Our Telford based clients are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Trade Sales & Purchasing Manager to join the companies dynamic team. This position has become available due to a long-term member of staff leaving, creating an exciting opportunity for a skilled professional to step into a crucial role. As the Trade Sales & Purchasing Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to drive sales growth within the trade sector for the company, specifically focusing on electrical equipment such as PCs, laptops, servers, and related products. In addition, you will also oversee the purchasing and procurement processes, ensuring efficient and cost-effective sourcing of products. Your primary focus will be on establishing and maintaining strong relationships with trade customers, working with a team of sales representatives, and achieving sales targets, while also optimizing the purchasing function. This role requires excellent leadership skills, a deep understanding of the trade market for electrical equipment, and a proven track record of delivering exceptional sales and purchasing results.

Responsibilities:

1. Develop and implement trade sales strategies: Create comprehensive sales strategies specific to the companies electrical equipment trade sector to penetrate the market, increase market share, and achieve revenue targets. Continuously monitor market trends and competitor activities to identify new opportunities for growth.
2. Build and maintain customer relationships: Establish and nurture relationships with key trade customers for the company, including distributors, wholesalers, and retailers of electrical equipment. Act as the main point of contact for trade partners, providing exceptional customer service, resolving any issues or concerns, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
3. Lead and manage a sales team: Recruit, train, and motivate a team of sales representatives focused on the trade sector for electrical equipment at the company. Set clear performance objectives, provide coaching and guidance, and monitor individual and team performance. Foster a collaborative and results-oriented sales culture within the team.
4. Sales forecasting and budgeting: Develop accurate sales forecasts and budgets for the electrical equipment trade sector at the company. Monitor sales performance against targets, analyse variances, and take corrective actions when necessary. Provide regular sales reports and updates to senior management.
5. Purchasing and procurement: Oversee the purchasing function, ensuring efficient and cost-effective sourcing of electrical equipment products. Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers, negotiate pricing and terms, and manage vendor contracts. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align procurement strategies with sales objectives.
6. Product and market knowledge: Stay up to date with industry trends, market dynamics, and competitor activities in the trade sector for electrical equipment. Understand the company product offerings thoroughly, including PCs, laptops, servers, and related equipment, and effectively communicate their features, benefits, and value propositions to trade customers.
7. Negotiation and pricing: Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts with trade customers for electrical equipment at the company to maximize sales volume and profitability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as marketing and finance, to ensure pricing strategies are aligned with overall business objectives.
8. Trade marketing support: Work closely with the marketing team at the company to develop and execute trade marketing initiatives, including promotional campaigns, trade shows, and product launches specific to electrical equipment. Provide input on product positioning, pricing strategies, and marketing collateral tailored to the trade sector.
9. Sales and purchasing performance analysis: Conduct regular analysis of sales and purchasing data, including market share, customer buying patterns, product availability, and supplier performance. Identify areas of improvement, recommend actionable strategies, and implement initiatives to enhance sales and purchasing effectiveness and efficiency.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in trade sales and purchasing within a similar environment, preferably in the electrical equipment industry

• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building abilities.
• In-depth understanding of the trade market for electrical equipment, including key players, distribution channels, and industry dynamics.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret sales and purchasing data and market trends.
• Results-driven and target-oriented approach.
• Proficiency in using CRM software and sales analytics tools.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

As a Trade Sales & Purchasing Manager at the company specializing in the trade of electrical equipment, you will play a vital role in driving our business growth within this sector. This opportunity has arisen due to a long-term member of staff leaving, making it an exciting time for a skilled professional to step into this crucial role. Working hours on-site will be 08:30 - 16:30, however a hybrid role of working from home and the office is optional with working hours required to be flexible due the nature of the role.