Regional Manager Ireland

Company Description

Wren Laboratories Ltd is the company behind Optibac Probiotics, the UK’s most recommended range of friendly bacteria supplements. We believe in cultivating an environment where talent thrives, ideas flourish, and every team member plays a crucial role in our collective success.

As scientists discover more about the important role of the gut in overall health and wellbeing, the global demand for probiotic supplements is increasing dramatically and as the experts in friendly bacteria, specialising entirely in live cultures, we are committed to producing a high quality supplement range containing some of the most researched strains in the world, developed in the world’s leading laboratories.

Our award-winning range is sold in the UK, Ireland and many international markets via multiple different sales channels including pharmacies, health food stores, grocery, online retailers, marketplaces, and Complementary & Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners. 

Pioneers of the probiotics supplement category, Optibac has long been championing the gut health revolution, tirelessly educating professionals and consumers alike on the benefits of friendly bacteria in maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Our continual mission is to ‘empower millions of people to change their lives with the power of probiotics.’

A highly ambitious company who believe in really making a difference to people's lives through their product range, maintaining a vibrant & inspiring workplace and to giving back to wider society through charitable giving. To date Wren Labs has donated over £1.5m to charitable causes.  

As a family-run business we have a strong focus on work-life balance and ensuring contributions are recognised and valued.

Main Purpose & Scope Of The Job

Responsible for leading and managing the sales team in Ireland to achieve sales targets, expand market share, and drive revenue growth. The role involves developing strategic plans, building strong relationships with key stakeholders, and ensuring the execution of sales strategies aligned with the company's objectives. We are looking for a results-driven sales professional with a hunger for success and a relentless drive to exceed targets and grow market share.

Flexibility is essential at Wren Laboratories, with all teams working closely together to support and develop the ‘Optibac’ brand, so occasional additional support duties may be required in other areas of the business.

Tasks & Responsibilities

This document outlines the duties required of the post to indicate the level of responsibility. It is not a comprehensive or exhaustive list and duties may vary from time to time, but these would not change the general character of the job or the level of responsibility.

The post includes these key areas:

Sales Strategy & Execution:

• Develop and implement regional sales strategies to achieve sales targets and business objectives from a trade and wholesale perspective.
• Analyse market trends, customer needs, and competitor activities to identify opportunities for growth.
• Ensure alignment with company ambition, national sales goals, and strategies.
• Coordinate, organise & facilitate Cycle Launch sales meetings in addition to training days.
• Liaise effectively with the Warehouse team & distribution partner regarding stock availability.  
• Act accordingly with out-of-stock situations that may arise, recommend alternative selling solutions for the team / period concerned.
• Oversee the planning of trade & consumer shows where applicable.

Team Collaboration, Leadership & Management:

• Manage, motivate, mentor, & support Field sales team across Ireland, in addition to providing appropriate training & correct tools, equipping fully to ensure channel & cycle target achievement. Set clear performance expectations and regularly review team, territory, and individual performance.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct individual Work plan reviews with employees considering performance, needs & issues analysis, implement corrective plans/measure where necessary. 
• Ensure Individuals adhere to company procedures, monitor & assist ongoing development of selling, commercial, training & business skill ensuring CRM systems are used correctly with a good understanding of business analysis reporting systems.
• Undertake regular field visits with Sales representatives offering support, guidance, assistance in meeting objectives & overcoming challenges during visits. Identify knowledge/training gaps or missing materials to increase effectiveness in role - in between these visits maintain regular contact via 1-2-1 process.
• Ensure close liaison with Netsuite internal software team, the CRM & the Telesales team on a regular basis for effective software management & maintenance. Ensure Sales Team CRM is fully updated by cycle for effective delivery of their field sales function. 
• Support and apply Marketing efforts with cross functional plans specific to the Irish market to ensure return on investment.  Approach activities with a test and learn mindset to ensure future growth based on analysis.
• Support the work of the Health Care Professional Laison team member on the ground, developing plans in line with budget that support sales and recommendation for the country. 
• Foster close collaboration with the UK National Account team to ensure activity in the National accounts is effective and budgeted for well.
• Meet the Head of Sales on a regular basis to discuss the performance of the field sales representatives and development of territories.

