Posted 21 July, 2026
Area Sales Manager - Food Service sector
Reed
Bristol, ENG, GB
Full Time
Job Description
Reed is recruiting on behalf of a well-established, independent family-owned business that supplies into the catering sector.
\nDue to internal progression and long-term tenure within the team, they are now looking to appoint an Area Sales Manager to join their successful field sales division.
\nThe Opportunity
\nThese are well-established territories with a strong existing customer base. The role will focus on:
\n- \n
- 70% account management – developing sales from existing, dormant, lapsed, and lost accounts \n
- 30% new business development – identifying and winning new customers \n
You’ll work closely with internal buying and operations teams when onboarding new customers, and receive ongoing support from a depot-based telesales function who will regularly service accounts and place orders.
\nWhat’s on Offer
\n- \n
- Basic salary of £37,000 – £39,000 \n
- Quarterly bonus scheme with realistic OTE of circa £10,000\n
- \n
- Bonus earned through new business and growth across existing/lapsed accounts \n
\n - Company car, mobile phone, and laptop provided \n
- Established territory with immediate earning potential \n
- Long-term career stability within a growing, family-run business \n
The Role
\n- \n
- Bristol & Southwest: Covering BA, SN, SP, TA, BS, EX22, EX23, EX31–39 – Looking for someone to be based living in and around the Bristol area \n
Key Responsibilities
\n- \n
- Manage and develop relationships with existing customers across your territory \n
- Identify and convert new business opportunities \n
- Re-engage dormant and lapsed accounts to drive revenue growth \n
- Respond to inbound sales enquiries and leads \n
- Represent the business professionally in the field \n
- Maintain accurate records of customer visits and activity \n
- Monitor competitor activity and market trends \n
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure excellent customer service delivery \n
- Contribute to sales campaigns and regional targets \n
About You
\n- \n
- Ideally 2+ years’ experience in food or catering sales, however strong field sales experience in a related sector will be considered \n
- Proven track record in achieving sales targets and KPIs \n
- Excellent relationship-building and negotiation skills \n
- Organised, self-motivated, and able to manage your own territory effectively \n
- Team player with strong communication skills \n
- Full UK driving licence \n
Why Join?
\n- \n
- One role is replacing a long-standing team member of 8 years, highlighting strong retention \n
- The second role has arisen due to internal promotion, demonstrating clear progression opportunities \n
- Supportive team environment with structured internal backing from telesales and operations \n
