Sales Manager

Sales Manager

Location: Malvern, Worcestershire (free on-site parking)

Salary: Market-rate base salary & package, dependent on experience

About English Braids Ltd

English Braids Ltd is a leading British manufacturer with a proud heritage dating back to 1968. Based at our manufacturing facility in Malvern, Worcestershire, we design and produce high-performance ropes, cords, and braids for global markets including Leisure Marine, Commercial Marine, Height Safety, Lifting & Industry, and Technical Cords.

We are trusted worldwide for our technical expertise, quality, and long-standing customer relationships, and we are open to shaping this role around the right individual, from scope and development path to package.

If you are an experienced sales professional with a track record in export or multi-market sales and want a senior commercial role where your voice genuinely matters, an initial conversation with our Sales Director could be worthwhile.

The Role

We are looking for a Sales Manager with proven export sales experience to drive growth across our international markets and support the broader commercial development of the business.

Reporting to the Sales Director, you will take ownership of export sales strategy and execution, working cross-functionally within a manufacturing environment. The role combines strategic planning with hands-on customer engagement across multiple sectors and geographies.

The position is split approximately 50% office-based in Malvern (WR14 1AL) and 50% travel, including regular international travel for customer visits and trade exhibitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and grow export sales in line with agreed targets and objectives across multiple international markets
• Build trusted, long-term relationships with distributors, agents, and key accounts worldwide
• Create and execute structured customer call plans across target markets and sectors
• Identify new market opportunities, emerging channels, and unmet customer needs
• Convert quotations into orders through consistent follow-up and relationship development
• Monitor competitor activity, pricing, and market trends across relevant sectors
• Maintain a robust sales pipeline and international business plan
• Support the development of market strategy and promotional activity
• Provide regular reporting and commercial insight to the Sales Director
• Ensure CRM records are accurate, up to date, and used effectively
• Complete agreed reporting and administrative requirements

What We Are Looking For

Essential:

• A strong track record in export or international B2B sales, ideally within a manufacturing or technical product environment
• Experience managing multi-territory sales pipelines and distributor or agent networks
• Ability to quickly learn and communicate technical product information (materials, applications, performance standards)
• Strong commercial awareness with a customer-centric, consultative approach to sales
• Experience leading or developing a small sales team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple priorities and deliver consistently against targets
• Comfortable using CRM systems, and proficient in Excel and Word
• Analytical, numerate, and commercially minded
• Resilient, calm under pressure, and able to influence at all levels
• Self-motivated with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments
• Fluent English essential; a second European language is a strong advantage
• Full UK driving licence required

Beneficial:

• Experience in any of the following sectors: Leisure or Commercial Marine, Height Safety, Lifting & Industry, or Technical Cordage
• Sailing or outdoor pursuits background, or familiarity with rope, rigging, or related technical products

Working Hours & Location

• Monday to Friday, 08:30 – 17:30
• Role based in Malvern, Worcestershire
• Regular UK and international travel, including overnight stays
• Occasional work outside standard hours to meet business needs

The Malvern office is commutable from Bromyard, Droitwich Spa, Evesham, Hereford, Ledbury, Pershore, Tewkesbury, and Worcester.

How to Apply

If you are interested in helping English Braids Ltd continue its legacy of excellence in global markets, please apply with your CV.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK on a permanent, full-time basis.

Due to the high volume of applications, we regret that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within 10 days, your application has unfortunately not been successful.