Customer Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, distributors, and partners within the region.
• Represent the company at regional events, trade shows, and networking opportunities.
• Hold daily communication and an exceptional relationship with the Irish Distributor, collaborate across their internal functions seamlessly to drive mutual success. Meet regularly to review performance. Recommend and pursue group opportunities that the distributor can execute. Utilise the third-party sales team of the distributor to the Optibac advantage and motivate collaborative success across the teams.

Sales Monitoring & Reporting:

• Monitor sales performance metrics (e.g., revenue, market share, and sales pipeline).
• Prepare and present regular sales reports to senior management, highlighting achievements, challenges, and action plans.
• Use CRM tools effectively to track and manage sales activities.
• Ensure Point of sale, distribution and educational targets achieved across team. 

Market Expansion & Development:

• Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities within the region.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to design and implement regional marketing campaigns.
• Develop strategies to penetrate new markets or segments.
• Evolve Ireland business Model with Head of Sales to incorporate the HPL channels within the sales team. Explore stakeholder opportunities and implement strategy change in accordance.
• Assist in helping team develop further territory account growth by identifying new opportunities and ensure that budgeted sales are achieved - within budgeted means.
• Be a key influencer at monthly cycle planning meeting, identify requirements, align activity timings & cycle objectives with internal brand team requesting Irish specific material where necessary.
• Following Cycle planning meeting communicate regularly to align cycle activity, cycle plan, content, objectives, and meeting plan for forthcoming national cycle meeting. Agree cycle KPI’s, promotions, opportunities, call stats and meeting requirements each cycle aligning with the Head of Sales.
• Specify & approve materials & amounts to ensure Field sales team can deliver forthcoming cycles with excellence creating a point of difference versus competitors. 
• Contribute & recommend potential incremental cycle opportunities within the process, challenging any activity, actions or materials that may present unforeseen circumstances, or hinder performance. 

Budget Management:

• Manage the regional sales budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness and adherence to financial guidelines.
• Forecast sales revenue and expenses for the region accurately.
• Set & agree channel sales plan from budgeting process, expected distribution & POS targets by cycle & year based on business/brand needs. 
• Be accountable for designated team budget costs, to ensure individuals are accountable & managing territory budgets effectively.
• Ensure all Business Managers can proficiently pull reports to secure effective management of budgets, providing necessary detail for the yearly cycle plan to assist planning process.
• Country Quarterly reviews to be submitted.

Desirable Skills & Abilities

• Strong administration skills.
• Familiarity with business software such as Microsoft Office.
• Continually demonstrate confidentiality, discretion, and dependability. 
• Excellent interpersonal and customer-facing skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Flexibility, ability, and willingness to learn and pick up new processes. 
• To enjoy working with people and as part of a team
• Tact and diplomacy
• The ability to work independently.
• The ability to work accurately, with attention to detail.
• Demonstrate driven, hardworking, and self-motivated attitude.
• The ability to prioritise tasks in order of importance and meet deadlines efficiently.
• Must lead by example, be inspiring, open, transparent.

Knowledge, Qualifications & Experience

• Previous experience in a similar industry e.g. FMCG, pharmaceuticals
• Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or relevant Degree in nutrition / naturopathy / herbal medicine / complementary health is advantageous.
• Applicants must live within the ROI, with the ability to travel and stay away from home from time to time.
• Experience in managing sales teams mandatory and success record of achieving or exceeding targets.
• Commercial acumen, Business Awareness skills & proactivity / self-starter essential
• Strong knowledge / experience working in various sales channels both digital, national, wholesale and independents.

Job Location

Field based worker.

Hours

Full time, 40hrs/Mon-Fri 

Salary

Competitive salary, based on experience.

Position in Organisation

Reports to: Head of Sales UK & Ireland
Responsible for: 6 x Sales & Training Representatives   
Budget Responsibilities: None