Head Of Sales

The Head of Sales will be responsible for leading and implementing a comprehensive, multi-tiered sales strategy across Europe. With a focus on both expanding the current customer base and building new business opportunities, the role requires a seasoned professional with a strong track record in customer portfolio growth, strategic planning, and market expansion.

This role will be critical in shaping and executing the company's ambitious growth objectives. Working closely with the executive team, the Head of Sales will have the autonomy to drive significant revenue targets and enhance the company's footprint across Europe's diverse markets.

Qualifications

• Experience:
  • Minimum of 15 years in the food manufacturing industry, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership position overseeing multi-site operations.
  • Demonstrated success in leading sales across multiple European markets, with a strong understanding of cultural and regulatory nuances within the region.
• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field; an MBA or relevant post-graduate qualification is strongly preferred.
• Skills:
  • Proven ability to create and implement large-scale, cross-market sales strategies.
  • Advanced skills in negotiation, business development, and relationship management.
  • Strong analytical and data-driven approach to forecasting, budgeting, and strategic planning.
  • Proven leadership in building and mentoring high-performing, multi-national sales teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Sales Strategy & Business Development:
  • Develop and execute a robust sales strategy focused on increasing market share and capturing new customer segments across Europe.
  • Identify, target, and secure new business opportunities, expanding the company's market reach and customer portfolio.
  • Leverage industry insights to identify emerging trends and develop strategies for entering high-potential markets and categories.
• Portfolio Growth & Customer Relationship Management:
  • Strengthen relationships with existing customers, enhancing loyalty and identifying opportunities for upselling and cross-selling.
  • Ensure exceptional account management practices, positioning the company as a trusted partner for clients across the region.
• Revenue & Growth Targets:
  • Oversee sales forecasting, budgeting, and setting achievable revenue targets.
  • Consistently meet or exceed growth objectives through strategic planning and flawless execution.
  • Drive P&L performance by closely monitoring sales metrics and making data-driven decisions to optimize revenue.
• Team Leadership & Development:
  • Lead and mentor a high-performing, multi-national sales team across several European locations, fostering a culture of accountability, ambition, and excellence.
  • Implement robust training and development programs to advance team capabilities and align them with evolving market demands.
• Cross-functional Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with Marketing, Product Development, and Operations to align on customer needs and ensure a streamlined approach to market and product delivery.
  • Work closely with the Executive Leadership team to align the sales strategy with overall business objectives and growth plans.
• Market Intelligence & Competitive Analysis:
  • Conduct in-depth market and competitor analyses to identify trends, opportunities, and potential risks.
  • Use data insights to adjust strategies and proactively address market shifts and competitive pressures.

Key Activities

• Strategic Sales Planning & Execution:
  • Establish and monitor KPIs for both team and individual performance to meet site and regional targets.
  • Develop and manage complex sales pipelines to ensure customer satisfaction and maximize revenue opportunities.
• Customer Engagement & Insights:
  • Regularly interact with key clients to gather insights and feedback, ensuring that the company remains responsive to market demands and client needs.
  • Develop solutions and proposals that add value to clients and enhance their long-term relationship with the business.
• Team & Performance Management:
  • Drive a performance-oriented culture within the team, setting high standards and encouraging continuous improvement.
  • Conduct regular performance evaluations, coaching team members to reach their potential and aligning personal goals with the company's objectives.
• Operational Excellence:
  • Ensure alignment and clear communication between Sales and other departments, including Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain, to maintain a seamless customer experience.
  • Maintain accountability for compliance, audit readiness, and adherence to company policies and best practices across sites.
• Reporting & Analytics:
  • Provide comprehensive updates on sales performance to the Executive Team, offering insights into customer trends, market conditions, and competitive positioning.
  • Use data-driven analytics to optimize sales processes and identify opportunities for cost reduction and margin improvement.