This executive appointments the second senior appointment, in the last year, we’ve been engaged to fulfil for this client. Since we successfully recruited a Managing Director, as part of the owner’s retirement succession plan, the new MD is now well embedded into the business. The owner has retired and the Managing Director has taken over the complete running of the business.

This is an exciting new phase for the business. Consequently we’re recruiting a Sales and Marketing Director to work alongside the MD, helping shape the company’s future development strategy, and lead the sales and marketing function.

Company Background:

Formed 40 years ago, until last year the business was owned and run by its original founder and majority shareholder.

To support the Founders retirement exit, the appointment of a Managing Director was made late last year. This led to a strategic business review, and the formulation of the business strategy moving forward.

As part of the plan, the need for a Sales and Marketing Director has been identified. This is seen as a key senior appointment, to aid and support the Managing Director.

About the business:

The business specialises in the design, manufacture and implementation of bespoke solutions for branded environments. These include architectural signage, wayfinding, environmental graphics, workplace branding, including decorative features, finishes and furniture.

As design led environmental branding specialists the company service numerous clients, including architects, designers, contractors, brands and corporate clients. They have a solid reputation for quality, products and services, managing client projects, from conception to completion through design, prototyping, manufacture, installation, maintenance and end of life, disposal.

This has led to the completion of numerous high value, projects, their work can be seen throughout the UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

This executive appointments a genuine board position and is seen as a vital senior appointment. The Sales Director jobs responsibility is to take ownership of the complete sales and marketing function of the business. Reporting to the Managing Director, as the Sales Director you’ll attend and contribute to board meetings. With a specific focus on sales and marketing, you’ll also play a key role in helping shape the future of the business. This will require interaction with all parts of the organisation, e.g. shareholders, staff, suppliers, contractors, clients and business advisors.

This Sales Directors jobs responsibilities include:

Based predominantly from the office in the Thames Valley area, travel will be required. This will include time spent away from home. You’ll work with the existing sales team, phasing into the role quickly, releasing the Managing Director to focus on the overall business. As the Sales Director you’ll be wholly responsible for the development and execution of strategic Sales and Marketing plans, including:

• Complete management of the sales and marketing function
• Devising, implementing and reviewing the sales and marketing strategy
• Management, development and mentoring of the sales team
• Overall delivery of the company’s sales target, including playing an active role in your own personal sales as well as the sales teams
• Researching and proposing additional future products, services and potential complementary revenue streams
• Lead the business development team to achieve sales targets and business objectives

Your success will be measured on the following:

• Development and delivery of a formal sales & marketing strategy.
• Meeting and exceeding clearly agreed targets and objectives based on revenue and margins.
• Representing the company to customers and professional associations.
• Developing and managing your own sales and key client relationships.
• Maintaining live reports, detailing sales performance, forecasts, KPIs and organisational objectives.
• Designing and specifying customer projects, working closely with Estimating, CAD and Production.
• Increasing sales through overseeing and participating in business development.

You’ll have at least 3 years sales leadership experience, ideally as a sales director, although strategic sales management experience will be considered. You’ll posses’ architectural specification sales experience, and a demonstrable track record of success selling to the contract market. Whilst the product or service sold to isn’t critical, consultative, solutions based sales of a technical or bespoke product would be beneficial.

You’ll be able to demonstrate high personal performance standards, possess a results oriented working style, the desire and ability to continuously learn.

Additionally you’ll be up to date with industry trends, able to articulate them, and their potential, clearly and confidently. An appreciation of design and the ability to communicate effectively with creative designers is also required.

As the Sales and Marketing Director you’ll need to be a strategist. Of equal importance you’ll be a leader. Able to steer the sales function in the most profitable and robust direction. Not only capable of devising and driving the sales and marketing strategy, you’ll also implement the agreed vision, mission and long term goals of the business.

Other key areas you’ll need:

It goes without saying, for this senior appointment you’ll have excellent organisational and leadership skills. Able to demonstrate how you encourage your sales team and other staff, coaching and mentoring them to develop talent.

• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal communication and presentation skills.
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• High levels of integrity and appropriate business ethics.
• Current clean driving licence.
• Pass a DBS check and any other background checks required.
• Excellent listening, negotiation and presentation skills.
• Proficient with computers, Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint.
• Strong business development experience with a proven track record of hitting sales targets.
• Strong client handling and relationship skills.
• Strong sales and marketing strategy experience.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects.
• Analytical and strategy development skills.
• Ability to quickly grasp technical and design concepts.
• Experience working with a CRM system.
• Experience of market research, and the application to sales and business strategy.