Job Title: Industry Manager (Retail - South)
Reporting to: Head of External Sales & Key Accounts

Job Purpose:
This role is designed for a skilled and proactive individual to take charge of managing and growing a portfolio of key accounts in the retail sector, particularly within the fashion and consumables space. The Industry Manager will oversee assigned customers, develop new business, and support the Internal Account Managers and Industry Coordinators on various projects. This position includes a combination of external client visits and virtual meetings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and build strong relationships with a designated list of clients, both existing and prospective, within the assigned area.
• Regularly engage with clients to promote products and services, working toward monthly, quarterly, and annual sales targets.
• Expand the client base through targeted new business acquisition.
• Deliver exceptional customer service, cross-sell additional products and solutions, and support growth in key accounts.
• Maintain up-to-date CRM records and accurate forecasting, sharing information with sales management and other business units.
• Monitor market trends to identify potential new key accounts and stay informed on industry needs.
• Collaborate closely with the marketing department to re-engage lapsed customers within the assigned territory.
• Support company projects, share competitive insights, and contribute to product development initiatives.
• Drive new business through effective use of sales tools and systems, negotiation, and deal closure.
• Maintain expertise in the company’s product portfolio.

Person Specification:

Qualifications:

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths (essential).
• Sales or customer service-related qualification (desirable).
• Full, clean UK driving license.

Experience (Essential):

• 2+ years in an external sales role, ideally within the retail consumables or shop fittings sector.
• Proven experience managing accounts autonomously in a regional capacity.
• Demonstrable understanding of complex account management structures, ideally within the retail/fashion industry.

Knowledge:

• Strong knowledge of retail consumables or shop fittings.
• Familiarity with dealing with national retailers, ideally in the fashion sector.

Skills:

• Strong sales and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficient in negotiation, influencing, and relationship-building.
• Excellent planning, organization, and customer service abilities.
• Proficient with MS Office.

Attributes:

• Customer-focused, adaptable, with strong commercial acumen.
• Detail-oriented, confident, proactive, and resilient.
• Results-driven, with the ability to work independently.

The responsibilities outlined are not exhaustive and may include additional duties as business needs dictate.