Position:

Area Sales Manager – Central Region

Directly reports to:

Sales Manager

Reports (dotted-line) to:

n/a

Direct reports:

Administrator (potentially)

Regularly interacts with:

Internal departments and Key Customers

Primary location:

Central region including Birmingham and top of M25

Travel requirements:

More than 50% travel across the UK (Central)

Role Overview

This is a role responsible for gaining market share and distribution in under-represented categories, managing stock in PUK under no commitment by NHS and achieving business plan target month-by-month as well as managing a long-term/strategic plan with public/private customer base, often pressurised to achieve monthly Business Plan.

Primary responsibilities

will include:

·                Deliver against business plan targets

·                Manage the Administrator (once recruited) and provide direction and guidance to the other Audiology ASM’s in the department

·                Develop close working relationships with customers at all levels focussing on Buyers/ Senior Buyers, Marketing Managers, Stock Planners

·                Act as focal point of contact between PUK and the Customer -  liaising with the various internal departments to resolve issues

·                Work with customers to compile regular forecasts and report monthly 

·                Work with Marketing to bridge any gaps between sales forecast and business plan; execute agreed plan to generate more sales

·                Work closely with Marketing to develop compelling promotions and tactical promotional activity by collaborating with PSEC Japan

·                Manage and deploy A&P funds to drive towards business plan achievement

·                Visit public/private sector regularly to ensure agreed activities are in place, products are displayed effectively and the brand is represented to the agreed levels

·                Work with Marketing to seek out opportunities to grow business and identify new opportunities for products not listed (range opportunities)

·                Seek out new channels for business opportunities.

·                Participate in monthly GSM and attend other internal meetings as required

·                Monitor customer internet sites to gain market information.

·                Order management

·                Day-to-day time management - chasing sales, completing forms, account administration

Experience, Knowledge and skills:

Required

·                Experience in direct sales, especially public sector, e.g. NHS

·                An existing National Account Manager or ASM within the HI industry

·                Experience of dealing with buying groups or dispensers

·                Good understanding of the retail markets

·                Track record in managing and building relationships

·                Proven ability to seek out new business opportunities - RIC/ BTE category, etc.

·                Business development experience

Desired

·                Experience within the Hearing Instrument Industry

Personal attributes:

·                'Can do' attitude to problem solving.

·                Enthusiasm for the product and ability to translate product to target audience

·                Target focussed

·                Excellent presentation, communication (at all levels) & negotiation skills

·                Numerate, proactive & diplomatic

·                Adaptable, resilient & committed

Working environment:

·                A multi-cultural environment

·                Work to high quality requirements, often with tight timescales and deadlines

·                Open plan office environment, but with access to private meeting rooms

Qualifications:

·                Preferred specific qualification on Hearing Instruments industry

·                A reasonable standard of education would be expected