Sales Manager

Merritt Recruitment Limited.; Nottingham; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized distributor of chemicals based in the UK is seeking a UK Sales Manager to drive growth. This role focuses on developing new customer relationships within industrial sectors, expanding market presence, and managing the full sales cycle. The ideal candidate should have proven sales experience in industrial chemicals, excellent networking skills, and be self-motivated. The organization promotes an inclusive and team-oriented culture with opportunities for international travel and career growth.

Benefits

Attractive salary

Car

Uncapped bonus scheme

Pension scheme

Opportunities for international travel

Qualifications

• Proven sales experience in industrial chemicals.
• Ideally able to introduce new principals.
• Excellent communicator with strong networking skills.
• Able to work autonomously and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a UK sales strategy.
• Build new business from the ground up.
• Strengthen relationships with existing principals.
• Manage the full sales cycle.
• Collaborate with a supportive team.

Skills

Sales experience within industrial chemicals

Networking skills

Proactive and commercially focused

Self-motivated

Team collaboration

Education

Degree level qualification

Job description

Travel: UK-wide + 4–5 trips to EU HQ + annual international sales meetings + occasional supplier training visits

Our client is a highly specialised and well respected distributor of speciality chemicals, supplying a growing portfolio of principals into the industrial manufacturing sector and life sciences. With headquarters in Europe and a UK base in the North West, they offer a unique sourcing service and partner only with carefully chosen principals, ensuring exceptional quality and technical expertise.

The organisation is fast growing, and with the UK division delivering exceptional results, they now require an additional sales professional to help drive the next phase of growth. This is an exciting time to join a supportive, open, and collaborative team with a strong culture across both industrial and life sciences divisions.

This is a key strategic position requiring an experienced and entrepreneurial UK Sales Manager to build sales from zero and drive longterm business growth. You will focus on developing new customer relationships, expanding market presence, and working closely with principals to identify the best opportunities for the UK market. You will have the freedom to shape the UK commercial strategy and, ideally, bring ideas for new principals or even existing relationships to support business expansion.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a UK sales strategy across industrial manufacturing sectors.
• Build new business from the ground up, targeting the industrial sectors including paints, coatings, adhesives, inks, plastics, polymers, composites, and related sectors.
• Strengthen relationships with existing principals and identify new potential partners.
• Act as the main UK contact for customers, suppliers, and the European HQ.
• Manage the full sales cycle from lead generation to contract negotiation.
• Attend UK office and EU office, customer visits, regular annual international sales conferences, and supplier training trips as needed.
• Collaborate with a supportive, cross‑functional team known for openness, communication, and strong internal cooperation.

Candidate Profile

• Proven sales experience within industrial chemicals.
• Background in one or more relevant sectors: Paints & coatings, Adhesives & sealants, Inks, Plastics & polymers, Composites, Other industrial manufacturing materials.
• Experience building new business and growing revenue over time.
• Ideally able to introduce new principals or contribute ideas for expanding the principal portfolio.
• Excellent communicator with strong networking skills.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, and commercially focused.
• Open, friendly, and collaborative – fits well within a team that truly supports each other.
• Able to work autonomously while contributing to wider company goals.
• Good standard of education preferably with a degree level qualification desirable, but not essential.
• UK driving licence and the right to work in the UK are essential.

Benefits

• Attractive salary, Car, Uncapped bonus scheme, great pension scheme and benefits.
• Inclusive, friendly, team‑oriented culture.
• Opportunities for international travel and supplier engagement.
• Strong long‑term growth prospects within a rapidly expanding organisation.