Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Export Sales Manager to join the company to create successful new distribution partnerships and drive growth in multiple countries. This role will allow you to manage your own diary and travel schedule, plus the opportunity to develop your career internationally.

Company Profile

With a company history spanning nearly 40 years, West Design Products is a family-owned and run business. As an organisation it markets a huge portfolio of merchandise (some 10,000 + Sku's in total) with sales and distribution split into three main areas:

Ownership of a wide range of art, craft, gift and stationery brands, including Docrafts (Papermania, Artiste, Simply Make etc), Colourshapers, House of Crafts and Blick, amongst others Exclusive international distribution of Royal Horticultural Society and Natural History Museum products for art, craft and stationery Manufacturing its own stationery / arts and crafts products under the West Design & Docraft umbrella, plus Private Label manufacturing capabilities
The company operates from multiple sites in the UK:

Folkestone, Kent - Head office and distribution Verwood, Dorset - Creative Design Hub Plymouth, Devon - the company's manufacturing site, with the ability and flexibility to produce bespoke products in small, medium and large quantities, both efficiently and competitively with short lead times - often giving them the competitive edge over their Far Eastern competitors. The factory produces a wide range of paper-based products including artist pads, labels, tags, notebooks, etc. This includes many lines already produced on behalf of Retail Multiples, E-tailers and Educational Suppliers across the UK and European Distributors.

Summary

The role of Export Sales Manager will focus on the development of sales and marketing activity for the company's extensive range of branded and licensed products, plus their manufacturing facilities offering a huge range of bespoke products to the customer's specific requirements. These will be marketed to both new and existing accounts with huge scope for growth.

The Company currently trades with up to 40 countries, with the major markets being in Europe and North America. There are massive opportunities for growth given the breadth of product ranges, the bespoke manufacturing capability and the exclusive brand portfolio.

Responsibilities

The main responsibilities will include (and not limited to):

Manage existing accounts and develop strong new business partnerships Grow existing accounts (Retail, Online Retail, Agents and Distributors) Develop new business opportunities and secure new customers (Distribution, On-line and large Retailers) Improve margins Line manage an Export Sales Administrator Work closely with different departments of the Company Communicate suitable new products at the time of launch and oversee the creation of the annual European catalogue Create and set pricing structure Plan and organise display resources and represent the company and brands at overseas trade shows International travel essential (Europe & occasionally beyond)

Ideal Candidate

To be considered for this role you must be hardworking, structured and highly self-motivated, with strong experience of international/export sales.

Determined and resilient, you will be capable of overcoming obstacles to drive growth. You will be results driven and used to spending time overseas and away from home and therefore a confident business traveller.

Other attributes to include:

International/export experience European distribution and multiple brand management Knowledge and experience within Stationery, Art, Craft, Toy or FMCG channels would be advantageous Ability to hit the ground running Proven track record of sales growth and new business development Experienced line manager Team player attitude and ability to work cross functionally across the business Ability to network both internally and externally Strong negotiation skills Excellent communicator at all levels, pro active and enthusiastic Valid passport and driving licence Fluent in other languages (desirable but not essential)
This is a fantastic opportunity for a strong sales professional, with a proven background in sales, to flourish within a highly successful and diverse business.

This position is primarily field based however a location near to the Verwood Office is preferable, but not a pre-requisite.

Package and Benefits

The company offers a whole range of benefits including: Basic salary and Bonus Scheme designed to attract the right candidate for the role, Company Car or Allowance, Communication Package (laptop, mobile phone etc.), Pension Contribution, Death in service benefit, Employee Assistance Programme, free access to health and wellbeing resources, retail discounts, working from home with regular monthly visits to Verwood (Dorset), Plymouth (Devon) and Folkestone (Kent)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From 55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company car Company pension Employee discount Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Referral programme Sick pay Store discount Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Verwood BH31 6BB