UK Sales Apprentice

J&C Joel supplies, manufactures, and installs a range of products in the entertainment and events industry. The core of its business is flame‑retardant fabrics and manufacturing high‑end technical and decorative drapery. Over the last 15 years, J&C Joel has hugely grown and developed its stage engineering solutions through its Projects department, which installs a wide range of systems, ranging from basic curtain tracks and drapery, through to high‑performance motorised rigging and stage engineering, with sophisticated automation controls. The award‑winning company has been trading successfully for over 45 years and has a global reach through several international facilities, with a HQ in West Yorkshire. J&C Joel’s products and services can be found all over the world, from school auditoriums, TV and film studios and live entertainment venues to internationally renowned performing arts venues, including theatres, exhibition halls and the world’s most prestigious opera houses. J&C Joel places a strong emphasis on the adoption of its values across its business, which focuses on the Customer, Excellence, Innovation, Partnerships and Pride. Furthermore, the company holds a strong belief that its people are what make the business so special.

J&C Joel has an exciting opportunity for an Apprentice to join its fast‑paced UK Sales Team on a 12–18-month apprenticeship programme. The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training and support to develop their skills within a customer‑focused and dynamic sales environment. Alongside their role, the apprentice will work towards achieving an NVQ qualification in Customer Service, supported by our local education provider, Calderdale College. J&C Joel has a long and successful history of developing and retaining apprentices across a variety of disciplines, with many progressing into senior and management positions within the business.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver a first‑class service to customers at all times.
• Provide administrative support to the UK Sales Department.
• Answer incoming calls to the UK Sales Department and direct enquiries to the appropriate team member.
• Respond promptly and professionally to customer enquiries via telephone and e‑mail, ensuring a clear understanding of customer requirements before forwarding them to the relevant Sales Team member.
• Accurately input new customer and delivery details into the Access system, ensuring all contact and delivery information is correct.
• Collect, maintain, and accurately record customer information, including new account set‑ups and customer interactions, within the CRM system.
• Liaise with the Transport and Production teams to confirm delivery and collection lead times for quality‑related returns.
• Process all sample requests in a timely manner by accurately entering orders into the Access system.
• Make outbound calls to customers to follow up on fabric‑only quotations under £1,000, as required.
• Make outbound calls to customers to follow up on sample orders and gather feedback.
• Follow up all proforma invoices within one hour of them being issued by the Sales Team.
• Use the company payment portal to obtain payment and facilitate the release of customer orders.
• Liaise with the Purchasing Department via e‑mail and telephone to obtain updates on stock orders.
• Keep the Sales Team informed of expected delivery dates and updates relating to specific stock lines.
• Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with company policies, procedures, and objectives.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Ideally, candidates will have some experience working within a customer‑facing environment and supporting customers as part of their role.
• Demonstrate strong customer service skills and a good understanding of what constitutes excellent customer service.
• Be confident, enthusiastic, and professional in their approach.
• Possess an excellent telephone manner and strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Be organised, methodical, and capable of planning and prioritising their workload effectively.
• Demonstrate good time management and attendance.
• Be willing to learn, develop new skills, and work as part of a team.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A good standard of GCSE qualifications, including English and Mathematics.
• The successful candidate will undertake an apprenticeship programme and work towards achieving an NVQ Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Customer Service.