion, cross-selling and targeted promotions
* Recruit, train, coach and lead a high-performance field and internal sales team with clear KPIs and pipeline discipline
* Build strong joint business plans with brand partners, secure promotional support and represent at key trade shows
* Deliver accurate forecasting, CRM rigour and monthly KPI reporting
* Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure service, stock availability and smooth new product launches
Essential Experience
* Senior sales leadership in UK toy, gift, FMCG or consumer goods distribution
* Proven success building and scaling independent retail networks
* Deep knowledge of specialist independents, buying groups and regional formats
* Strong negotiation, coaching, commercial planning and CRM expertise
Personal Attributes Entrepreneurial, energetic, growth-driven Outstanding people leader and talent developer Structured, disciplined and commercially sharp Credible and confident with retailers and brand partners
What We Offer
* Direct ownership of a national independent retail growth channel
* Competitive base salary + uncapped performance-based commission/bonus
* Opportunity to shape and scale a specialist channel with leading toy & family brands
* Board-level exposure and genuine long-term career progression
If you're passionate about the independent toy & gift sector and ready to build a winning sales engine, we want to hear from you.
Apply now with your CV and a brief note on your biggest independent retail growth achievement.
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