Packaging Sales Manager - South England

A well-established and growing packaging manufacturer is looking to appoint an experienced Sales Manager to lead, develop and grow the sales function, ensuring strong customer account management and proactive new business development. This role is responsible for building a high‑performing sales team, driving increased turnover, expanding market reach, and strengthening customer relationships.

The Sales Manager will ensure sales activity aligns with operational capability, commercial strategy and long‑term business growth.

• Lead, coach and develop the sales team to achieve individual and collective targets.
• Recruit, train and mentor new sales team members, building capability and performance.
• Set clear objectives, KPIs and development plans for the team.
• Create a positive, accountable and commercially driven sales culture.

• Oversee management of existing customer accounts, ensuring excellent service and retention.
• Strengthen relationships with key customers through regular communication and strategic engagement.
• Ensure accurate forecasting, pipeline management and reporting.
• Resolve customer issues quickly and professionally, escalating only when necessary.

• Drive proactive new business activity to expand the customer base and increase turnover.
• Identify new market opportunities and emerging sectors.
• Lead outreach, prospecting and conversion of new accounts.
• Support the development of pricing strategies, quotations and commercial proposals.

• Ensure sales activity aligns with production capability and customer demand.
• Provide accurate sales forecasts to support planning and capacity management.
• Collaborate with operations, customer service and admin teams to ensure smooth end‑to‑end delivery.

• Ensure sales processes support compliance with BRCGS Food Contact Packaging standards.
• Support Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) data capture and customer reporting where required.
• Maintain accurate CRM records, sales reports and performance dashboards.
• Contribute to wider commercial improvement initiatives.

• Proven experience in sales management within packaging or plastics.
• Strong leadership skills with experience developing and mentoring sales teams.
• Track record of managing customer accounts and winning new business.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to influence pricing, margins and strategy.
• Confident working cross‑functionally with operations, customer service and commercial teams.
• Experience using CRM systems and sales reporting tools.
• Knowledge of BRCGS Food Contact Packaging standards.
• Understanding of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations.
• Experience in plastics, extrusion, converting or packaging manufacturing.
• Background in process improvement or commercial optimisation.

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