Salaries and costs
Bath sales salaries vary with product complexity and territory size. Entry-level Sales Executives tend to sit around £24,000-£30,000 base, with commission on top. Account Managers often land between £30,000 and £45,000, with OTE ranging from £45,000 to £70,000. Sales Managers in the city and across nearby Bristol commonly earn a base of £40,000 to £60,000 with a higher OTE. Telesales and inside sales temps often book at £12 to £16 per hour, while day rates for experienced BDM contractors can range from £250 to £400. Recruitment fees in Bath usually range from 15% to 25% of the basic salary, and agency costs for temp assignments reflect the pay rate, holiday pay, and the agency’s margin. Clear commission plans, realistic KPIs, and transparent banding help retention.
Qualifications
Most sales hires are judged on track record, but certain badges can help. SaaS and tech vendors like demonstrable CRM fluency in Salesforce or HubSpot. FMCG and retail suppliers value strong category or wholesaler knowledge, with Excel reporting skills. Regulated sectors may ask for DBS checks for client-facing roles. Recruiters will want evidence of pipeline hygiene, territory planning, and objection handling. A full UK driving licence remains standard for field roles.
Local hiring challenges
Bath has a compact labour market with strong demand for client-facing staff. Many candidates commute to Bristol for higher base pay, which can tighten the local supply. Housing costs and limited parking near Bath city centre shape expectations on hybrid patterns. Recruiters often advise clear travel policies, realistic patch design, and swift interview cycles to avoid drop off.
Key sectors and employers in the region
Sales recruitment agencies in Bath work with software vendors, professional services firms, engineering suppliers, healthcare product companies, and premium consumer brands. The city links into Bath Quays, the Temple Quarter in Bristol, and the wider M4 corridor. Tourism and hospitality fuel seasonal demand for event-driven sales and reservations teams. The universities and creative businesses contribute to account growth in media and digital services. Business parks around BA1-BA3, and rail links via Bath Spa station, provide access to a wider workforce.
Roles and career paths
Recruitment consultants can help local employers hire Sales Executives, SDRs, Account Managers, Business Development Managers, Sales Operations staff, and Sales Managers. Candidates can move from SDR to AE within 12 to 24 months with clear targets. Account Managers step into Key Account roles by taking on national retailers or strategic clients. Strong numbers and coaching skills open the door to Team Lead and Sales Manager roles.
Hard-to-fill positions
Enterprise Account Executives with consultative SaaS experience often sit in short supply. Technical sales for engineering, HVAC, and scientific instruments can be slow to fill without sector networks. Channel Managers with distributor relationships across the South West are another pinch point. Executive search teams can help where discretion is needed, with mapped shortlists and passive outreach.
Regional or geographic variations
Bath roles lean toward relationship-led selling across Somerset and Wiltshire. Bristol offers a larger tech sales pool, which affects salary bands in Bath. Roles covering the M4 and M5 often require two or three days on the road, with home working on admin days. Parking provision near clients and access to the A46, A36, and M4 junctions can influence candidate acceptance.
Seasonal trends or themes
Q1 is busy for SaaS renewals and new logos, which drives SDR and AE hiring. FMCG and gifting ramp up before summer events and the peak Christmas period. Hospitality and attractions sales lift in spring and early summer, matching tourist flow into the city. Planning interviews around half-term and graduation weeks can help reduce scheduling delays.
Market snapshots
The Bath job market rewards clear EVP messages for sales hires. Candidates want credible commission plans, honest territory maps, and tools that help them hit their target. Employers who share ramp timelines, onboarding plans, and coaching structures see stronger acceptance rates. Recruiters report that fast feedback and two-stage processes reduce drop-out and improve retention.
Quick facts and frequently asked questions
What is the going rate for a Sales Executive in Bath?
Many permanent roles pay a base of £24,000 to £30,000, with commission on top.
How do recruitment fees work for sales roles?
Most agencies quote 15% to 25% of base salary, with rebate periods tied to start dates.
Can temp agencies supply telesales staff at short notice?
Yes. Many recruitment agencies can place inside sales temps within a few days, subject to checks.
Do candidates prefer hybrid working in Bath?
Yes. Hybrid patterns with two or three office days suit commuter links and parking constraints.
How do I hire staff quickly for a product launch?
Share the territory, KPIs, pay rates, and interview slots upfront. Register with an agency that knows your sector.
Do sales recruitment agencies in Bath also cover Bristol?
Many do. Shared commuter links and overlapping client bases make dual coverage common.
Should job seekers register with more than one recruiter?
Register with an agency you trust, then agree on a plan. Too many applications can confuse the process.