Area Sales Manager

SUMMARY OF ROLE

Reporting to the Regional Operations Manager, the Area Sales Manager will focus on developing and expanding James Hamilton’s customer base. The postholder will be the first point of contact for potential customers, offering expertise in packaging solutions and acting as a trusted partner.

Working in line with the company’s sales strategy, the Area Sales Manager will identify new business opportunities, respond to tenders and RFPs, and grow sales across new and existing territories. This role involves delivering presentations to key stakeholders and leveraging internal resources from Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing, and Finance to ensure a seamless customer experience.

This is a field-based role, offering autonomy, responsibility, and the chance to make a real impact on the company’s growth.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

·      Develop and maintain strong, long-term relationships with existing customers and act as a strategic partner.

·         Identify and pursue new business opportunities.

·         Be the first point of contact for all customer queries, resolving issues promptly.

·         Plan, prepare, and deliver persuasive presentations to key decision-makers.

·         Work collaboratively with internal teams (Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Marketing) to ensure customer requirements are met.

·         Attend trade shows, conferences, and industry events to represent James Hamilton.

·         Produce accurate sales forecasts, pipeline reports, and performance analysis for management.

·         Maintain awareness of market trends, competitor activity, and emerging customer needs.

·         Prepare quotations and proposals within allocated timescales, and manage follow-up communications.

·         Develop and maintain a strong pipeline of target development areas, working opportunities daily.

SCOPE OF POSITION       

• Field-based role with regular travel across Northern Ireland.
• Flexibility to work outside standard hours as required to meet customer and business needs.

LOCATION

This position is located in James Hamilton Group, 50 Millennium Way, Craigavon, BT66 8DH.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications & Personal Attributes

Key Skills

• Strong presentation and communication skills.
• Analytical, with high attention to detail in reporting and administration.
• Commercially aware with excellent business acumen.
• Able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Inquisitive, proactive, and focused on best practice and continuous improvement.

Knowledge and Experience

• Proven experience in field sales, account management, or area sales management.
• Understanding of packaging solutions and industrial B2B sales.
• Experience managing the full sales process from lead generation to close.
• Ability to analyse sales data, prepare reports, and forecast accurately.
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement principles is advantageous.
• Demonstrable excellent customer service skills.
• Strong planning, organisation, and administration skills.

Personal Attributes

• Target-driven with a strong desire to succeed.
• Passionate about delivering outstanding customer service.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
• Excellent relationship-building skills; enjoys interacting with customers.
• Committed to professional development through training, seminars, and workshops.