Astro Lighting is a leading designer and producer of contemporary lighting for high end residential and hospitality markets. Established in 1997, our products are supplied to homeowners and professionals through a network of international partners. Our head office located in the UK is complimented by satellite locations in Italy, Germany, Asia, and the USA.

For 26 years, our Co-Founders John Fearon and James Bassant have been at the heart of the business, sharing a commitment to British lighting design and passion for quality and precision. Our creative ethos has remained consistent throughout - that good design demands simplicity, delivering products with technical excellence that extend far beyond their design aesthetic.

As a trusted, dynamic, and continually growing supplier, our extensive range complements every aspect of luxury living and hospitality, from bedrooms and bathrooms to living areas, corridors and exteriors and can be seen within projects across the globe.

Role overview

You will have responsibility for all the UK direct distributor business in UK & Ireland. Managing a team of three people and supporting our specification team in closing specifications through the distribution network, working closely with the local team.

You will report to our Global Sales Director and be an important part of our strategy in delivering significant sales and profit growth in our European operation. Our business is already developing strongly, and we are now poised for significant growth. This role will play a major part in making our strategy happen.

Responsibilities

• Driving and manages all distributors, responsible for sales and bookings.
• Has the responsibility for distributor performance and distributor decisions.
• Specification closing and quote follow up.
• Execute tactical plan - focused target market.
• Build key relationships with national brands and electrical contractors to facilitate the closing of large projects.
• Develop the direct reporting team and help mentor and grow individuals within the team.
• Regular reviews and support for reporting team.
• Developing relationships with our key customers so that we maximise the opportunities we have for growing our sales profitably.
• Working with our marketing team to identify and execute opportunities for growth in our sales with a strong return on investment (ROI) focus.
• Be an active member in our senior leadership team in developing and executing our business development strategy both in the UK, Ireland and globally as we continually look for areas of growth.
• Manage the phase out and exit of products to maximise our financial returns.
• Make use of technology to ensure that our processes are as efficient as possible whilst offering great customer service levels across our customer base and supporting direct shipment to the customer where required.

How we will measure you

• Overall distributor sales for the UK.
• New customer acquisition and development.
• Growth in sales of existing direct customer sales.
• Sales and EBITDA of the UK & Ireland business.
• Management of overheads.
• Quality relationships with the peer group.

About you

• 5 years sales and management experience
• Previous experience working in the lighting industry
• Experience in working for an international organisation
• Commercial awareness
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to use independent judgement
• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent prioritisation and time management skills
• Engaged within the business and a flexible approach to work

What we offer

• 25 days holiday (rising to 26 days after 4 years and 27 days after 5 years)
• Hours 38.75 per week with 45 minutes lunch
• Astro Flex It - Flexible core hours and opportunities to work remotely
• Discretionary Annual Bonus (profit share)
• Pension
• Enhanced Maternity Pay (after 2 years)
• Enhanced Paternity Pay (after 2 years)
• Mentoring Programme
• A range of wellbeing initiatives including 24/7 access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme (with plenty of on-site cycle parking)
• Eyecare voucher scheme
• Staff Discount on Astro products
• Sabbatical Leave (after 5 years)
• Volunteering and fundraising opportunities, supporting local charities and schools.
• Free fresh fruit weekly
• Superb modern offices with free on-site parking