Architectural and Design Sales Executive - Architectural Stone & Hard Surface in London

The In Opera Group specialises in natural stone, porcelain and man-made derivatives, such as agglomerates and terrazzo, manufactured by a group of factories in Italy, Portugal and the Balkans. They offer design, specification and aftercare services with installation undertaken through a network of specialised contractors. Their primary customers are design professionals engaged on commercial and public space construction projects, centred on the large A&D community in London with projects being located both in the UK and across Europe.

They are looking for someone to join their sales team who is fluent in English, both numerate and articulate, with excellent written and spoken communication skills. This position will ideally suit someone having a technical or design background who has already taken the leap into a sales role and chosen that as their career direction. In Opera are offering the chance to work in a business with an enviable reputation for supporting specifiers and trade customers with expertise and integrity.

The Role

Working with highly experienced team members, this is an exciting growth opportunity for an energetic and committed individual. You will be quickly expected to assume the responsibility of developing solid relationships and trust with a portfolio of existing design clients as well as identified prospects supported by a professional back office team. You will be based in their London Studio in the heart of the Clerkenwell Design District, with customer interactions largely taking place offsite at the customers' premises, jobsites and events. When you have secured a specification, you will be closely involved in the commercial activity required to effect a profitable sale resulting from your inputs.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain relationships with architects, designers, and other key decision-makers in the A&D industry.
• Provide technical support, training, and guidance to professional clients on our products and services, securing written specifications on suitable projects.
• Conduct product presentations and training sessions for clients, ensuring they have a clear understanding of In Opera products’ features, benefits, and technical specifications.
• Support promotional activity aimed at increasing brand awareness, customer loyalty and business security.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities within your client portfolio and in the wider landscape.
• Closely monitor specifications as they transition in the contract channel, maximizing profitable sales outcomes through installers and other partners.
• Attend trade shows, events, and conferences to promote the In Opera brand and build relationships with potential and existing clients.
• Maintain full details of activity on the company’s CRM and other systems, communicating effectively verbally and in writing both internally and externally.

Required Personal Attributes

• High level of personal energy.
• Highly motivated self-starter who embraces responsibility and accountability.
• An accomplished negotiator with a track record of closing profitable orders originating from an architectural specification.
• The confidence and ability to both initiate and participate in face-to-face and remote interactions.
• The presence to lead group presentations.
• Willingness to learn and an ability to retain and understand detailed and technical information.
• Professional image, commensurate with the role.
• Ability to operate in transactional and consultative selling modes.
• The flexibility to work outside normal hours when the role demands that.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a technical or design discipline.
• Minimum 4 years commercial experience, with at least 2 years in an A&D sales environment with technical products.
• Background understanding of the construction industry.
• Preferably some knowledge of the Architectural Stone or Ceramics sectors.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• A second language, particularly Italian, would be a distinct advantage.
• Computer literate – either MS or Google Office Suite plus basic ability in design software.
• Full UK ‘Right to Work’ entitlement required.

This is a central London role, and requires the applicant to be residing close to the London Underground network. A competitive base salary is on offer, combined with a significant performance‑related individual bonus scheme providing an excellent OTE package plus additional rewards for over achievement, and the usual benefits. This is an outstanding career development opportunity for an experienced sales professional with a passion for architecture and design to join a company at the beginning of its next growth phase.