Commercial Graduate Scheme – Technical Sales & Business Development

Cembre is an international manufacturer of specialist electrical products used across sectors including rail, construction, utilities and manufacturing. The company is known for the quality of its products, its technical expertise and the long-term relationships it builds with customers.

This is an opportunity to begin a commercial career with a successful international business through Cembre’s structured graduate scheme.

You will start by developing a thorough understanding of Cembre’s products, customers and commercial operations. This will include supporting customer enquiries, preparing quotations, learning how orders are managed and helping with product demonstrations and events.

Although some of your early responsibilities will be office-based and customer-service focused, this is not intended to be a long-term administration role. The aim is to give you the commercial and technical grounding needed to progress into technical sales, account management or business development.

Sales at Cembre is not about putting pressure on people. It is about understanding a customer’s operation, building trusted relationships and recommending products that solve genuine business and technical problems. You do not need to be a stereotypically pushy salesperson. Cembre is looking for someone thoughtful, commercially curious and prepared to work hard to become an expert in their field.

As your knowledge and confidence develop, you will become more involved in customer meetings, commercial planning, account development and identifying opportunities to grow the business. Longer term, the scheme could lead to roles such as Technical Sales Executive, Account Manager, Product Specialist or Sales Engineer.

What you'll do

• Learn the business
• Develop a strong understanding of Cembre’s products, customers and markets
• Learn how different departments contribute to the customer experience and commercial success of the business
• Complete structured Cembre product training and recognised sales qualifications
• Build the technical knowledge needed to give customers accurate and credible advice
• Support customers and commercial activity
• Respond to customer enquiries and help customers identify suitable products
• Prepare quotations and support accurate order processing
• Follow up enquiries and potential sales opportunities
• Maintain accurate CRM and customer information
• Help create product presentations, sales materials and training resources
• Support customer visits, meetings, exhibitions and product demonstrations
• Listen to customers and understand their commercial and technical requirements
• Build professional relationships based on trust, knowledge and excellent service
• Support account management and business-development activity
• Develop the confidence to lead customer conversations and represent Cembre professionally
• Think strategically and improve the business
• Analyse commercial challenges and identify possible solutions
• Contribute ideas for improving processes, customer service and sales performance
• Research customers, markets and potential growth opportunities
• Prepare proposals and present recommendations to colleagues and senior managers
• Take ownership of projects and help put agreed improvements into practice

Your progression

This is a graduate development opportunity with a clear route into sales and commercial responsibility. At first, you will spend time learning the fundamentals and supporting experienced colleagues. As you demonstrate your ability, you will be given greater ownership of customer relationships, commercial projects and sales opportunities.

Your progression could include:

• Managing and developing customer accounts
• Taking greater responsibility for sales enquiries and opportunities
• Contributing to commercial plans and account strategies
• Leading customer meetings and product demonstrations
• Identifying opportunities to increase sales or enter new markets
• Progressing into technical sales, account management, product specialist or business-development roles

Person Specification

• A degree (or equivalent experience) – applications are particularly welcomed from graduates in business, management, marketing, economics or a related subject
• A full UK driving licence
• A genuine interest in developing a career in sales, business development or account management
• The ability to analyse information, think commercially and contribute ideas
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• The motivation to learn technical products and understand how customers use them
• A positive attitude and willingness to work hard, take responsibility and develop over time
• Good organisation and attention to detail
• Confidence using Microsoft Office

You do not need previous sales experience or an outgoing “sales personality”. Cembre is more interested in your potential: your ability to listen, learn, build relationships, think strategically and follow through on what you promise.

You will also need to demonstrate a commitment to Cembre’s values of Teamwork, Excellence, Accountability, Impact, Boldness, Respect and Empathy.

Training and support

You will work closely with Cembre’s Commercial Manager and experienced colleagues across the business. The scheme combines practical experience with structured learning. You will receive hundreds of hours of paid development time to complete recognised sales qualifications alongside Cembre and EDA product-training modules.

The starting salary of £27,000–£29,000 reflects the level of responsibility and potential Cembre is looking for. There is also the opportunity to earn a performance bonus and build a well-paid long-term career as your experience and commercial responsibility grow.

Supplytrain will employ and support you throughout your apprenticeship. You’ll have regular check-ins to help you settle into your role and succeed, with ongoing guidance for both you and your employer.

What you'll get:

• Four-weekly pay
• 5.6 weeks paid annual leave
• Mentoring support from a Supplytrain apprenticeship coordinator
• Opportunity to build commercial and technical skills
• Clear progression opportunities within the business