Area Sales Manager – Northwest England & Wales
James Jones & Sons Ltd is a 5th generation family business and one of the UK’s largest and most progressive timber processing companies with core activities in timber harvesting, sawmilling, pallets & packaging, and distribution. We operate from 27 sites across the UK, 23 Australian and 2 New Zealand sites and employ over 2,100 people. In the UK, we operate seven sawmills throughout Scotland and the northeast of England: an engineered wood manufacturing plant in the north of Scotland and pallet and packaging operations at 14 sites across the UK. We produce high quality, British grown timber for the UK construction, landscaping, and agricultural sectors; market-leading JJI-Joists for the housebuilding and construction markets and pallets and packaging for blue chip domestic and exporting businesses.
We are looking to recruit an experienced field-based Area Sales Manager for our sawn timber department covering Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire, Shropshire & Wales.
Previous sales experience and a proven track record in a sales environment is essential. While not critical, it would be advantageous to have previous experience, knowledge and commercial understanding of the UK timber, builders’ merchants, pallet, packaging or Fencing sectors.
Location: Northwest England
The Role
This is a field-based role, travelling on average 4 days per week with one administrative day from home. You will be required to stay overnight in the further parts of the area, depending on location. Flexibility around working hours can be given.
Due to the size and location of the territory, overnight stays will be required where appropriate.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing and developing relationships with timber merchants, buying groups, and key accounts across your region
- Driving volume and value growth in line with company objectives, with a strong focus on margin delivery
- Implementing pricing strategies that reflect market dynamics while protecting business performance
- Delivering accurate and timely sales forecasts to support production and supply chain planning
- Conducting structured customer visits, account reviews, and joint business planning sessions
- Identifying new business opportunities and routes to market within the merchant and distribution sectors
- Monitoring competitor activity and market trends, feeding back clear commercial insight to the wider team
- Working closely with internal departments (customer services, commercial operations, logistics) to ensure high levels of service
- Maintaining high standards of CRM discipline and pipeline management
About You
We are looking for an individual who combines strong commercial awareness with the ability to build long-term, partnership-based customer relationships.
You should be able to demonstrate:
- Proven experience in a field-based sales role, ideally within timber, construction products, or the merchant sector
- A track record of delivering profitable growth and account development
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with confidence engaging at branch and regional level
- A high level of commercial discipline, balancing competitiveness with margin and value creation
- Excellent organisation and planning skills, with the ability to manage a geographically spread territory
- A proactive, self-motivated approach with the ability to work independently
- A strong team mindset, aligned to wider business goals and strategy
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonus
- Company car or car allowance
- Flexible, field-based working model
- Opportunity to develop within a well-established, market-leading business
- A supportive and experienced leadership team
What do we stand for
The values of James Jones & Sons Limited are its core beliefs and principles. They guide how work is carried out, how people are treated and how decisions are made. These values not only shape our culture but also play a key role in influencing how teams work together.
Understanding our values will help you decide if you want to apply.
Collaboration – we believe in the power of teamwork
Ambition – we are driven by our ambition to be the best we can be
Respect – we act with honesty and integrity so that everyone feels valued, safe and part of our James Jones family
Excellence – We strive for Excellence in everything we do
At James Jones we CARE – do you?
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a respected, innovative company, leading the way in sustainable timber.
- Work in a supportive, collaborative environment where your ideas are valued.
- Gain hands-on experience across a wide range of marketing disciplines.
- Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
- Work in a modern office environment, with a range of different collaborative workspaces.
Applicants must be able to provide eligibility to work in the UK without the need for sponsorship
Please email your CV to recruitment@jamesjones.co.uk
Closing date 12th June 2026
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