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- Tasks: Drive sales growth and nurture customer relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Howarth Timber Group, a family-owned leader in the timber industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, company car, and 31 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact while working with a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and industry experience required.
- Other info: Recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Join a long-established, customer-focused timber and builders’ merchant where your drive, confidence, and commercial know-how will help grow strong customer relationships and deliver real results. If you’re proactive, people-centred, and ready to spot every sales opportunity, this is your chance to make a big impact.
With 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.
What does it mean to be a Howarth Timber External Sales Executive?
We currently have an exciting opportunity for the role of External Sales Executive at our busy Cottingham branch. This position is key to driving our sales through proactive and organic growth, while also nurturing and expanding our existing ledger accounts.
If you are an experienced sales professional within our industry and eager to make a significant impact, we invite you to apply and join our dynamic team!
- Working closely with the internal sales team is essential.
- Achieve KPIs set by the company.
- Follow up all sales leads, enquiries and quotations.
- Understanding margin and costs.
- Be aware of all opportunities and gather information from customers and competitors that may influence or help our company including understanding changing market conditions.
- Always exceed our customers’ expectations by dealing with them professionally, whatever their enquiry.
- Ensure a high level of after sales based on customer care, that always enhances our company reputation.
- Working closely with suppliers and develop relationships with representatives of our suppliers and work with them to create opportunities to enhance our company.
- Effective time management, with weekly, monthly and yearly goals.
- Completing all necessary administration in line with the current company procedures.
- Attend all in-house and external training as and when required.
- Monitor your effectiveness to the branch, carefully managing your on the road and in-branch time.
- To work in branch as emergency cover when requested by the Branch Manager.
- Continually develop and update your product knowledge.
- Adhere to all Health and Safety policies and procedures.
What are the requirements to be part of our team?
The ideal candidate must possess strong communication skills and have established industry contacts. They should demonstrate extensive product knowledge, a keen focus on sales and margin awareness, and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service to drive business growth and maximise profitability. The role requires a full driving licence and availability for full-time work, Monday to Friday inclusive.
Why choose Howarth Timber & Building Supplies for your next role?
Howarth Timber Group is proud to have been officially recognised in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025! 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, negotiable dependent on experience plus generous bonus scheme
- Company car
- 31 days’ holiday, inclusive of Statutory
COTTINGHAM: External Sales Executive employer: Howarth Timber Group
Contact Detail:
Howarth Timber Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land COTTINGHAM: External Sales Executive
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Howarth Timber Group, their products, and their values. This way, when you chat with them, you can show off your knowledge and passion for what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the External Sales Executive role. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common sales scenarios. Think about how you'd handle objections or close a deal. Being ready to demonstrate 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 go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed!
We think you need these skills to ace COTTINGHAM: External Sales Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Sales Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your sales experience and any achievements. We want to see how you've driven results in previous roles, so don’t hold back on the numbers!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application for this role. Mention specific skills or experiences that align with what we’re looking for, like your ability to build customer relationships or manage accounts effectively.
Be Personable: Since we’re all about putting people at the heart of what we do, let your personality shine through! Use a friendly tone and show us why you’d be a great fit for our team and culture.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howarth Timber Group
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of the timber and building materials industry. Familiarise yourself with the products offered by Howarth Timber Group and be ready to discuss how your knowledge can help drive sales and meet customer needs.
✨Showcase Your Sales Success
Prepare specific examples of your past sales achievements. Highlight how you've successfully nurtured client relationships and exceeded sales targets. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to deliver real results, which is key for the External Sales Executive role.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Research current market trends and competitors in the timber and builders’ merchant sector. Be prepared to discuss how these insights could influence your sales strategy and help the company stay ahead of the competition.
✨Emphasise Customer-Centricity
Since the company values putting people at the heart of what they do, be ready to share how you prioritise customer service. Discuss your approach to exceeding customer expectations and how you handle after-sales care to enhance the company's reputation.
