Senior Sales Manager - Leeds (Leeds, GB)

Review: Senior Sales Manager, Arla Foods UK - Leeds

Arla Foods UK is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Sales Manager to join their Commercial Ingredients trading team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a sales professional looking to make a significant impact within a leading European mozzarella and cheese manufacturer. If you are driven by growth, possess strong negotiation skills, and thrive in a collaborative, international environment, this role could be a pivotal step in your career.

Key Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Strategic Impact & Ownership: You will take direct ownership of a prestigious portfolio of key food manufacturing and cheese processing accounts across the UK and EU. This role offers the chance to shape strategic customer growth and influence the commercial agenda.
• International Exposure: Collaborating closely with colleagues in both the UK and Denmark provides invaluable international experience and a broader perspective on the global dairy market.
• Dynamic Market & Product Range: Working with a leading European cheese manufacturer means engaging with a high-demand product range and navigating a dynamic market, offering constant learning and development opportunities.
• Growth & Development: Arla Foods emphasizes a strong culture of career development and training. You can expect a steep learning curve, meaningful responsibility, and support for your professional advancement.
• Collaborative Culture: The description highlights a proud, collaborative culture with high job satisfaction. This suggests a supportive team environment where colleagues will encourage and challenge you.
• Attractive Benefits Package: Arla offers a competitive salary, a bonus scheme, flexible hybrid working, generous holiday allowance, a strong pension scheme, and a flexible benefits package including retailer discounts and the option to purchase additional holidays.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Commercial Acumen & Negotiation Skills: This role demands proven pricing and negotiation capabilities. Candidates with a strong track record in FMCG sales, particularly within the dairy sector, and who are adept at delivering value-creating outcomes in price negotiations will excel.
• Stakeholder Management: Success hinges on the ability to effectively manage and collaborate across a matrix of stakeholders, both internally and externally. Strong relationship-building skills are essential.
• Analytical & Numerical Skills: Navigating complex pricing, volumes, and profitability requires robust analytical and numerical skills. You'll need to be comfortable with forecasting and performance tracking.
• Strategic Account Management: The ability to build long-term partnerships and develop comprehensive customer business plans to drive both existing business growth and win new opportunities is crucial.
• Adaptability in Dynamic Markets: Thriving in a dynamic market requires decisiveness, high energy, and a results-driven approach. You should be comfortable with change and quick to adapt.
• Global Mindset: While based in Leeds, the role involves international collaboration. A clear, confident communication style with a global perspective will be highly beneficial.

In Summary:

The Senior Sales Manager position at Arla Foods UK presents a compelling opportunity for ambitious sales professionals to contribute to the growth of a significant player in the European dairy market. If you possess strong commercial and negotiation skills, a passion for building relationships, and a desire for international exposure within a supportive and developing environment, this role is well worth exploring for your career advancement.