Sales Director

Watford Source: WhatJobs

£135,000–£165,000

Our client delivers interior fit-out, modular new-build and specialist furniture projects, primarily within the private education sector. Following a successful transition from an owner-managed business, the company is now led by a growth-focused CEO who is investing in the leadership, commercial capability and infrastructure required to significantly scale the organisation over the next five years.

This is a rare opportunity for a commercially astute Sales Director to shape the growth trajectory of a profitable and highly respected business. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will own the entire customer acquisition strategy, from market positioning and channel development through to conversion and long-term account growth.

You will take responsibility for developing strategic routes to market, including framework agreements, tender opportunities, partnerships and marketing activity. A key focus will be elevating the company's consultative proposition, ensuring its design consultancy expertise is positioned as a strategic differentiator that drives project delivery opportunities.

Success in this role requires a credible, commercially minded leader who can engage at C-Suite level, influence senior stakeholders and build trusted relationships across the sector. Equally important is the ability to create, lead and inspire a high-performing commercial team capable of supporting ambitious growth plans.

This is a genuine leadership opportunity for someone who wants to leave a lasting mark on a business undergoing significant transformation and expansion.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the commercial growth strategy alongside the CEO.
Own all customer acquisition activity, including inbound and outbound sales, framework agreements, tender opportunities, strategic partnerships, referral networks and marketing
Lead marketing, brand positioning, digital campaigns, LinkedIn activity and lead generation to deliver measurable commercial outcomes.
Drive a consultative sales approach that strengthens the link between design consultancy and project delivery.
Personally lead major opportunities and strategic pursuits, securing high-value contracts and long-term client relationships.
Build trusted relationships with C-Suite executives, bursars, governors, estates teams and other senior decision makers.
Deliver compelling presentations, proposals and commercial pitches.
Own conversion from lead to closed business, with reliable, evidenced pipeline forecasts and honest, stage-gated reporting the board can trust.
Build, develop and lead a high-performing commercial team across business development, marketing and sales support.
Establish a culture of accountability, energy, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Contribute to wider business strategy as a key member of the senior leadership team.

Requirements

Proven success in a senior sales, commercial or business development leadership role within construction, fit-out, modular construction, design & build or another project-led B2B environment.
Exceptional stakeholder engagement.You will build strong relationships and a strong network across the sector, including bursars, governors and estates teams.
Demonstrable experience developing routes to market through sales, frameworks, partnerships, tendering and strategic business development.
Strong track record of consultative selling and securing complex, high-value opportunities.
Experience engaging, influencing and negotiating with C-Suite and board-level stakeholders.
Exceptional presentation, communication, networking and relationship-building skills.
Experience leading and developing successful sales, business development and marketing teams.
Strong commercial acumen with a clear understanding of pipeline management, forecasting, profitability and growth.
Education sector experience would be advantageous but is not essential.
Ambitious, entrepreneurial and results-focused, with the leadership skills to build a high-performance culture.
Salary to £150,000 basic
Performance-related bonus
Longer-term incentive arrangements available