Head of Sales
While every well organised company has a set strategy for growth and development through increased sales, there needs to be a sales team tasked with identifying openings, initiating plans and monitoring success. The head of sales is at the forefront of that team, and is a vital cog in the success of its operation.
In some organisations, the head of sales will occupy a place on the board alongside directors, while they may alternatively report to a sales director. Either way, they will head up the team and oversee the strategic planning and implementation of sales strategies in line with the board’s demands, and they will be expected to run the department with a degree of autonomy.
Part of the head of sales job description might also include liaising with the rest of the company, especially production and supply chain, to ensure that any sales agreements they make with customers can be delivered. They will also be responsible for negotiating deals with important clients, although that task might also be delegated to subordinates within an agreed framework for smaller clients.
Head of Sales skills required
A good head of sales will be completely on top of the processes, capabilities, products and services of the company. That’s partly because they might often be the only company representative in critical meetings, but also because they will be a conduit between the board, the production arm and the team delivering sales targets.
Head of sales jobs therefore always require someone who is a fast learner, is analytical with KPIs and forecasts, and is a superb communicator to clients, prospects and colleagues at all levels.
Head of Sales Jobs in the South West
A region that encompasses Bristol, Gloucester, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire, as well as the Isles of Scilly, the South West is a diverse area that offers a broad range of opportunities for those seeking Head of Sales positions.
As demonstrated by the ancient monuments like Stonehenge and the Roman ruins in Bath, the South West has been settled for thousands of years. In fact, the oldest complete human skeleton ever found in the UK was discovered in Cheddar Gorge and dates back to around 7150 BC.
Prior to the Industrial Revolution, much of the South West relied on fishing and shipping, particularly in Bristol, a city which harboured vessels that traded with Ireland, Iceland and the Americas. Later, it became known for coal mining, as well as heavy industry.
Today, aeronautics is an important part of the South West economy, and a number of companies have facilities in the region - such as Airbus UK, BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce. There's also Defence Equipment and Support - the MoD's procurement and logistics agency.
Cheese, clotted cream and other dairy products are made in the region, with companies including Dairy Crest, which makes Cathedral City and Davidstow. Other food and beverage manufacturers include Ginsters, Ryvita, Kraft Foods UK and Beverage Brands, makers of WKD vodka. Meanwhile GSK manufactures Lucozade and Ribena in Coleford.
In addition, Princess Yachts, Siemens Traffic Controls, Merlin Entertainments, Endsleigh Insurance, Westland Helicopters and Wincanton plc are all based in the region.
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Find head of sales jobs at Cast UK
Are you looking for your next head of sales role and want to help push a business to the next league? Or are you running a business and you need someone to hit the ground running as a new head of sales? Whichever you are, Cast UK can help with your recruitment.
If you’re a potential candidate, register with us so we can contact you when a relevant position becomes available.
If you’re looking for a sales head yourself, call one of our consultants on 0333 121 3345 – we’ve got an extensive list of excellent management and executive level sales professionals who are ready to talk.
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