Merchant External Sales Representative
Job description
We are currently recruiting for a Merchant External Sales Representative to cover Northern Ireland, reporting directly to the Branch Operations Director.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, commercially driven sales professional to play a key role in driving profitable growth across the builders’ merchant channel. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and growing existing merchant relationships, securing new listings, and protecting margin through disciplined commercial management.
Role Overview
The Merchant External Sales Representative will be accountable for delivering revenue, margin, and distribution growth across a defined territory. The role requires strong territory planning, influential relationship management, and the ability to engage effectively with branch managers, buyers, counter sales teams, and regional stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities include:
Managing and growing a defined portfolio of builders’ merchant accounts, including key accounts across Northern Ireland
Conducting regular branch visits in line with agreed call cycles
Building and maintaining strong relationships with branch managers, buyers, counter sales teams, and regional directors
Identifying upsell and cross-sell opportunities across the full product range
Delivering joint business plans with key accounts
Identifying and securing new merchant listings
Supporting new branch openings, product launches, and promotional initiatives
Achieving agreed revenue, margin, volume, and distribution targets
Maintaining pricing discipline and protecting margin
Delivering product training and supporting promotional activity within branches
Monitoring competitor activity, pricing, and market trends
Maintaining accurate CRM records and reporting on activity and pipeline performance
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
Revenue growth versus target
Gross margin performance
Distribution gains (new branches and new product lines)
Call coverage versus plan
Pipeline value and conversion rate
Required Experience & Skills:
Proven external B2B sales experience (minimum 3 years preferred)
Experience managing key accounts within builders’ merchants or the construction sector
Timber knowledge or experience (preferred)
Strong commercial negotiation skills
Ability to effectively manage a geographically dispersed territory
Comfortable working to structured KPIs and performance targets
Strong relationship-building skills with a data-driven, results-focused mindset
Confident presenter with high levels of resilience, organisation, and self-motivation
Package & Benefits:
Competitive basic salary
Performance-based bonus scheme
Company vehicle or car allowance
Pension scheme
Private healthcare
Business expenses fully covered
Access to the company Healthcare plan following probation
If you are a commercially focused sales professional looking to develop your career within a growing and ambitious business, we would welcome your application.