Senior Sales Manager - Schools & Academic Sector

  • Headstar
  • Sheffield, Yorkshire
  • Jul 13, 2026
Full time Education

Job Description

Senior Sales Manager

Up to £65,000 + BenefitsSheffield (commutable distance)

This is an opportunity to join a well-established, privately owned business with a strong reputation in the education sector and a genuine ambition to grow.

Supplying high-quality school uniform and equipment to schools and parents across the UK, the business has built long-standing relationships, an excellent reputation for service and a loyal customer base. As part of its continued growth, we're looking to appoint a Senior Sales Manager who can lead from the front, develop the existing sales team and play a key role in winning new business.

This isn't a role where you'll simply manage people from the sidelines. We're looking for someone who enjoys being out in the market, building relationships, identifying opportunities and securing new school partnerships, whilst coaching and developing a small, motivated sales team.

For the right individual, there is a clear and genuine route to progress to a Director level as the business continues to grow.

The Role

Reporting into the senior leadership team, you'll take responsibility for both sales performance and business development.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Leading, coaching and developing a team of five to six sales professionals
  • Driving new business by developing relationships with schools and securing approved supplier status
  • Managing and developing a portfolio of existing customer relationships
  • Identifying opportunities to grow market share within existing and new territories
  • Supporting the team through customer meetings, presentations and competitive tender processes
  • Developing sales strategy alongside the leadership team
  • Monitoring sales performance and ensuring targets are achieved
  • Working closely with internal and external marketing teams to ensure an excellent customer experience from initial enquiry through to delivery

About You

You'll be a proactive and driven sales leader who enjoys developing people but is equally comfortable winning business yourself.

We're looking for someone who has:

  • A proven track record of building relationships with schools
  • Experience of selling in to schools and education market
  • Strong business development skills with the ability to build lasting relationships
  • Experience managing and developing a successful sales team
  • Experience of digital marketing/working with marketing teams?
  • A hands-on leadership style with the credibility to lead by example
  • Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills

Why Apply?

  • Genuine career progression
  • Join an established business with an excellent reputation in the education sector
  • Opportunity to shape sales and marketing strategy and influence future growth
  • Lead a successful team while remaining actively involved in winning new business
  • A supportive, entrepreneurial environment where your contribution will be recognised
  • A business that values long-term relationships, quality and customer service as much as commercial success

If you're an ambitious sales leader and you're looking for an opportunity where you can make a real impact and progress your career, we'd love to hear from you.