Competitive salary starting from £65,000+ DOE plus bonus, car allowance and benefits, dependent on experience.
The Animal People Recruitment Company is delighted to be partnering exclusively with an ambitious and growing business within the pet industry to recruit a Head of Specialist Pet Sales.
This is an opportunity for a commercially astute leader to take ownership of a significant specialist channel, develop an established team and help shape the future direction of a well-respected organisation operating across the pet sector.
If you enjoy leading people, driving change and creating structure whilst delivering commercial growth, we'd love to hear from you.
The Opportunity
Reporting into the Head of Sales, you will lead the specialist pet channel, developing both strategy and capability to drive profitable growth and strengthen customer relationships.
This role offers the chance to make a genuine impact. You'll inherit an established team and portfolio of specialist customers whilst having the autonomy to influence ways of working, improve performance and build a clear roadmap for future success.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the specialist pet channel strategy.
- Lead, coach and develop a high-performing commercial team.
- Build strong relationships with key specialist customers and stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities to improve profitability, distribution and performance.
- Drive accountability and engagement across the team.
- Work collaboratively with Marketing, Supply Chain and Senior Leadership.
- Lead commercial initiatives including pricing, ranging and process improvement projects.
- Support succession planning and future talent development.
We're looking for a commercially minded leader who thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys creating positive change.
You'll bring:
- Proven experience within the pet industry.
- National Account Management, Channel Management or Commercial Leadership experience.
- Previous people leadership experience.
- Strong commercial and strategic capability.
- The ability to influence and challenge constructively.
- A collaborative leadership style and passion for developing others.
- A track record of delivering sustainable growth.
This role is predominantly remote and field based.
There is an expectation of approximately two days per week at Head Office to maintain leadership presence and collaboration, although this remains flexible around customer commitments and business needs. Individuals are trusted to manage their own diary and priorities.
Monthly commercial meetings and quarterly wider team meetings are also held on site.
Package
- Competitive salary starting from £65,000+ dependent on experience.
- Up to 10% annual bonus.
- £5,000 car allowance.
- 55p per mile business mileage.
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Pension (3% employer contribution).
- Staff discount.
- The opportunity to shape a channel, influence strategy and leave a lasting legacy.
