At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve customers, build relationships, and manage stock in a dynamic sales environment.
- Company: Join the Howarth Timber Group, a leading timber and builders merchant with 185 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 31 days holiday, and a range of valuable colleague benefits.
- Why this job: Kickstart your sales career in a supportive team and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Customer service skills, sales experience, and a flexible attitude are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 28000 £ per year.
Location: Bury St Edmunds
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Closing Date: 14/08/2026
Join our Internal Sales team at Bury St Edmunds! Ready to take your sales career to the next level? We’re looking for an enthusiastic and customer‑focused individual to join our Bury St Edmunds branch and play a vital role in its continued success. If you enjoy building lasting relationships, identifying new opportunities, and delivering excellent service, this is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a busy and supportive team within a leading timber and builders merchant.
Putting people at the heart of what we do. With more than 185 years’ trading experience, the Howarth Timber Group has grown to provide not only the widest range of products, but expertise, service and knowledge you can rely on. With a nationwide network of branches supplying timber and building materials, kitchens and a dedicated manufacturing division supplying timber engineering services, the Howarth Timber Group is focused on providing market leading choice, quality, service and value. Built on a passion for service and people, we strive to set the highest standards in the quality of our products, in the continuity of supply and in every aspect of customer service and support. Quality products and processes are what drive our passion, but people are central to everything we do and it’s thanks to our loyal workforce that we’ve built a strong and successful business. Howarth Timber Group is proud to have been officially recognised in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026!
Responsibilities
- Serving customers both over the phone and face to face on the sales counter, building relationships, repeat business and add‑on sales
- Handle incoming telephone calls/emails and deal with a wide range of customer enquiries
- Working closely and effectively with colleagues as part of the overall Branch sales team with enquiries and order processing
- Maintain accurate stock management
- Maintain core stock levels and manage out obsolete stock
- Maintaining a well‑stocked, clean, tidy and safe working environment, adhering to the Company’s health and safety policy and procedure at all times
Qualifications
- Excellent customer service skills and experience; knowing what great service feels like to our customers is really important to us
- Strong telephone experience and excellent face‑to‑face communication skills
- Previous sales experience with a commercially‑driven attitude
- Product knowledge relevant to our industry sector would be preferable, although full training can be given to the right applicant
- A high level of accuracy and attention to detail
- A flexible attitude
- Availability to work full time, Monday to Friday inclusive, plus alternate Saturday mornings (0800‑1200)
Benefits
- We are a family‑owned company, with a desire to provide colleague benefits that are truly valuable. Benefits include but are not limited to:
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience
- 31 days’ holiday, inclusive of Statutory Bank Holidays
- Opportunity to buy up to an additional 5 days’ annual leave or sell up to 3 days’ annual leave
- Length of service awards
- Colleague referral bonus scheme — if you refer someone for an HGV Driver role and they successfully complete their probationary period, you’ll receive a £500 bonus. T&Cs apply.
- Cycle to work scheme
- Contributory pension scheme
- Death in service benefit
- Company sick pay
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Online Benefits Hub (inc discounts on gift cards, travel, cinema tickets, to name a few)
- Employee Assistance Programme, (24/7 helpline, counselling sessions, legal, debt and life management advice line)
- Generous colleague Merchant Branch discount
- Opportunity to participate in a volunteering role for one working day per year – fully paid by the Company
- Excellent training and development opportunities
BURY ST EDMUNDS: Internal Sales Assistant employer: Howarth Timber Group
At Howarth Timber Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment for our Yard Operative team. With competitive pay, generous holiday allowances, and a strong focus on employee development, we ensure that our staff have the opportunity to grow and thrive in their careers. Our commitment to quality service and teamwork, combined with unique benefits like a cycle to work scheme and a volunteering day, makes us a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land BURY ST EDMUNDS: Internal Sales Assistant
✨Leverage Your Network
In sales and business development, who you know can often be as important as what you know. Get involved with local networking events or industry meetups to connect with key players. Don't be shy—share your passion for the field and let folks know you're on the lookout for opportunities!
✨Show Your Skills Through Real-World Results
When targeting a full-time role like BURY ST EDMUNDS: Internal Sales Assistant at Howarth Timber Group, presenting tangible results from your previous sales experience can set you apart. Bring along case studies or examples of how you've closed deals or expanded accounts, and don't forget to showcase your problem-solving prowess. It’s all about quantifying your success!
✨Engage with Sales Communities
Dive deep into online sales communities, like Sales Hacker or LinkedIn groups dedicated to sales professionals. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can boost your visibility and might just put you on the radar of hiring managers looking for fresh talent in business development.
✨Direct Applications Matter
While we all know the online application route, consider sending direct applications to companies you admire, including Howarth Timber Group. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a BURY ST EDMUNDS: Internal Sales Assistant. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace BURY ST EDMUNDS: Internal Sales Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Those Sales Skills:In your CV and cover letter, highlight any previous sales or business development experience you have. Use numbers and examples to showcase your achievements – did you exceed sales targets or bring in new clients? Make those accomplishments shine!
Tailor Your Message for Howarth Timber Group:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Howarth Timber Group. Show that you know the company’s mission and how your skills align with their goals in the sales landscape. This personalised touch will grab their attention!
Keep It Professional Yet Engaging:Sales is all about relationships, so while you want to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Engage the reader and demonstrate your enthusiastic approach to sales and business development!
Proof of Performance:Include any relevant certifications or training you’ve undertaken in sales or negotiation tactics. If you’ve attended workshops or courses, list these to showcase your commitment to professional development. This extra touch can set you apart from the competition!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howarth Timber Group
✨Know Your Sales Methodologies
Brush up on popular sales methodologies like SPIN Selling or Challenger Sales. Being able to discuss these techniques and how you've applied them will show Howarth Timber Group that you understand the role and can hit the ground running in the sales game.
✨Demonstrate Your Deal-Making Skills
Prepare to share stories from your past experiences where you closed deals, overcame objections, or started new client relationships. We want to show Howarth Timber Group that you’re not just about numbers but also about building lasting connections in business development.
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
In a full-time sales interview, don’t be surprised if they throw in a role-play exercise to test your pitching skills. Practising how you would pitch a product or handle an objection will help us shine in this simulation—think of it like a dress rehearsal for your future sales calls!
✨Align Your Goals with the Company’s Vision
Take a moment to reflect on how your career ambitions align with Howarth Timber Group’s objectives. When we articulate how our personal growth ties in with the company’s goals, it shows commitment and a genuine interest in contributing to their success.
