Sales Director

Sales Director

Manchester | Hybrid Working | Up to £110,000 Basic + OTE to be Developed

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious and commercially driven Sales Director to join a growing business operating within the branded merchandise, clothing and promotional products sector. The business has built an impressive portfolio of clients, including PepsiCo, Manchester City, Manchester United, Mercedes-Benz and Kylie Minogue. With continued growth, a newly secured manufacturing site and ambitious plans for the future, the business is now looking to take its commercial offering to the next level. A major part of this next stage of growth will be the development of licensing opportunities. The business sees significant potential in this area and is looking for someone with the expertise, industry relationships and commercial understanding to help make it happen. This is a strategic leadership position for someone who understands the retail and licensing landscape, has established relationships with key retailers and decision-makers, and can identify and convert new commercial opportunities.

The Role

Reporting to the directors, you will take ownership of the sales function, developing the existing team, shaping the commercial strategy and identifying new opportunities to accelerate business growth. A key priority will be to explore and develop the licensing side of the business. You will bring an understanding of how licensing works, the relationships needed to access retail opportunities and the commercial experience to help the business establish itself in this market.

Alongside this, you will lead the existing sales team, drive new business personally and build on the company's already impressive client portfolio. This is an opportunity to make a real impact within an ambitious, growing business, with the backing of the directors and the opportunity to shape the next phase of its development.

Key Responsibilities

Sales Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and develop the existing sales function, providing direction, structure and commercial focus.
• Review current sales performance, identify opportunities for improvement and develop a strategy to support continued growth.
• Set clear objectives and ensure the sales team is working towards agreed commercial targets.
• Work closely with the directors to shape and deliver the wider business growth strategy.
• Identify new markets, revenue streams and opportunities to strengthen the company's market position.

Licensing & Retail Development

• Lead the development of the company's licensing strategy, identifying opportunities within the retail and licensed merchandise markets.
• Use your knowledge of the licensing landscape to advise the business on how best to enter and develop this area.
• Leverage established relationships with retailers, buyers, licensing teams and key decision-makers to open doors and secure opportunities.
• Identify potential licensing partnerships and develop relationships with relevant brands and rights holders.
• Help build the commercial framework, relationships and processes needed to turn licensing opportunities into sustainable revenue.

New Business & Commercial Growth

• Personally identify, develop and secure new business opportunities.
• Build on the company's existing client relationships and impressive portfolio.
• Develop relationships with major brands, retailers and other strategic partners.
• Identify opportunities to expand existing accounts and introduce new products and services.
• Take a hands-on approach to developing a strong pipeline and converting opportunities into profitable business.

Team Development & Performance

• Lead, motivate and develop the existing Account Management and sales team.
• Establish clear expectations, targets and accountability.
• Support the team in developing stronger commercial relationships and identifying opportunities within their accounts.
• Introduce structure, processes and best practice to support the continued development of the sales function.

Client & Market Engagement

• Build and maintain senior-level relationships with key clients and prospective customers.
• Conduct regular client visits, with weekly face-to-face meetings forming an important part of the role.
• Represent the business professionally at client meetings, industry events and commercial discussions.
• Maintain a strong understanding of market developments, customer requirements and emerging opportunities.

About You

We are looking for an established commercial sales leader with experience within the merchandising, branded products, promotional merchandise, licensing or wider retail sector.

You will ideally bring:

• A strong understanding of licensing, ideally with experience developing or managing licensed merchandise opportunities.
• Established relationships within the retail sector, particularly with buyers, licensing teams and key decision-makers.
• A proven track record of developing strategic commercial relationships and securing significant new business.
• Experience leading and developing a sales team.
• The ability to develop and implement a sales strategy that delivers measurable business growth.
• Strong commercial awareness and the confidence to identify and pursue new revenue opportunities.
• The ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on with key clients and opportunities.
• Excellent relationship-building, negotiation and influencing skills.

Above all, you will be someone who can bring new ideas, valuable industry connections and the commercial expertise to help take an already successful business into its next phase of growth.

The Opportunity

• Salary: Up to £110,000 basic, depending on experience.
• OTE: To be developed in partnership with the successful candidate and the business.
• Working pattern: Hybrid, with two days in the Manchester office and three days working from home.
• Client engagement: Regular client visits, with weekly visits expected.
• Business growth: Join at an exciting stage, with a newly secured manufacturing site supporting future expansion.
• Influence: Work closely with the directors and play a major part in shaping the future commercial direction of the business.

This is a rare opportunity for a commercially ambitious sales leader with licensing expertise and strong retail connections to take ownership of a significant growth opportunity within an established and expanding business.