Position: Area Sales Manager  Location: Northern England UK

Reports To: National Sales Manager (Specialist Dealer Sales)

Brands: AL-KO, Weibang, DR Power Equipment and Mitox

Job Summary

The role requires a strong communicator with the drive and selling ability to create a strong dealer network that meets and exceeds the requirements of the retail customer. A pro-active sales attitude is essential with a good knowledge and understanding of the Specialist Garden Machinery Industry.

Strong presentation, whilst delivering a professional appearance and developing a relationship with customers and peers that has integrity, a strong work ethic and TEAM at the core. A satisfied retail customer is important; therefore, the standard of the dealer network needs to be developed to a level that ensures every dealer is a destination for the end user. An attention towards developing our current dealers, seeking out new dealership opportunities and new user markets for our products by using good analytic skills is a required strength. 

AL-KO Gardentech UK offers the correct candidate the opportunity to join a business that has enjoyed a strong 2020 where an enthusiastic team, supported by solid business infrastructure, results in an enjoyable working environment.

About AL-KO

AL-KO was founded in Kötz, near Augsburg in 1931. Today, and 90 years later, the still family-owned company with more than 2,400 employees is active at 30 locations all over the world. In 2020 the AL-KO GROUP reported revenue of around 500 Mio. Euros. The AL-KO KOBER GROUP is part of the PRIMEPULSE network. PRIMEPULSE is a dynamic investment holding based in Munich.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

• Host regular business meetings with dealers to ensure retail success that drives a strong wholesale performance.
• Coordinate/deliver sell-in presentations for new and existing products, programs and events.
• Assist dealers in establishing wholesale and retail goals, creating an understanding for market demands within their local area, selling in correct stocking of products that fit the dealer’s customers demographic.
• Encourages dealers to participate in all product training, programs, seminars, demo events and technical training programmes.
• Advise and coordinate showroom set-up, branding and shop fitting.
• Monitor and manage branding standards.
• Encourage dealers towards participation in marketing, promotions, local shows, dealer open days, product demonstration, positive social media PR and events.
• Identifies and targets territory Specialist Dealer open points.
• Interacts proactively with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools.
• Feedback market, industry and competitor information.
• 360-degree business focus to enhance the customer journey (Service, Parts, Accessories, Warranty etc.).
• Timely and reliable delivery of all administration requests.
• Connect pro-actively with the internal HQ team to provide excellent dealer and customer support.
• Prepare for and attend regular sales meetings along with annual dealer business seminars/events.

Skills and Qualifications

• Field Sales and/or Retail Sales experience with a proven track record.
• Satisfactory School and College/University qualifications.
• A respectable/clean Driving License.
• An understanding of the Grass Machinery Industry with a knowledge of markets such as Horticulture, Agriculture, Forestry and other markets related to our products.
• Sales, Distribution, Retail, Branding and Customer Services experience required.
• Must be comfortable using computer and IT - experience with MS Office, Excel, Word and Powerpoint.
• Able to understand profit and loss calculations, basic business finance and be a competent writer of business letters, quotations and proposals.
• Self-driven, results-orientated and reliable with a positive outlook, and a clear focus on high quality and business profit. A natural forward planner who critically assesses own performance. Able to get on with others and be a team-player.
• Understand and work towards the values and ethos at AL-KO.

Working Conditions

Extensive travel within territory with regular hotel stays including occasional foreign travel. Some travel to remote locations and corporate functions. Home office environment with support from UK Headquarter location. Occasional weekend and/or evening work to support dealer/business events. Workshop, technical and product demonstration activity.

We offer a competitive Package, industry leading working conditions, full support and career development

For more information regarding this position please contact Lee Frankish on 07720 537 443 for a confidential discussion or please forward your CV and covering letter to: lee.frankish@al-ko.co.uk