Interim Sales Director

• Our client is a global toy/ collectibles brand undertaking a major operational transformation to reposition the business for its next phase of growth. The business currently operates a centralised structure across their portfolio of brands with significant shared infrastructure across supply chain, contracts and personnel but is transitioning to a a brand-led operating model.
• As a result we are conducting a search for an Interim Group Sales Director to work alongside the CFO and newly appointed COO, during this exciting transitional period for the business. The role will be for 9 months, although there is a chance that it could become permanent.
• In addition to the operational responsibilities associated with a Sales Director position, there is a crucial cultural leadership requirement to this role as the organisation will be going through significant strategic and structural change. Ensuring the leaders of the various sales channels remain focused, informed and supported through the next 6-9 months to maintain momentum, and deliver BAU to achieve commercial goals, is a key art of this critical role.
• In terms of the transformation programme, working alongside external advisors responsible for the design of the target operating model, the Interim GSD will be responsible for driving the critical sales functions of the business, whilst playing a part in ensuring the relevant outcomes of the programme are executed at pace and embedded successfully within the teams.
• This is a hands-on leadership role, requiring an individual who is as comfortable with driving sales growth across multiple channels as leading a core team of channel owners covering the USA, UK Nationals (including Amazon), Export and UK Independents.

Key Objectives

Manage, stabilise and lead the sales team

• Lead an experienced team of 4 direct reports: National Sales Controller (UK Nationals and Amazon), International Sales Controller (Export Markets), VP Sales USA, Senior Business Development Manager (UK Independents, Concessions and Wholesale)

Drive commercial performance

• Work closely with the CFO to ensure the Sales Team are clear on their commercial objectives and focused on delivering what the business needs in H1
• Own the reporting of performance vs forecast in the four sales channels under your control, taking action and pivoting where necessary, whilst identifying opportunities to nurture and develop existing relationships

Support the transition to a new operating model

• Ensure the effective delivery of further outcomes of the transformation programme where it impacts the ways of working in the sales team

BAU Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• The Interim Sales Director will be required to pull together and lead the sales teams domestically and internationally to deliver their numbers.

Performance Management:

• Setting KPIs through this period of change and monitoring performance to drive continuous improvement.

Strategic Implementation:

• Collaborating with the CFO (and Board) to turn mid and long term strategic and structural change plans into a reality.

Team Management:

• Fostering a positive culture through visible leadership during this period of change.
• Not only providing leadership to the teams in the operational parts of the business but also playing a key role in maintaining a positive, proactive culture across the business.
• Working seamlessly with the CFO and COO to present a united and aligned leadership approach.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be a highly capable sales leader with significant experience in complex, multi-channel, multi-territory businesses.

Experience

• Previous Sales Director / Group Sales Director experience (ideally) in the sector.
• Strong track record of delivering growth in complex organisations.
• Exceptional ability to lead, mentor and align cross functional teams – both within the reporting structure of the sales function and more broadly across the organisation.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work closely alongside the CFO and Board
• Experience operating within multi-brand or multi-division businesses.
• Experience working alongside external advisory firms during transformation programmes would be helpful
• Experience within private equity backed businesses or high-change environments would be highly advantageous.

Capabilities

• Flexible, adaptable working style.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on operational mindset.
• Ability to manage complex stakeholder environments.
• Commercially astute with strong financial discipline.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to drive organisational change.

Personal Characteristics

• Resilient and motivated.
• Highly organised and delivery focused.
• Comfortable operating in complex and evolving environments.
• Pragmatic and solutions oriented.
• Strong communicator

The role can be conducted remotely although there will be UK travel and regular presence in Head Office in South East England.

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