Role: Head of Contract Sales
Senior Leadership Appointment
OVERVIEW
The company is in a strong position, with an experienced team, established client base and collaborative culture. The ambition is to build on this success.
Design-Led Furniture Manufacturer | Clerkenwell, London
The Opportunity
Our client is an established and highly respected British furniture manufacturer, recognised for its design-led approach to workplace and contract furniture. With an excellent product collection, UK manufacturing facilities and a showroom in the heart of Clerkenwell, the business has built a strong reputation for quality, service and long-standing industry relationships.
The company is in an excellent position, with an experienced team, an established client base and a positive, collaborative culture. The ambition now is to build on that success.
We are looking for a Head of Sales & Contracts to work closely with the directors in leading the next stage of commercial growth.
This is a senior leadership appointment combining strategic direction, hands-on business development and responsibility for an established sales team.
The successful candidate will be a natural leader who enjoys selling, developing relationships and creating opportunities, but equally gains satisfaction from bringing out the best in others.
This isn’t about transforming an underperforming business. It’s about recognising what’s already working, identifying further opportunities and bringing the experience, energy and leadership to take a successful company forward.
The Role
The position combines hands-on sales and business development with leadership and commercial direction, with both being equally important.
Sales & Business Development
- Develop new business opportunities across the UK contract furniture market, building relationships with key clients and industry decision-makers.
- Manage and develop a select portfolio of key accounts, building lasting relationships and identifying opportunities for growth.
- Lead significant project opportunities, managing senior client relationships and supporting commercial negotiations.
- Work closely with the directors to identify market opportunities, develop sales strategies and establish clear growth objectives.
- Maintain a strong presence within the contract furniture industry through client meetings, showroom events, presentations and networking.
- Champion consultative, relationship-led selling, supported by excellent product knowledge and an understanding of design, specification and project delivery.
Leadership & Commercial Direction
- Lead, support and motivate an established sales team, encouraging ambition, accountability and a positive approach to business development.
- Lead by example, remaining actively involved in sales and demonstrating the standards, behaviours and energy expected across the team.
- Work alongside the directors to shape commercial strategy and deliver sustainable business growth.
- Provide clear direction across key accounts, new business development, pipeline management and sales performance.
- Coach and develop the team, recognising individual strengths and helping people realise their potential.
- Encourage collaboration between sales, customer service, manufacturing and operations to maintain excellent standards of service and delivery.
- Build upon an already positive culture, creating an environment where people feel supported, motivated and proud of their collective achievements.
About You
We are looking for an established sales professional with significant experience in the contract furniture industry and the credibility to operate at a senior level.
You will understand the UK contract furniture market, have an excellent network of industry relationships and be comfortable engaging with senior decision-makers, clients and project stakeholders.
You will bring:
- Proven sales success and substantial experience within the contract furniture industry.
- Experience leading, managing or mentoring sales professionals, with the ability to motivate and develop a team.
- Strong business development skills and an established network across the UK contract furniture market.
- Commercial awareness, strategic thinking and a genuine enjoyment of selling.
- Experience managing key accounts, negotiating significant contracts and delivering profitable growth.
- An appreciation of good design, strong product knowledge and an understanding of the importance of service, delivery and long-term relationships.
- The confidence, communication skills and maturity to work closely with company directors and influence commercial direction.
Above all, we are looking for someone with natural leadership qualities, positivity, ambition and a collaborative approach.
Someone who leads through their actions rather than their job title, enjoys being part of a team and understands that good leadership is as much about developing others as achieving personal results.
Why This Opportunity?
This is an opportunity to take on a genuinely influential position within a successful and respected British furniture manufacturer.
The business offers an excellent product collection, a strong industry reputation, an experienced team and the backing of an established manufacturing operation.
There is already a solid foundation in place, alongside the freedom to contribute ideas, influence commercial decisions and play a meaningful part in the company’s future.
For the right person, this is an opportunity to combine the commercial activity they enjoy with a broader leadership role, helping an already successful business achieve its next stage of growth.
Location: Clerkenwell, London
Salary & Package: Competitive senior-level package