The Commercial Sales Executive is the primary revenue driver in every truck dealership, van centre and commercial vehicle operation in the UK. Selling heavy goods vehicles, light commercial vehicles and everything in between to fleet operators, business owners, owner-drivers and logistics professionals, the role demands a more consultative and technically grounded approach than its passenger car equivalent.
Customers buying a truck or a fleet of vans are making a business decision. They need a Sales Executive who understands their operational requirements, can configure the right vehicle specification, navigate manufacturer build and delivery lead times, present finance and contract hire solutions and build a relationship that delivers repeat business and referrals. The ability to open doors, manage a pipeline and close complex multi-vehicle deals sets the best Commercial Sales Executives apart from the rest of the market.
Venatu recruits Commercial Sales Executives for permanent and contract roles across franchised truck and van dealerships, multi-franchise commercial vehicle groups, LCV retailers and commercial vehicle sales operations throughout the UK. This role sits within our truck and van recruitment division. Explore the full range of commercial vehicle roles on our job map.
Who We Recruit For
We place candidates with:
- Franchised truck dealerships across major manufacturers including DAF, Volvo, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Scania, Iveco and Renault
- Light commercial vehicle and van centres (Ford, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Nissan and equivalents)
- Multi-franchise commercial vehicle dealer groups
- Used commercial vehicle dealers and auction-linked sales operations
- Commercial vehicle rental and contract hire businesses with retail sales functions
- Fleet and business-to-business commercial vehicle sales operations
- Specialist commercial vehicle conversion and upfit companies with direct sales functions
- Manufacturer and OEM national sales and fleet development teams
Roles We Place
- Commercial Sales Executive
- Truck Sales Executive
- Van / LCV Sales Executive
- New Commercial Vehicle Sales Executive
- Used Commercial Vehicle Sales Executive
- Fleet Sales Executive (Commercial Vehicle)
- Business-to-Business Commercial Sales Executive
- Senior Commercial Sales Executive
- National Account Sales Executive (Commercial Vehicle)
Who Can Apply
Strong Commercial Sales Executive candidates typically come from:
- Experienced Commercial Sales Executives at franchised truck or van dealerships looking for a new manufacturer brand, higher volume, better territory or improved package
- Car Sales Executives who want to move into commercial vehicle sales and are willing to invest in building product knowledge - the consultative B2B nature of the role suits candidates who find passenger car retail too transactional
- Fleet or B2B sales professionals from adjacent sectors including fuel cards, telematics, insurance, finance or logistics who want to move into a vehicle sales role and can demonstrate a track record of selling to business customers
- Business Development Executives with a commercial vehicle or fleet background who want to progress into a full sales role with vehicle configuration and deal closure responsibility
- Commercial vehicle parts or aftersales professionals who have built strong operator relationships and want to leverage those contacts in a sales capacity
- Owner-operators or transport managers who have spent time on the buying side of commercial vehicle procurement and want to transition into selling
Technical vehicle knowledge is more important in commercial sales than in passenger car retail. Customers expect Sales Executives to understand payload, GVW, body configurations, telematics options, whole-life costs and, increasingly, alternative fuel and electric vehicle specifications. Venatu assesses product knowledge depth alongside sales track record when matching candidates to employers.
Commercial Sales Executive Salary Guide
| Role | Base Salary Range | OTE Range |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Sales Executive (Entry / Developing) | £24,000 - £30,000 | £36,000 - £50,000 |
| Commercial Sales Executive (Experienced) | £28,000 - £38,000 | £48,000 - £65,000 |
| Senior Commercial Sales Executive | £34,000 - £44,000 | £58,000 - £80,000 |
| Fleet / National Account Sales Executive | £36,000 - £48,000 | £60,000 - £85,000 |
Most roles include a company vehicle or vehicle allowance reflecting the travel demands of the territory. Commission structures vary significantly between dealerships and manufacturer programmes. Venatu discusses realistic OTE based on dealership volume, territory and commission plan structure before presenting roles. Visit the HR Hub for broader context on commercial vehicle sector remuneration.
