At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales and business development for innovative lifting solutions in the HVAC industry.
- Company: Fast-growing UK manufacturer focused on making installers' lives easier and safer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, pension, and all necessary tools provided.
- Other info: Regular exposure to trade shows and senior decision-makers with clear career progression.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and make a real impact in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in any discipline; strong communication skills and motivation to learn.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
About the company
Our client is a small but fast-growing UK manufacturer focused on making the lives of HVAC, heat pump and renewable installers safer, easier and more efficient. Their flagship lifting solution is a compact, patented product that enables solo installers and small teams to manoeuvre heavy heat pumps and HVAC units safely across rough and uneven sites, significantly reducing manual handling risk. Europe alone intends to install over 500,000 heat pumps in the near term. Since launching in 2024, the product has sold strongly, been adopted by major manufacturers and distributors, and is now being rolled out into European markets, creating real global sales potential for the right graduate coming into the business.
The opportunity
This is a Graduate Trainee Sales & Business Development role offering hands-on experience across the full sales cycle in a small, entrepreneurial environment. You will work closely with the founders and senior sales team to drive adoption of the company's patented lifting and moving solutions among installers, distributors and OEM partners in the UK and, over time, overseas markets. You will receive structured training through Velocity Sales Labs, our sales training partner - Velocity Sales Labs will assign you your very own coach and trainer whose job will be to supervise your induction and provide sales training and performance coaching during the first 6 months to ensure that you get off to a good start. You will report directly to the head of sales. The position is largely home/field based; however, easy access to Aldershot is preferred. You can expect regular exposure to customers at trade shows, installer events and industry exhibitions, with a clear path to progressing into an autonomous Sales or Business Development role over 18-24 months.
Key responsibilities
- Build a deep understanding of the patented lifting and handling product range and the problems it solves for installers and manufacturers.
- Research and qualify new installers, merchants, distributors and OEM partners in the UK and overseas; support inbound lead follow-up.
- Support outbound business development via email, LinkedIn and phone to secure demos, trials and distributor conversations.
- Help prepare and deliver presentations, product demonstrations and toolbox talks (online and on-site).
- Attend UK and international trade shows, installer exhibitions and industry events on a regular basis to showcase the product, support the stand and gather market intelligence.
- Keep the CRM up to date and help move opportunities through the pipeline from first contact to close.
Candidate profile
- Degree (any discipline); engineering, construction or business-related studies are an advantage but not essential.
- Strong communication skills and confidence speaking with hands-on, practical customers.
- Down to earth - could you happily relate to a group of construction workers on a work site? Or to the Operations Director of a large installer?
- Motivated by targets, commercially aware, keen to learn and excited by the chance to help scale a patented product with international growth potential.
- Well organised, proactive and comfortable in a small, growing business where you can make a visible impact.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly to customers, trade shows and events (including some overnight stays).
- Additional languages (especially European languages) are a strong plus, supporting future expansion into continental markets.
Offer
Competitive graduate salary plus performance-related bonus. Pension and standard benefits. All tools required for the role (laptop, phone, CRM access, etc.). Significant exposure to senior decision-makers, international markets and regular attendance at major industry trade fairs and events.
Location
The company is based in Aldershot, with a mix of office, field and home-based working.
Graduate Trainee - Sales & Business Development in Aldershot employer: ETS Technical
Join a dynamic and innovative UK manufacturer that is revolutionising the HVAC industry with its patented lifting solutions. As a Graduate Trainee in Sales & Business Development, you will benefit from structured training, direct mentorship from experienced leaders, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact in a fast-growing company. With a supportive work culture that values hands-on experience and personal growth, this role offers a clear pathway to career advancement while engaging with exciting international markets.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Trainee - Sales & Business Development in Aldershot
✨Get the Inside Scoop
Tap into your uni's career services – they often have connections with local businesses looking for trainees in sales and business development. Attend any relevant workshops or seminars; you might just bump into your future boss from ETS Technical!
✨Network, Network, Network!
Join sales and business development groups on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. Don’t just lurk, engage! Comment on posts, ask questions, and build relationships with others in the industry – it’s a goldmine for opportunities that might not be listed on job boards.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a personal website or a simple LinkedIn portfolio where you can showcase any sales-related projects or experiences. Include case studies from your coursework, part-time jobs, or even mock sales pitches to make yourself stand out when you apply to ETS Technical.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for local career fairs or networking events specifically aimed at the sales and business development sector. These are perfect for making direct connections; you can show your enthusiasm face-to-face. Plus, you never know – you might meet someone hiring at ETS Technical!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Trainee - Sales & Business Development in Aldershot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Communication Skills:In sales and business development, communication is key. Make sure your CV or cover letter highlights your ability to engage and persuade—think about experiences where you've successfully connected with others, whether it was in school projects or previous roles. We want to see how you can effectively convey your ideas!
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sales:When applying for a trainee role, it’s important to show your enthusiasm for the field. Share any relevant coursework, workshops, or experiences that sparked your interest in sales. We love to see candidates who are keen to learn and grow, so don’t hold back on expressing your passion for the industry!
Tailor Your Application for ETS Technical:Each company has its own style and values. Take some time to research ETS Technical and tweak your CV and cover letter accordingly. Mention aspects of their business that resonate with you, and highlight how your goals align with theirs. It shows you’ve done your homework and genuinely want to be part of their team!
Keep It Concise and Engaging:As a trainee, we know you’re just starting out, so keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and lengthy paragraphs; instead, opt for bullet points or short sentences that get your message across quickly. A well-structured application helps us capture your potential without getting lost in the details!
How to prepare for a job interview at ETS Technical
✨Know Your Sales Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of basic sales concepts and methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you would approach a sales pitch or identify customer needs. They might ask you to role-play a sales scenario, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly.
✨Show Your Drive with Examples
As a trainee, showcasing your enthusiasm is key! Share examples from your experiences, whether in school projects or part-time jobs, where you've demonstrated initiative, teamwork, or a passion for sales. This will help the interviewer see your motivation beyond just skills.
✨Be Prepared for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions focused on your behaviour in past situations. Prepare stories that highlight your problem-solving abilities or how you dealt with challenges. The STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method can help you structure your answers effectively.
✨Research Current Trends in Sales
Stay updated on the latest trends in sales and digital marketing. Having knowledge about current tools or software used in the industry, like CRM systems or lead generation tactics, might impress the interviewers at ETS Technical and show your commitment to learning the trade.
