Technical Sales Manager
Territory: Cambs, Northants, Leicester, Beds, Essex & Norfolk
Package: Basic salary £40,000-£50,000 + Bonus/OTE, Company Car/Allowance & company benefits
Sector: Manufactured Packaging Solutions
Protecting What Matters, Together
At Macfarlane Packaging, we are committed to protecting what matters most—our people, customers, communities, and the environment. Our focus on customer satisfaction, sustainability, and continual improvement fosters a collaborative and supportive workplace where you can build a rewarding career.
With over 75 years of history, we offer stability, growth, and opportunities for personal and professional development. Our fast-paced, results-driven environment is challenging yet rewarding, allowing you to contribute directly to our success. We provide competitive pay, adaptable benefits, and a strong work-life balance, empowering you to manage what matters most. If you value commitment, teamwork, and adaptability, join us to drive change and help businesses plan for a better future.
The Technical Sales Manager Role
Suttons Performance Packaging (part of Macfarlane's Design & Manufacturing division) creates bespoke packaging solutions from our site in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire. We are seeking an experienced sales professional to drive growth across the sales territory. This role is predominantly focused on acquiring new business, with 80% of your time dedicated to proactive sales pipeline development.
As our Technical Sales Manager, you will be territory-based, providing exceptional service to customers while working within a small, dedicated sales team. You will identify and pursue new business opportunities, generate leads, present to customers, and negotiate commercial terms to secure new accounts. This role involves a consultative approach, working on technical projects with lead times of 3-6 months or longer for high-value opportunities.
Business development will be achieved through two key channels: directly targeting new prospects and leveraging internal referrals from the wider Macfarlane Group.
Technical Sales Manager Key Responsibilities
* Use a consultative approach to analyse customer needs and present tailored, commercially viable technical solutions.
* Develop and implement a sales plan to achieve growth targets.
* Build strong relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers.
* Identify, prioritise, and convert new business opportunities.
* Negotiate commercial terms to maximise profitability.
* Collaborate with internal teams to ensure seamless onboarding and service delivery.
* Maintain high standards of customer service and sales administration.
* Use systems & processes to track leads, quotations, and sales activity.
* Promote additional products and solutions within the group.
What You Will Bring
We seek committed, self-motivated professionals with a strong track record in field-based sales. You will have at least two years of experience within a technical sales role and a proven ability to acquire and retain customers.
While prior packaging sales experience is beneficial, we also welcome candidates with a strong sales background in closely related sectors, selling technical products or solutions to similar industries.
Essential Criteria:
* Minimum two years of field sales experience focused on new business development.
* Background in selling technical solutions, working with engineers, designers, and buyers.
* Strong presentation, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
* Excellent commercial acumen and problem-solving abilities.
* Full UK driving license
* Located within the sales territory and within commuting distance of Chatteris.
* Experience in planning and executing sales campaigns, networking, and closing deals.
* Highly self-motivated with resilience and a drive to succeed.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office.
* Understanding of packaging design and applications (desirable).
What We Offer
We provide a competitive salary, bonus scheme and a range of benefits, including:
* 23 days annual leave (increasing with service) plus public holidays and annual paid volunteering day.
* Contributory pension scheme.
* Free parking at most sites.
* Employee assistance program for well-being support.
* Employee discount scheme on major retail/leisure brands.
* Healthcare options
* Enhanced HR policies for employee rights and entitlements.
* Long service awards (5-40 years).
* Charitable giving options.
* Financial support for eye tests/glasses (DSE users).
* O2 Mobile discount scheme (up to 25% off).
Your Future with Us
At Macfarlane Group, we support career growth through internal promotions and structured training programs, including leadership development through accredited bodies like the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) and the Institute of Sales Professionals (ISP).
How to Apply
We are reviewing applications promptly and aim to hold local interviews soon. Please click 'apply' to submit your CV. All applications will be acknowledged. If you haven't heard from us within 2-3 weeks, please assume your application was unsuccessful.
We welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, gender expression, religion, or sexual orientation. If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please email our recruitment team.
NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE