At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales growth and build strong relationships with builders' merchants across Northern Ireland.
- Company: Join a dynamic and ambitious company in the construction sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, company vehicle, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing business while developing your sales career.
- Qualifications: 3+ years B2B sales experience, preferably in builders' merchants or construction.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for a Merchant External Sales Representative to cover Northern Ireland, reporting directly to the Branch Operations Director. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, commercially driven sales professional to play a key role in driving profitable growth across the builders' merchant channel. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and growing existing merchant relationships, securing new listings, and protecting margin through disciplined commercial management.
Role Overview
The Merchant External Sales Representative will be accountable for delivering revenue, margin, and distribution growth across a defined territory. The role requires strong territory planning, influential relationship management, and the ability to engage effectively with branch managers, buyers, counter sales teams, and regional stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities include:
- Managing and growing a defined portfolio of builders' merchant accounts, including key accounts across Northern Ireland
- Conducting regular branch visits in line with agreed call cycles
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with branch managers, buyers, counter sales teams, and regional directors
- Identifying upsell and cross-sell opportunities across the full product range
- Delivering joint business plans with key accounts
- Identifying and securing new merchant listings
- Supporting new branch openings, product launches, and promotional initiatives
- Achieving agreed revenue, margin, volume, and distribution targets
- Maintaining pricing discipline and protecting margin
- Delivering product training and supporting promotional activity within branches
- Monitoring competitor activity, pricing, and market trends
- Maintaining accurate CRM records and reporting on activity and pipeline performance
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Revenue growth versus target
- Gross margin performance
- Distribution gains (new branches and new product lines)
- Call coverage versus plan
- Pipeline value and conversion rate
Required Experience & Skills:
- Proven external B2B sales experience (minimum 3 years preferred)
- Experience managing key accounts within builders' merchants or the construction sector
- Timber knowledge or experience (preferred)
- Strong commercial negotiation skills
- Ability to effectively manage a geographically dispersed territory
- Comfortable working to structured KPIs and performance targets
- Strong relationship-building skills with a data-driven, results-focused mindset
- Confident presenter with high levels of resilience, organisation, and self-motivation
Package & Benefits:
- Competitive basic salary
- Performance-based bonus scheme
- Company vehicle or car allowance
- Pension scheme
- Private healthcare
- Business expenses fully covered
- Access to the company Healthcare plan following probation
If you are a commercially focused sales professional looking to develop your career within a growing and ambitious business, we would welcome your application. To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process, click the Apply button below to Login/Register.
Merchant External Sales Representative in Newry employer: Haldane Fisher Ltd
Contact Detail:
Haldane Fisher Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Merchant External Sales Representative in Newry
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their products, values, and recent news. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building connections can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common sales scenarios. Think about how you would handle objections or close a deal. Being ready to showcase your skills will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Merchant External Sales Representative in Newry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Merchant External Sales Representative role. Highlight your B2B sales experience and any specific achievements in managing key accounts within builders' merchants or the construction sector.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for sales, your understanding of the builders' merchant channel, and how you plan to drive profitable growth.
Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to build strong relationships with branch managers and buyers. We want to see examples of how you've successfully managed and grown client relationships in the past.
Follow the Application Process: Don't forget to apply through our website! Click the Apply button and complete the application process as instructed. This ensures your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Haldane Fisher Ltd
✨Know Your Territory Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research Northern Ireland's builders' merchant landscape. Understand the key players, market trends, and potential opportunities. This will show your interviewer that you're proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and grown relationships in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used to engage with branch managers and buyers, as this is crucial for the Merchant External Sales Representative role.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Brush up on your commercial negotiation skills and be prepared to discuss how you've protected margins and achieved revenue targets in the past. Use concrete numbers and results to back up your claims, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like securing new listings or managing a difficult client. Think through your approach and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly, showing your problem-solving abilities.