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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: Join Howdens, a top employer for apprentices, renowned for its commitment to talent development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, paid holidays, team outings, and staff discounts on products.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with hands-on training and a supportive culture focused on growth and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, target-driven mindset, and a desire for personal development are essential.
- Other info: This is a 15-month apprenticeship with comprehensive training and support from industry experts.
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 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
- 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
- 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
We believe in recognising and rewarding the hard work and dedication of our team members. In return for your commitment, you will receive:
- 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.
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.
Apprentice Business Developer employer: Howden Joinery Group plc
Contact Detail:
Howden Joinery Group plc Recruiting Team
apprenticeships@howdens.com
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 company during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills, especially over the phone. Since the role involves 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 of how you've met targets or achieved goals in previous roles or experiences, as this will resonate well with the expectations of a Business Developer.
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 of an Apprentice Business Developer. Familiarise yourself with the skills required, such as strong communication and customer service abilities, to tailor your application accordingly.
Craft a Tailored CV: Highlight relevant experiences and skills in your CV that align with the job description. Emphasise any previous customer service roles or experiences where you've demonstrated strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the apprenticeship and Howdens as a company. Mention specific reasons why you want to join their team and how you can contribute to their success as a Business Developer.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are key qualities for this 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, their products, and their values. Understanding the company’s mission and recent achievements will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Apprentice Business Developer, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past experiences, whether in school projects or part-time jobs. Be ready to discuss how you can build relationships with customers.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Experience
Think of instances where you've provided excellent customer service, even if it was in a casual setting. Highlight your ability to listen to customer needs and resolve issues, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship programme, team dynamics, or growth opportunities within Howdens. This shows your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn.
