Tactical Sales Rep FAQs
Once you are performing effectively in the Tactical role, you might choose to apply for a Sales Development Executive role (SDE) when a vacancy arises. The SDE’s represent the core of our salesforce and we would expect many of our Tactical Sales Representatives to move into a SDE role within 12 months.
We look for applicants with strong communication skills, excellent organisational ability and a strong sales focus. You'll need to be happy to work alone and demonstrate the resilience necessary to succeed in a competitive market. If you’ve got the right work ethic and really want to succeed in sales then you should submit your application.
Why not take a look at some of the profiles on the Meet Our People section, these are all real examples of how people have progressed throughout the business. Our company culture firmly supports internal progression and we encourage our staff to develop themselves whether through secondment opportunities in different parts of the business (e.g. Multiple Accounts, Brand & Trade Marketing) or by specific learning and development. The Tactical Sales role is our entry level position within our salesforce, and from here you can apply for one of our Sales Development Executive roles when a vacant territory arises.
While we can't guarantee the type of car, it is typically a VW Passat for our Tactical Sales roles. Other cars allocated for other roles include Vauxhall Insignia or Audi.
The process is in two stages, if your application is deemed suitable we will contact you to arrange a telephone interview. During the telephone interview we’ll take the opportunity to learn more about you and hear about your past experiences and find out why you think you'd be a great Tactical Sales Representative. You'll need to allow around 40 minutes for your telephone interview so remember to mention on your application any times of the day which are better than others. If you are successful at this stage we'll let you know within 7 days. The next stage in the process is an Assessment Centre, here typically you will meet various members of our Sales team. It’s a full day involving various assessment exercises and will allow you to learn much more about us. After the assessment centre we'll let you know whether you have been successful.
No. Unfortunately we can't progress your application if you have more than 6 points on your licence. We do require you to bring your licence with you to your interview and no employment offer is made without sight of this, as well as a DVLA driving licence check.
We pay our sales staff above market rate and are well known for offering a highly competitive benefits package. On top of your basic salary, after you have successfully completed your probationary standards you will also be eligible to receive a bonus payment, which is based upon your team and your individual performance. This bonus is paid out 3 times a year and is pro-rated. If you are applying for a London role you will also be entitled to receive London weighting allowance, which will be between £1,500 and £3,000, depending upon your exact location. Salaries are reviewed annually. You will also be able to join our final salary pension scheme and in doing so will qualify for death in service benefit.
Your location will depend upon the role you have applied for and your home location. Our Representatives must live on the area which they cover. This is a field-based role, which means your home is your base and your car can feel a bit like your office. Your time will be spent out on the road, visiting retailers acting as a Tobacco Consultant. You will however be part of a bigger team and will meet up with fellow Representatives and your Manager on a monthly basis at group meetings. If the role you are applying for is a Tactical position you will need to be flexible around your location as you will provide relief cover for your team, for example covering sickness or holidays and therefore flexibility and a willingness to work in different locations is needed. We can’t progress your application if you don’t live on the territory you have applied for.
Yes, whilst previous FMCG sales experience is desirable we also welcome applications from individuals who already have sales experience in other areas, whether retail or field-based, we also encourage applications from individuals from other backgrounds. Provided you demonstrate the skills and behaviours that we look for then we'd like to hear from you. Current Reps have joined from varied backgrounds including nursing, hairdressing and teaching.