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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with customers, generate leads, and support the sales team in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Howdens is the UK's top trade kitchen supplier, known for nurturing talent and career growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, paid holidays, team outings, and staff discounts on products.
- Why this job: Join an award-winning apprenticeship scheme and develop valuable skills in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, customer service focus, and a desire for personal development are essential.
- Other info: Receive comprehensive training and support while working towards a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner qualification.
Join to apply for the Apprentice Business Developer role at Howdens
Join Howdens and Launch Your Career as an Apprentice Business Developer
At Howdens, we take immense pride in being recognised as a leading employer of apprentices. Our commitment to nurturing talent and creating long-term career opportunities is evident through our placement in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers table in both 2022 and 2023.
The Opportunity: Apprentice Business Developer
As an integral part of our workforce, we are seeking talented individuals to join our award-winning apprenticeship scheme and help drive our business forward. The Apprentice Business Developer role offers a unique opportunity to receive comprehensive on-the-job training and expert support from a leading training provider while pursuing a Level 2 Customer Service Practitioner Apprenticeship. The program typically spans 12 to 15 months.
Responsibilities
As a Business Developer, you will play a pivotal role in building relationships with new and existing customers, using telephone sales techniques to generate business and encourage new leads.
Your Key Responsibilities Will Include
- Provide potential and existing customers with the highest level of customer service and support the wider sales team in generating and chasing leads.
- Focus on effective customer account management, aiming to increase the company’s customer base and develop long term collaborative relationships within the building trade.
- Maintain up to date product and industry knowledge.
- Use creative marketing materials to promote Howdens products, depot events and sales periods to new and existing customers.
- Keep in touch with both depots lead banks regularly via the telephone and using our customer engagement messaging tool.
- Develop long term collaborative relationships with customers.
- Proactively gain new accounts, repeat business, and generate qualified leads for the team through outgoing sales calls.
- Process sales for customers using the in store payment systems, quoting correct pricing, delivery date and stock requirements.
Requirements
We are looking for people with the following qualities who want to learn new skills in a Depot environment:
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to build strong relationships.
- Good customer service skills.
- Target driven.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to work autonomously and use own initiative.
- Effective planning and organising abilities.
- Capability to prioritise and manage own workload effectively.
- A strong desire for continuous personal and professional development.
- The right to work in the UK and related evidence.
The Apprenticeship
- Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 – Intermediate Apprenticeship.
- Training provided by our in-house Learning & Development Team.
- Support from external training providers.
- A 15-month program, including a minimum 12-month learning period and end-point assessment.
- Apprentices without Level 1 English and maths qualifications will be supported in achieving this level before undertaking the Level 2 English and maths test for the end-point assessment and apprenticeship completion.
Rewards And Benefits
- A competitive £15,000 salary.
- Paid holiday entitlement.
- Competitive Pension Plan with a maximum company contribution of 12%.
- Team incentives and outings.
- Staff discount on Howdens products.
About Us
Howdens Joinery is the UK\’s premier trade kitchen supplier, offering a vast range of products in kitchens, joinery, and hardware. With over 800 depots across the UK and Europe, we have earned the trust of more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. Our ambitious growth agenda and entrepreneurial ethos make us an exciting place to build a career. Our dedication to our people has earned us recognition as one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.
Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email apprenticeships@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.
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Contact Detail:
Howden Joinery Group plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Business Developer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Howdens' products and services. Understanding the range of offerings will not only help you in conversations with potential customers but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills, especially over the phone. Since the role involves a lot of telephone sales techniques, being able to convey information clearly and confidently will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former apprentices at Howdens. They can provide valuable insights into the apprenticeship experience and may even offer tips on how to impress during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your target-driven mindset. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully met targets or built relationships, as this aligns perfectly with the responsibilities of the Apprentice Business Developer role.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Business Developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Apprentice Business Developer role. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what Howdens is looking for.
Craft a Strong CV: Your CV should be clear and concise, showcasing relevant experience, skills, and achievements. Emphasise your communication skills, customer service experience, and any previous sales or relationship-building roles.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the apprenticeship and Howdens as a company. Mention specific qualities that make you a good fit for the role, such as your target-driven mindset and attention to detail.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are key traits for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Howden Joinery Group plc
✨Research Howdens
Before your interview, take some time to learn about Howdens and their values. Understanding their commitment to apprenticeships and customer service will help you align your answers with what they are looking for.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Business Developer, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles or experiences, especially in building relationships or providing excellent customer service.
✨Demonstrate Your Target-Driven Mindset
Be ready to discuss how you set and achieve goals. Share specific instances where you met targets or contributed to sales growth, as this will resonate well with the role's responsibilities.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship programme and the company culture. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if Howdens is the right fit for you.
