Sales Consultant - Distribution - Growth in Milton Keynes

Job Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours
Department: Sales Distribution Team

From putting the soles on your shoes, to the tarmac they walk on; from a packet of crisps to silicon chips; from wooden toothpicks to electric cars; you’d be amazed at the things we get involved in. We don’t do these things ourselves, of course, but we have worked with the people that do, enabling their efforts and ambitions to become reality. Sometimes our role is significant; sometimes it’s small, but it’s never trivial and it’s always rewarding.

SMC Corporation is the UK and global market leader in automation and fluid control technology. With its headquarters in Japan and a presence in over 80 countries worldwide, SMC provides innovative solutions that help manufacturers improve productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

SMC Corporation UK Ltd is the wholly owned subsidiary of SMC Corporation in Japan. Operating from our headquarters in Milton Keynes, we design, manufacture, warehouse and distribute automation solutions that support customers across a broad range of industries including automotive, food & beverage, packaging, life sciences and electronics.

The Person

We are looking for a motivated and relationship-focused individual to join our Distribution Development Team.

You will enjoy building connections, identifying opportunities for growth and working collaboratively with both internal and external stakeholders. You are naturally curious, commercially aware and confident communicating with people at all levels.

The Role

As a Sales Consultant - Distribution Development , you will play a key role in expanding SMC’s distribution network by identifying and developing relationships with potential distribution partners whose customer base, market focus and growth ambitions align with SMC’s products and solutions.

Working closely with prospective partners, you will introduce SMC’s value proposition, understand their business objectives and build mutually beneficial relationships that support long-term growth. You will be responsible for managing opportunities from initial engagement through to onboarding, ensuring partners are equipped to successfully represent and promote SMC products.

The role requires excellent communication and relationship-building skills, a commercially focused mindset and the ability to recognise opportunities that create value for both SMC and our partners. You will collaborate with internal teams to ensure a positive partner experience and contribute to the continued growth of SMC’s distribution channel.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and engage prospective distribution partners across targeted industry sectors and geographic regions.
• Develop plans to increase distribution channel coverage and market presence.
• Evaluate prospective partners to ensure alignment with SMC’s products, services and strategic objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders within prospective and existing distribution organisations.
• Manage the partner onboarding process from initial engagement through to successful implementation.
• Support the ongoing development of distribution partners to maximise sales opportunities and business growth.
• Work collaboratively with Regional Sales Engineers, Marketing and Distribution Support teams to deliver growth initiatives.
• Monitor market activity and identify opportunities to strengthen SMC’s distribution network.
• Maintain accurate records of partner development activities within CRM.
• Meet or exceed agreed growth, activity and performance targets.
• Live and demonstrate SMC Values.

Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in business development, channel sales, account management or distribution sales would be advantageous.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills.
• Commercially aware with the ability to identify and develop growth opportunities.
• Excellent communication, presentation and influencing skills.
• Self-motivated, organised and proactive.
• Experience using CRM systems would be beneficial.
• Technical or engineering knowledge is desirable but not essential, as comprehensive training will be provided.

What We Offer

We provide extensive sales, product and application training, alongside ongoing development opportunities to help you build a successful career with SMC.

We offer a competitive salary and attractive benefits package including:

• Commission Scheme
• Death in Service (4x Salary)
• Private Medical Cover
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
• Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Technology Discounts and Employee Benefits Platform

The Selection Process

We have a variety of recruitment routes and assessment options which will be discussed with you throughout the hiring process.

At SMC, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our business and help us continue delivering exceptional results for our customers and partners

Experience

Strong background in technical sales and experience from working within large scale manufacturing environments.

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