Head of Sales / Head of Sales

Head of Sales

W Talent Manufacturing is proud to partner with a leading UK manufacturing organization to appoint an experienced and commercially driven Head of Sales. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious sales leader to take ownership of the UK commercial strategy and play a key role in the next phase of growth for the business.

This position is not merely focused on managing an existing sales team or maintaining established customer relationships. The successful candidate will be expected to identify new avenues for growth, develop a robust commercial strategy to achieve it, and foster stronger relationships across the market to turn opportunities into revenue.

Industry Experience Required

We are specifically seeking an individual who has built their career within the chimney, flue, fireplace, stove, wood-burners or closely related heating/product sector. You should ideally have a comprehensive understanding of the UK market, including the dynamics between manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, independent retailers, fireplace specialists, installers, and other market routes. Your existing industry knowledge and network will provide a significant advantage as you strive to identify new opportunities and develop existing accounts while shaping the future commercial direction of the business.

The Opportunity

The business maintains a strong platform for growth and is looking for a Head of Sales who can help unlock its next phase. This role presents the chance to evaluate the UK market, pinpoint the most significant opportunities, and formulate a clear, commercially focused plan for sustainable growth, which will encompass:

• Growing revenue across existing markets and customer accounts.
• Identifying and developing new customers and routes to market.
• Strengthening relationships with key distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and installers.
• Enhancing the company's presence and profile within the UK market.
• Identifying opportunities for new products, markets, and customer segments.
• Utilizing market intelligence and customer insights to guide the wider business strategy.
• Fostering a high-performing sales culture focused on accountability, activity, and results.
• Collaborating closely with technical, operations, product development, and marketing teams to ensure alignment around customer and market opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Strategy & Business Growth

You will take ownership of the UK sales strategy, translating broader business objectives into a clear commercial growth plan, which will involve:

• Developing and implementing a UK sales strategy centered on sustainable revenue growth.
• Identifying target markets, sectors, customers, and routes to market.
• Creating and managing sales forecasts, budgets, and performance targets.
• Spotting gaps in the current market proposition and recognizing growth opportunities.
• Monitoring competitor activity, market trends, and customer behavior.
• Utilizing data and market intelligence to support commercial decision-making.
• Collaborating with the senior leadership team to shape the business's future commercial direction.

New Business Development

A significant part of the role involves identifying new growth prospects, where you will:

• Proactively identify and develop new customer opportunities.
• Build relationships with new distributors, wholesalers, retailers, OEMs, contractors, and installation businesses.
• Develop new routes to market and commercial partnerships.
• Convert opportunities into long-term, profitable customer relationships.
• Represent the business at industry events, exhibitions, and customer meetings.
• Establish a strong and measurable sales pipeline.

Key Account Development

This role also entails maximizing the potential of the existing customer base by building strong relationships and becoming a trusted commercial partner:

• Developing strategic account plans for key customers.
• Identifying opportunities to increase share of wallet.
• Understanding changing customer requirements and relaying this insight back to the business.
• Leading commercial negotiations and framework agreements.
• Providing technical and commercial support throughout the customer journey.
• Building relationships at multiple levels within key accounts.

Leadership & Influence

You will lead and develop the UK sales function, creating a culture that is commercially focused, customer-led, and results-driven. You will collaborate closely with:

• Product Development
• Technical
• Marketing
• Operations
• Customer Service
• Purchasing
• Senior Leadership
• European colleagues

Your ability to influence across the organization will be crucial, ensuring that customer and market opportunities translate into tangible actions.

Who Are We Looking For?

This role requires substantial sector experience. You should be an experienced Sales Manager, Sales Director, Head of Sales, Business Development Manager, or Senior Key Account Manager who has worked within one of the following industries:

• Chimneys
• Flues
• Fireplaces
• Stoves
• Wood-burners
• Heating Products
• Fireplace & Stove Distribution
• Related Building/Heating Products

You will ideally possess:

• A robust understanding of the UK chimney, flue, stove, fireplace, or wood-burner market.
• Established relationships across independent retailers, distributors, wholesalers, installers, or related channels.
• A proven track record of delivering sales growth.
• Experience in developing both existing accounts and new business.
• Strong commercial and negotiation skills.
• The ability to understand technical products and communicate their value to customers.
• A proactive, entrepreneurial approach to business development.
• The confidence to challenge existing practices and identify new opportunities.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A capability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on in a commercial capacity.
• A full UK driving license and willingness to travel regularly throughout the UK.

Most importantly, you should have a desire to grow a business rather than simply manage a sales function.

Why This Role?

This is a unique opportunity to join a business at a pivotal stage of its development where you can have a direct impact on its future growth. You will have the autonomy and responsibility to approach the market innovatively, develop new opportunities, and influence how the business expands across the UK. For the right individual, this could be a genuinely career-defining opportunity: a chance to lead a commercial growth agenda, build relationships within a specialized market, and witness the tangible results of your efforts on the company's success.

Package

• Salary: £55,000 - £70,000
• Company car or car allowance
• Annual performance-related bonus
• Pension and company benefits
• Ongoing training and development

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.