Salaries and Costs
Epsom sits in Surrey, so sales salaries reflect commuter demand and proximity to London. Typical base pay for Sales Executives ranges from £25,000 to £35,000, with OTE of £45,000 to £60,000. Business Development Managers often land £35,000 to £55,000 with structured commission plans. Account Managers in tech, healthcare, or professional services see £30,000 to £45,000 depending on portfolio size and renewals. SDR and Inside Sales roles trend at £24,000 to £32,000 plus bonuses tied to meetings and pipeline. Temp agencies quote hourly rates ranging from £12 to £20 for entry-level to mid-level support, and day rates increase for senior interim roles. Recruitment fees for permanent hires typically range from 15% to 25% of base salary, with higher fees for scarce senior talent. Agency costs for temps include pay rates, holiday pay, and the agency margin, so local businesses should ask for a full breakdown before signing off.
Qualifications
Most sales hires succeed based on measurable outcomes, yet many employers still look for A-levels or a degree in business or marketing. SaaS and tech vendors value CRM fluency in Salesforce or HubSpot, plus strong pipeline reporting. Regulated sectors such as financial services may request FCA awareness and clean compliance records. For roles that involve site visits or car allowances, a full UK driving licence is commonly required. Presentation skills and confident writing remain core for proposal work and bid support.
Roles and Career Paths
Epsom agencies cover SDR, Telesales, Sales Executive, Account Manager, BDM, Channel Manager, and Head of Sales. Entry roles focus on lead generation, appointment setting, and qualification. Mid-level paths move into territory ownership, account growth, and renewals. Senior paths lead to Sales Leadership, Revenue Operations, and Commercial Director posts. Contract work is common for project launches, new product trials, and maternity covers.
Local Hiring Challenges
Local employers compete with London for experienced closers, so counteroffers and higher OTEs are common. The labour market is tight for SaaS and medical sales roles, which raises recruitment costs and lengthens time-to-hire. Retention hinges on clear commission structures and realistic territories. Many candidates will weigh hybrid policies and commute times before accepting an offer.
Regional or Geographic Variations
Epsom and Ewell draw talent from Stoneleigh, Ewell West, and Ashtead. The A24 and the M25 at Junction 9 give quick links to Leatherhead and Reigate. Epsom Station serves routes into London for sales meetings, which helps agencies place candidates who prefer two or three office days. The Longmead Industrial Estate and Kiln Lane Retail Park host employers that need outbound and counter sales staff. Proximity to Surrey Research Park and clusters in Guildford shapes demand for tech and scientific sales experience.
Key Sectors and Employers In The Area
Healthcare suppliers, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostics need Account Managers for NHS trusts and private clinics across Surrey. Software vendors hire SDRs and BDMs to cover Southeast territories. Construction merchants and building products firms recruit Counter Sales and Territory Managers. Professional services in legal, insurance, and accountancy seek consultative sellers who can nurture repeat business. Retail showrooms and automotive groups seek candidates with weekend availability and strong upsell skills.
Entry Requirements
For junior roles, agencies welcome job seekers with call centre, retail upselling, or customer service experience. Confident phone manner, objection handling, and CRM note-taking will outscore a thin CV. Strong GCSE English and maths help with quoting and margin checks. A clean driving licence supports field sales progression.
Temporary, Permanent, and Contract Work
Temp assignments cover peak seasons, product launches, exhibitions at venues across Surrey, and holiday cover. Permanent hiring dominates for Account Managers and BDMs, where continuity drives renewals. Contract roles appear during CRM migrations, territory realignments, and early-stage market testing.
Hard To Fill Positions
Technical Account Managers who can discuss APIs, integrations, and cybersecurity controls are in short supply. Medical Device Sales with theatre exposure and procurement know-how is scarce. Channel Managers with distributor networks across the South East are requested by demand but limited in supply.
Market and Trend Snapshots
Hybrid working has reshaped candidate priorities, so ads that state office rhythm and travel zones attract stronger shortlists. Employers that publish clear commission accelerators and cap policies reduce dropouts after offer. Data-led sellers who track conversion rates and average deal values in the CRM tend to progress faster and command higher pay.
Quick Facts and Frequently Asked Questions
What recruitment fees should we budget for permanent sales hires in Epsom?
Many agencies quote 15% to 25% of base salary, with higher brackets for niche or senior roles.
What pay rates apply for temporary sales staff?
Expect £12 to £20 per hour for entry to mid-level, with higher rates for senior interim roles or technical specialisms.
Do Epsom agencies handle executive search for sales leadership?
Yes, several recruiters run executive search campaigns for Head of Sales and Commercial Director posts, often on retained terms.
Can jobseekers register with more than one agency?
Yes, candidates often register with a few recruitment consultants, but they should keep their profiles and availability up to date.
Which commuter links help with territory coverage?
Epsom Station links into London, and the A24 plus the M25 at Junction 9 support regional travel across Surrey and the South East.
How can local businesses improve retention in sales teams?
Set transparent commission plans, give fair territories, and invest in onboarding and coaching that embeds CRM best practices.