Area Sales Manager

We are the internal recruitment partner for our client, a well-established, independent, family-owned enterprise that has been a cornerstone of the UK food-service distribution sector for five decades.

They are seeking an Area Sales Manager to develop and grow customer relationships while identifying new business opportunities across Kent and Essex. This is a field-based role, working closely with the Telesales team to focus on face-to-face account development, category growth, and new business acquisition. The role is contracted at 45 hours per week, offers flexibility to meet customer needs, and requires effective diary management rather than a traditional 9–5 approach.

• Represent the company professionally and deliver a high level of service to all customers
• Develop existing customer relationships, identifying opportunities to introduce new products and categories
• Proactively identify, target, and open new business accounts
• Respond to incoming sales leads and work closely with the telesales team
• Plan and manage a structured customer visit schedule across your territory
• Drive category growth across ambient, frozen, fish, fats, and oils
• Support the Accounts team in maintaining agreed credit terms
• Maintain accurate daily call reports and CRM records
• Monitor and report on competitor activity within your territory
• Produce regular sales activity and performance reports
• Support company-wide sales campaigns and attend weekend exhibitions when required

• Proven field sales experience (minimum 2 years)
• Strong relationship-building skills with owner-managed and independent businesses
• Excellent organisation and time-management skills to manage a flexible, field-based working pattern
• A clean UK driving licence
• Food service or food industry experience is advantageous but not essential

• Salary £37,000 – £39,000 per annum
• Quarterly commission, with earning potential of up to £2,500 per quarter (up to £10,000 per year), with realistic earnings around £500-£1000 per quarter.
• Additional new business incentives
• Company car
• Monday to Friday working
• 28 days holiday including Bank Holidays
• Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Learning and development opportunities