Area Sales Manager

PORTWEST, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE is currently seeking applications for the position of Area Sales Manager, covering the Kent, South East London and East Sussex region, on a permanent basis reporting to the Regional Sales Manager. Founded in 1904, Portwest has become one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world currently employing over 5,100 staff worldwide. With 1400 styles across more than 20 ranges, we design, manufacture and distribute market leading workwear, safety wear and PPE in fully owned production facilities. We’re on a mission to become the world’s most requested PPE and Safety Wear Brand.

JOB SUMMARY: As the Area Sales Manager for the Kent and East Sussex region, you will bring your P.P.E and/or workwear experience to sell Portwest products to distributors in the region. We have had extensive growth over the past number of years, and we are looking for you to join to continue this growth trajectory.

Key Responsibilities

• Build quality business relationships with new and existing accounts.
• Conduct daily face-to-face sales meetings to maintain and develop relationships with distributors, resellers, and agents.
• Identify existing customers with high growth potential and create a roadmap for their further development.
• Identify new business opportunities and complete sales planning schedule.
• Utilise strategies to win new business on a continuous and consistent basis.
• Engage in consultative selling by identifying customers’ needs and provide a Portwest solution to meet those needs.
• Develop clear and effective written proposals/quotations for current and prospective customers.
• Focus on selling new Portwest products by bringing samples to each meeting.
• Ensure effective after meeting follow up to close sales.
• Conduct ongoing development of market intelligence, including marketing events such as trade shows, seminars, exhibitions, and journals which is fed back to the business. 
• Promote distributor promotions on our products with end users.

Requirements

• 3 to 5 years of experience in selling PPE, workwear, or safety wear.
• Proven track record of sales experience with manufacturers, distributors, resellers, or agents.
• Background in sales within related industries such as Automotive, Tools, Chemicals, MROs, etc.
• Strong drive to contribute to the continued growth of Portwest through field sales.
• Valid, clean driving license and flexibility to travel across your designated region.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Positive, results-driven attitude with a strong desire to succeed.
• Team player with a collaborative approach to achieving goals.

Company Awards

• Great Place To Work 2024
• Private Irish Business of the year – Export Industry Awards 2025
• Silver Ecovadis Sustainability Rating 2025

Applicants must have a right to live and work in the relevant jurisdiction.

Portwest is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, civil status, veteran status, family status, disability status or membership of a minority group.