Join Our Family Business – Sales & Warehouse Assistant
D Zambelis Ltd is an established, family-run business based in South Woodham Ferrers, Essex. We specialise in supplying professional tools, equipment and consumables to the stone industry throughout the UK for over 30 years.
We are looking for a friendly, reliable and enthusiastic person to join our small team in a varied role combining office administration, customer service, sales support and warehouse duties.
This is not a traditional warehouse position or a desk-only office job. You will spend approximately half your time working in the office and half in the warehouse, often moving between the two throughout the day.
We are particularly interested in someone who is confident using computers, comfortable speaking with customers on the telephone, well organised and willing to learn. Previous warehouse experience is not essential, as we can teach you our products and warehouse procedures.
As a family business, we offer a friendly and informal working environment where everyone helps one another. We take pride in our customer relationships and the service we provide, and we are looking for someone who wants to become a valued member of our team.
If you enjoy variety, take initiative and like being part of a busy, hands-on business, we would love to hear from you.
Your Day-to-Day Responsibilities
This is a varied position combining approximately 50% office duties and 50% warehouse work. You will regularly move between the two areas throughout the working day, depending on customer requirements and the needs of the business.
Office, Sales and Customer Service
Answer incoming telephone calls, assist customers and take accurate messages.
Process customer orders received by telephone, email and WhatsApp.
Use QuickBooks to enter orders, prepare estimates and invoices, and maintain accurate customer records.
Respond to customer emails and assist with general enquiries.
Prepare payment links and follow up on customer orders.
Track deliveries and communicate with customers and courier companies.
Welcome customers visiting our premises.
Gradually develop product knowledge to assist customers with sales enquiries and recommendations.
Assist with general office administration and support other team members.
Warehouse and Dispatch
Receive deliveries from suppliers and courier companies.
Check incoming goods against delivery paperwork, ensuring quantities and products are correct.
Label, organise and put stock away in the correct warehouse locations.
Pick customer orders accurately and check products before dispatch.
Pack a wide variety of tools, equipment and consumables, including fragile and awkwardly shaped products.
Prepare courier labels and organise parcels for collection.
Replenish shelves, assist with stocktaking and maintain an organised warehouse.
Handle boxes and products safely, including items weighing up to 25 kg, using appropriate handling methods and equipment.
As a small team, we all help wherever needed. You should be comfortable changing between tasks, responding to interruptions and taking the initiative when you have completed your work.
Who We Are
Looking For
We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, reliable, organised and willing to become a valued member of our family business.
Essential Skills and Qualities
Good computer skills and confidence using everyday office software.
Good written and spoken English, with a professional and friendly telephone manner.
Previous experience in office administration, customer service or a similar role.
Ability to multitask, prioritise work and remain organised in a busy environment.
Good attention to detail and a responsible approach to work.
Willingness to undertake both office and practical warehouse duties.
Ability to work independently once tasks and procedures have been explained.
Initiative to identify what needs doing rather than always waiting for instructions.
A positive attitude towards learning new products, systems and procedures.
Willingness to support colleagues and work as part of a small team.
Ability to carry out the practical requirements of the position safely, with reasonable adjustments where appropriate.
Previous warehouse experience is not essential. We are particularly interested in applicants who already have good computer, administration and communication skills and are happy to learn the warehouse side of the business.
Experience using QuickBooks would be helpful but is not required.
We provide practical, hands-on guidance while working. The successful candidate should be comfortable learning through demonstrations, asking questions, taking notes and gradually becoming confident in their responsibilities.
You should also be comfortable working in an office where our two friendly family dogs, a Pomeranian and a Golden Retriever, are present every day.
Pick customer orders accurately and check products before dispatch.
Pack a wide variety of tools, equipment and consumables, including fragile and awkwardly shaped products.
Prepare courier labels and organise parcels for collection.
Replenish shelves, assist with stocktaking and maintain an organised warehouse.
Handle boxes and products safely, including items weighing up to 25 kg, using appropriate handling methods and equipment.
As a small team, we all help wherever needed. You should be comfortable changing between tasks, responding to interruptions and taking the initiative when you have completed your work.
What We Offer
Starting salary of £29,000 per annum.
Initial salary review after six months.
Annual salary reviews and opportunities for salary progression based on performance and development.
Discretionary end-of-year bonus, dependent on company and individual performance.
28 days' annual leave, including bank holidays and company closures.
Monday to Friday working, with no weekend shifts.
Free on-site parking.
A friendly, informal, family-run working environment.
Practical, hands-on training and ongoing support from experienced team members.
Opportunities to learn new skills and develop within the company.
Opportunities for Learning and Career Development
For employees who demonstrate ability, commitment and an interest in developing their skills, there may be opportunities to gain experience in other areas of our business.
These include specialist software used within the stone industry, potential technical and software engineering development, international trade, customs procedures, imports and exports, and more advanced sales and customer account responsibilities.
We believe in recognising employees who take an interest in the business and want to grow with us.
Working Hours and Location
Monday to Friday, 8:15 am to 5:15 pm, with a 30-minute lunch break.
This is a full-time, permanent, on-site position.
D Zambelis Ltd
42–44 Cutlers Road
South Woodham Ferrers
Essex CM3 5XJ
Our Recruitment Process
We want to make sure that the position is right for both the successful applicant and our company.
Our recruitment process consists of:
An initial WhatsApp video interview lasting approximately 10 minutes.
A face-to-face interview at our premises.
For suitable candidates, an invitation to attend a short practical taster session.
Following the face-to-face interview, shortlisted candidates will receive a detailed Candidate Information Pack explaining our working environment, responsibilities and expectations.
We welcome applications from people who enjoy working with others, take pride in their work and are looking for a long-term opportunity within a family business.
