At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage customer accounts and develop relationships while learning about manufacturing processes.
- Company: Join Goodfish Group, a growing UK precision plastics manufacturer with a focus on quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, access to senior leadership, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with direct exposure to decision-making and growth potential.
- Why this job: Dive into a real commercial role and make an impact from day one.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and a knack for spotting commercial opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 34000 € per year.
Location: Cannock (Staffordshire) or Worcester — occasional travel to Group sites required
Salary: £32,000–£34,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full-time
About Goodfish Group
Goodfish Group is a UK precision plastics manufacturing group operating across four specialist sites in the Midlands and North Wales. We produce injection moulded and extruded polymer components for customers across medical, industrial, consumer, and infrastructure sectors. Annual Group revenue exceeds £27m and we are growing. We are privately owned, commercially direct, and run by people who take quality seriously.
This is not a graduate scheme with a cohort, a buddy system, and a three-year rotation. It is a real commercial role, in a real business, from day one.
The Role
We are looking for a technically credible, commercially driven graduate to join our sales function in a customer-facing capacity. The initial focus is account management: understanding our existing customer base, learning our manufacturing processes and capabilities, and becoming the first point of commercial contact for a defined set of accounts. Over time and as performance justifies it, the role will develop to include new business development, working to bring new customers and programmes into the Group. You will work closely with the Chief Executive and the wider commercial team. You will be expected to understand what we make, how we make it, and why that matters to customers.
What You Will Do
- Manage and develop relationships with an assigned portfolio of existing customer accounts
- Understand customer requirements, programmes, and supply chain dynamics
- Work with our operations teams to resolve queries, manage lead times, and ensure commercial terms are met
- Maintain accurate records of account activity, pricing, and forecasts
- Identify opportunities for volume growth or new programmes within existing accounts
- Support the preparation of quotations and pricing submissions
- Develop a working understanding of injection moulding, extrusion, and polymer materials — we will train you, but you need to want to learn
- In time: identify and pursue new customer opportunities within target sectors
What We Are Looking For
Essential
- A degree in engineering (any discipline: mechanical, manufacturing, materials, polymer, chemical, or similar)
- Evidence of commercial acumen: we are not looking for a sales track record, and no prior commercial employment is necessary. What we are looking for is instinct: someone who has bought and sold something to make a margin, organised something to turn a profit, spotted an opportunity others missed, or simply demonstrated that they think about value, cost, and return in whatever they do. That can come from sport, a hobby, university life, a side project, or anywhere else, we are interested in the evidence, not the setting
- Strong written and verbal communication, you will be writing to customers and presenting internally from early on
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to customer sites and Group locations
- Organised, self-starting, and comfortable dealing with ambiguity
Desirable
- An understanding of plastic processing, polymer materials, or manufacturing more broadly
- Any experience in a customer-facing or B2B environment, however junior
- Evidence of having competed academically, professionally, or otherwise
What We Offer
- A starting salary of £32,000–£34,000.
- Access to Group pool vehicles for customer visits — no need to use your own vehicle
- Direct access to senior leadership and genuine exposure to commercial decision-making from the outset
- A business where your contribution is visible and matters — not a large corporate where you spend two years on a rotation
- Long-term progression in commercial management for the right person, with pay reflecting it
How to Apply
Apply with a CV and a covering note of no more than one page explaining why a sales career in precision manufacturing appeals to you, and what in your background — from any part of your life — demonstrates the commercial instinct to succeed in it. Applications without a covering note will not be considered.
Graduate Sales Trainee in Cannock employer: Goodfish Group
Goodfish Group is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and hands-on experience for graduates in the precision plastics manufacturing sector. With a starting salary of £32,000–£34,000, employees benefit from direct access to senior leadership, opportunities for long-term progression in commercial management, and a work culture that values individual contributions and fosters personal growth. Located in Cannock or Worcester, this role provides a unique chance to engage with diverse customer accounts while developing technical knowledge in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Sales Trainee in Cannock
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Goodfish Group, their products, and their market. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to their success during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about your past experiences that showcase your commercial acumen and problem-solving skills. Practice articulating these stories clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at Goodfish Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Sales Trainee in Cannock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Covering Note:Your covering note is your chance to shine! Keep it to one page and make sure you explain why a sales career in precision manufacturing excites you. Share specific examples from your life that show off your commercial instinct – we want to see your personality and passion!
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send out the same CV for every application. Tailor it to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the role. We’re looking for evidence of your commercial acumen, so make sure that stands out!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Strong written communication is key for this role. Make sure your application is clear, concise, and free of typos. We want to see that you can communicate effectively, as you'll be writing to customers and presenting internally from day one.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Goodfish Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of injection moulding and polymer materials. Familiarise yourself with Goodfish Group's products and their applications in various sectors. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Your Commercial Instinct
Prepare examples from your life that demonstrate your commercial acumen. Whether it's a side project, a hobby, or even a sports team, think about times you've spotted opportunities or made decisions that led to a positive outcome. This is what they’re really looking for!
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since strong written and verbal communication is key, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might want to rehearse how you would explain complex concepts simply, as you'll need to communicate effectively with customers and colleagues alike.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Motivation
In your covering note and during the interview, be prepared to explain why a sales career in precision manufacturing excites you. Reflect on what aspects of the role appeal to you and how your background aligns with the company's goals. Authenticity goes a long way!
