Commercial Assistant – Sales Support & Estimating in Northampton

Commercial Assistant – Sales Support & Estimating Location:
Corby – Office Based Salary:
£30,000 per annum Employment:
Permanent, Full-Time Do you have experience working within manufacturing and enjoy understanding how products are made, priced and delivered? We're recruiting a Commercial Assistant to support the Commercial Manager within an established powder-coating business. This varied role combines customer communication, preparing quotations, progressing orders and coordinating with operations. We're looking for someone with recent experience in a manufacturing environment, strong attention to detail and the aptitude to learn technical processes. You'll develop an understanding of different coatings, materials, finishes and production capabilities, using this knowledge to help assess customer requirements and prepare accurate quotations. As your experience grows, you'll also become involved in marketing and wider commercial activities. Key Responsibilities Reviewing customer enquiries, drawings and specifications to establish requirements and gather the information needed for pricing. Learning about powder-coating processes, coating options, material suitability and production capacities. Preparing accurate quotations using established pricing methods and guidance from the Commercial Manager. Speaking with customers to clarify requirements, explain quotations and answer queries. Following up outstanding quotations and keeping the sales pipeline up to date. Processing orders and checking details against quotations, specifications and agreed requirements. Liaising with the operations team to confirm feasibility, clarify technical details and progress orders into production. Keeping customers informed about order progress, lead times and any changes. Helping resolve customer and operational queries with support from relevant colleagues. Maintaining accurate CRM records, pricing information and commercial documentation. Gradually taking on marketing tasks, including email campaigns, website updates, social media content and case studies, using existing templates and AI tools where appropriate. Supporting the Commercial Manager with general administration and commercial projects. About You You'll bring: Recent experience within a manufacturing business, ideally in sales support, customer service, order processing, estimating, production administration or a similar role. An interest in technical products and processes, with the ability to absorb information and apply it accurately. Confidence communicating with customers and colleagues. Good numerical skills and attention to detail when checking prices, dimensions and specifications. Strong organisation and the ability to manage several enquiries and orders at different stages. Good Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, and confidence learning new systems. A proactive approach to following up information, asking questions and seeing tasks through. An interest in developing your skills across sales, estimating and marketing. Experience reading technical drawings or preparing quotations would be useful, but training will be provided. You do not need a marketing background, although a willingness to learn digital and AI tools is important. The Opportunity You'll work closely with the Commercial Manager and operations team, building practical knowledge of how customer requirements translate into pricing and production. This is an opportunity to develop a career across the commercial function of a manufacturing business, with scope to take on greater responsibility as your technical knowledge and experience grow. Apply with your CV, highlighting your manufacturing experience and any involvement in customer enquiries, quotations or order coordination.
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