At a Glance
- Tasks: Serve customers, process sales, and provide expert product advice in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Lawsons, the UK's largest independent supplier of fencing and building materials.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and industry-leading training.
- Other info: Enjoy career growth opportunities in a well-established company culture.
- Why this job: Build strong customer relationships and develop your sales skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in counter sales or retail, with a passion for customer service.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 33000 £ per year.
About Lawsons
Lawsons is the UK’s largest independent supplier of fencing, timber and building materials. Established in 1921, we operate across London and the South East with over 35 branches and 700 colleagues. We pride ourselves on providing high quality products, expert advice and exceptional service to trade and retail customers.
Position Overview
We are recruiting for a Counter Sales colleague to join our Ascot branch. This is a customer-facing role responsible for serving trade and retail customers, processing sales, providing product advice and supporting the smooth running of the branch. The successful candidate will build strong customer relationships, identify customer requirements and ensure orders are processed accurately and efficiently.
Working Hours
This is a full-time, permanent position based at our Ascot branch. Working hours are Monday - Friday 07.00 - 16.30, plus 1 in 2 Saturdays 08.00 - 12.00.
Benefits for the Successful Candidate
- Competitive salary depending on experience (£31,000 - £33,000)
- 25 days’ holiday plus 8 Bank Holidays and 1 celebration day.
- Company pension scheme and Death in Service cover.
- Employee Assistance Programme and My Reward benefits including online GP access.
- Industry-leading training and development opportunities within a well-established employer.
Main Responsibilities
- Welcome and serve trade and retail customers at the sales counter, by telephone and through other communication channels.
- Understand customer requirements and provide accurate advice on fencing, timber, landscaping and building materials.
- Prepare quotations, process sales orders and issue invoices accurately.
- Answer customer enquiries promptly and resolve queries in a helpful and professional manner.
- Recommend suitable products and identify opportunities to promote relevant products and services.
- Check product availability, pricing and lead times, liaising with suppliers and branch colleagues where required.
- Coordinate with the yard and transport teams to ensure customer orders are picked, prepared and delivered or collected efficiently.
- Process payments and maintain accurate sales and customer records in line with company procedures.
- Follow up quotations and customer enquiries to support sales growth and customer retention.
- Support stock checks, product displays and the maintenance of a clean, organised and customer-focused branch environment.
- Follow all relevant health and safety, customer service and company policies and procedures.
- Work closely with branch colleagues to meet sales, service and operational targets.
- Undertake other reasonable branch and sales duties as required.
Qualifications and Skills
- Previous experience in counter sales, trade sales, internal sales, retail, customer service or a builders’ merchant environment is essential.
- Experience working with fencing, timber, landscaping products or building materials is also essential.
- Good product knowledge or the ability and willingness to learn about construction and landscaping materials.
- Confident communication skills and a professional, customer-focused approach.
- Strong sales and commercial awareness, with the ability to identify customer needs and recommend suitable products.
- Accurate administration skills with good attention to detail when processing orders, pricing and customer information.
- Comfortable using computerised sales, stock management and email systems.
- Reliable, organised and able to prioritise tasks in a busy branch environment.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Positive attitude towards health and safety and a commitment to following safe working practices.
Why You Should Consider Joining Us
- Join the UK’s leading independent fencing, timber and builders’ merchant.
- Work in a supportive, team-focused environment at our Ascot branch.
- Build strong relationships with trade and retail customers in the local area.
- Develop your product knowledge and sales skills through structured training and ongoing support.
- Benefit from employee wellbeing support, career development opportunities and a long-established company culture.
Lawsons is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. If you are a customer-focused Counter Sales professional who enjoys building relationships, providing expert advice and delivering excellent service, we would like to hear from you.
Counter Sales in Ascot employer: Lawsons
Lawsons is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture where practical skills and reliable service are highly valued. As a Yard Operative / Van Driver at our Peterborough branch, you'll enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive training, and opportunities for career progression within a respected company that prioritises safety and customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Counter Sales in Ascot
✨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 Counter Sales at Lawsons, 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 Lawsons. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Counter Sales. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Counter Sales in Ascot
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 Lawsons:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Lawsons. 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 Lawsons
✨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 Lawsons 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 Lawsons 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 Lawsons’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.