At a Glance
- Tasks: Kickstart your career in sales with hands-on experience and mentorship.
- Company: Join Sherwin-Williams, a global leader in the industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, sales bonuses, 25 days leave, and career development.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with real responsibility from day one.
- Why this job: Become a future sales leader while building valuable relationships and skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Business or related field; strong communication and analytical skills.
Launch Your Career. Build Your Future. Lead the Business.
Are you ready to kickstart your career with a global leader?
The Sherwin-Williams Sales Graduate Programme is an exciting 18-month development journey designed for ambitious graduates who want to build a successful commercial career and become the future sales leaders of our business.
Based in Birmingham, you'll gain hands-on experience within our General Industrial Division, learning how to develop customer relationships, drive business growth, and deliver commercial success. Throughout the programme, you'll receive structured training, dedicated mentorship, leadership exposure, and personalised development support to help accelerate your career.
This is more than a job. It's a pathway to a long-term career with opportunities to progress into field sales, account management, business development, and future sales leadership positions.
What you will gain...
- A structured 18-month graduate development programme
- Comprehensive sales, product and leadership training
- Dedicated support from experienced managers and mentors
- Regular coaching, feedback and career development conversations
- Exposure to senior leaders across the business
- Opportunities to build commercial, technical and relationship management skills
- Real responsibility from day one, contributing directly to business growth
- A clear pathway toward future sales leadership opportunities
Responsibilities
As a Graduate Inside Sales Representative you will develop a deep understanding of our products, customers and commercial strategy while supporting sales growth across the UK.
Working closely with customers, technical experts, and sales teams, you will learn how to identify opportunities, build lasting relationships, and deliver value-driven solutions.
Customer engagement will primarily be through telephone, email, Microsoft Teams and digital channels, with occasional customer visits to help broaden your commercial experience.
What you will be doing...
Sales Development:
- Support the delivery of sales growth and new business development targets.
- Learn to identify and pursue new commercial opportunities within your territory.
- Develop expert knowledge of Sherwin-Williams products, brands and solutions.
- Assist in driving revenue growth while maintaining healthy profit margins.
- Participate in strategic sales initiatives and campaigns.
Customer Relationship Management
- Build strong relationships with existing and prospective customers.
- Develop effective consultative selling skills through regular customer interactions.
- Work collaboratively with internal sales, customer service and technical teams.
- Utilise Salesforce and other business systems to manage customer activity and opportunities.
- Plan and prioritise customer engagement activities effectively.
Business and Commercial Development
- Gain exposure to account management and business planning activities.
- Analyse customer data and market trends to identify growth opportunities.
- Learn how commercial decisions impact business performance.
- Participate in projects and initiatives that support wider business objectives.
Professional Development
- Complete structured training modules throughout the programme.
- Attend workshops, networking events and development sessions.
- Receive ongoing coaching and mentorship from experienced leaders.
- Build the skills and confidence required for future leadership roles.
Qualifications
We're seeking curious, motivated graduates who are eager to learn and passionate about building a commercial career.
- Degree educated (or graduating soon) in Business, Marketing, Sales, Economics or a related discipline.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Commercial curiosity and a desire to understand how businesses grow.
- Resilient, self-motivated and results-oriented mindset.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Full UK driving licence
- Previous customer-facing, retail, hospitality or sales experience.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience using CRM systems (ideally Salesforce).
- Leadership experience through university projects, societies, sports teams or voluntary work.
Why Sherwin-Williams?
At Sherwin-Williams, we invest in our people. You'll join a collaborative and supportive environment where your development is a priority. We provide the training, guidance, tools and opportunities needed to help you build a rewarding long-term career and achieve your full potential.
If you're ambitious, eager to learn and motivated to become a future business leader, we'd love to hear from you.
Start your journey. Build your career. Become a future sales leader with Sherwin-Williams.
What we can offer...
- The established salary range for this position is £30,000-£35,000
- Sales bonus scheme (10%)
- Company pension scheme
- 25 days annual leave (with the option to purchase 5 additional)
- Work-life balance
- Career development
- Ongoing training and support
Next steps:
- Closing date: 12th September
- Interviews - September and October
- Start date - November / December
#LI-JR1
Graduate Internal Sales Representative in Birmingham employer: Sherwin-Williams
Join our dynamic team at our Bolton site, where we prioritise a collaborative work culture and continuous improvement. As a Quality Technician, you'll benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and development, alongside competitive shift patterns that promote work-life balance. We are committed to maintaining a safe workplace and fostering innovation, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in quality assurance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Internal Sales Representative in Birmingham
✨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 Graduate Internal Sales Representative at Sherwin-Williams, 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 Sherwin-Williams. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Graduate Internal Sales Representative. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
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 Sherwin-Williams:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Sherwin-Williams. 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 Sherwin-Williams
✨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 Sherwin-Williams 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 Sherwin-Williams 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 Sherwin-Williams’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.