What the Role Involves
Responsibilities vary by employer type and vehicle category but typically include:
- Proactively developing new business relationships with fleet operators, sole traders, construction firms, logistics businesses, local authorities and other commercial vehicle users within a defined territory
- Managing an existing customer base through structured account development and retention activity
- Understanding customer operational requirements in depth and configuring vehicle specifications including body type, payload, wheelbase, powertrain and ancillary equipment to match those requirements
- Presenting new and used commercial vehicle proposals including outright purchase, finance and contract hire options
- Negotiating prices, trade-ins, delivery timelines and ancillary products to maximise gross profit per unit and deal value
- Managing manufacturer build slot allocation and order bank processes for new vehicle orders
- Attending customer sites, fleet reviews and industry events to develop pipeline and maintain account relationships
- Working closely with the aftercare, parts and workshop teams to ensure customers receive a seamless post-sale service experience
- Maintaining accurate pipeline, prospect and customer records in the dealership CRM
- Reporting sales activity, order bank status and forecast to the Commercial Sales Manager or Dealer Principal
How the Process Works
For employers:
- Submit a vacancy with the manufacturer franchise, territory, vehicle mix and commission structure.
- We confirm candidate availability and present a pre-screened shortlist within five working days.
- Candidates are assessed for commercial vehicle product knowledge, B2B sales track record and territory fit.
- Interview and offer supported by Venatu throughout. Read how Venatu delivers multi-site commercial vehicle recruitment in Cross-Division Collaboration Delivers National Temporary Recruitment Success.
For candidates:
- Register your CV with your current or most recent sales role, vehicle types sold, annual volumes achieved and OTE earned.
- A Venatu consultant will review your background and contact you directly.
- Roles are matched to your product knowledge, preferred manufacturer and territory.
- Venatu manages the process and provides commission plan and OTE benchmarking ahead of offer.
Browse current vacancies or create a job alert to be notified when relevant roles become available.
FAQ
What does a Commercial Sales Executive do? A Commercial Sales Executive sells trucks, vans and commercial vehicles to business and fleet customers. The role involves prospecting for new accounts, managing existing customer relationships, configuring vehicle specifications to operational requirements, presenting finance and contract hire solutions and negotiating deals through to order. It is a predominantly B2B sales role requiring both product knowledge and relationship management capability.
Do I need commercial vehicle experience to become a Commercial Sales Executive? Manufacturer-specific product knowledge is highly valued but candidates from adjacent B2B sales backgrounds can transition effectively, particularly those with experience selling to transport, logistics, construction or trade sectors. A genuine understanding of how businesses use commercial vehicles is as important as formal dealership experience. Venatu identifies employers who are open to developing candidates from outside franchised commercial vehicle retail when the commercial aptitude and sector knowledge are strong.
What does a Commercial Sales Executive earn in the UK? Base salaries typically range from £24,000 to £44,000 depending on experience and vehicle category. OTE including commission ranges from £36,000 to £85,000 or more for high-volume or fleet-focused roles. Company vehicles are standard. Venatu discusses realistic OTE based on dealership volume and commission structure before presenting roles.
How is commercial vehicle sales different from car sales? Commercial vehicle sales is almost entirely B2B. Customers are businesses making operational investment decisions rather than individuals making lifestyle purchases. Deal cycles are longer, specifications are more complex, whole-life cost analysis matters and the aftersales relationship is more commercially significant. The skills required overlap but the depth of technical and operational knowledge expected is considerably higher. Read about the factors driving commercial vehicle sector demand in How Rising Fuel Prices Are Impacting Automotive Recruitment In The UK.
What is the progression from Commercial Sales Executive? Common progression routes include Senior Commercial Sales Executive, Fleet Manager, Commercial Sales Manager, General Sales Manager and Dealer Principal. For senior retained commercial vehicle appointments, visit Venatu Executive. Read about broader sector evolution in The Evolution Of Automobiles.
Register or Enquire
Candidates - Register your CV with your sales background, commercial vehicle or fleet experience and territory preferences. Venatu will match you to current Commercial Sales Executive vacancies including roles not publicly advertised. Browse live vacancies or create a job alert.
Employers - Submit a vacancy or visit the client hub to discuss your commercial vehicle sales requirements. Our team will respond within one working day.