External Sales / Business Development Manager

Hygrove Partners is recruiting on behalf of a global leader in metals and steel distribution for a field-based External Sales / Business Development Manager to grow their South West territory from the Exeter branch.

The Opportunity

The Exeter branch already has strong coverage across Cornwall and Devon and is now investing in growth across Somerset, Dorset and Avon. This is a genuine development territory with headroom, not a maintenance patch. You will not be expected to arrive with your own customer database - the branch holds researched target customer lists for each of the three counties, so you walk into a defined prospect pipeline from day one.

Key Responsibilities

• Grow the customer base across Somerset, Dorset and Avon, working from the branch's target customer lists

• Plan and deliver a structured programme of face-to-face customer and prospect visits across the territory

• Build long-term, trust-based relationships with buyers, fabricators, contractors and end users

• Prepare and follow up quotations, negotiate terms and convert opportunities into ongoing accounts

• Use SAP to manage pricing, quotations, orders and account records accurately

• Work closely with internal sales, operations and transport to deliver on customer commitments

• Feed market intelligence and competitor activity back into the branch to shape strategy

What We Are Looking For

• Hands-on SAP experience is the single most important requirement. The system is complex and internal training capacity is limited, so proven SAP proficiency is valued above industry or product knowledge. Product training is provided through site visits, driver ride-alongs and customer visits.

• Proven field sales or business development track record, ideally in B2B distribution or a trade environment

• Strong relationship-building skills and a proactive, reliable approach to territory management

• Self-motivated and comfortable planning your own diary and journey routes across three counties

• Full UK driving licence

• A metals or steel industry background is welcome but not essential; an existing customer database is not required

• Within approximately an hour's commute of Exeter - the search is not limited to the immediate area

Hybrid Working

• Onboarding: 2-3 days per week in the Exeter office to learn the systems, product range and customer base

• Thereafter: a minimum of 2-3 days per week in the office, with home admin days and territory time flexed around performance and trust

What Is On Offer

• Basic salary up to £45,000

• Company car, or £5,500 car allowance (company vehicles are transitioning to electric and hybrid models)

• Hybrid working

• Standard hours 08:30 to 17:00 with a one-hour lunch

To apply, submit your CV or contact Edward Cooke at Hygrove Partners