At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in sales by turning enquiries into opportunities and managing client relationships.
- Company: Join Surface Matter, a Certified B Corp focused on sustainable design solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health insurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic studio environment with opportunities for networking and personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team making a positive impact in the design industry.
- Qualifications: Curiosity about design, strong communication skills, and a collaborative spirit.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 30000 £ per year.
Surface Matter is hiring a junior specification sales assistant to join its team in London.
About us
Materials. Expertise. Takeback. Surface Matter helps designers and architects use surfaces to their full potential. As a Certified B Corp, we supply architectural surfaces to joiners, fabricators and makers building high-end, sustainable interiors, skate parks, guitars and food service equipment. We help our clients plan ahead so reuse and recycling are easy when the time comes, with our partner company Material Rescue to take back, reuse and repurpose materials to keep them in circulation.
The role
We work with great people who take pride in their work and want to create a positive impact. We are looking for someone to join our sales team as a junior specification sales assistant. Working from our inspiring studio space in the heart of London’s design district at Barbican and Clerkenwell, you’ll become a trusted material expert, sharing samples, case studies and quotations, and helping architects and makers find the right material for their projects. Shadowing and learning from our sales team, you’ll work on design-led projects, building your solution-selling, presentation, communication and relationship-building skills to promote innovative materials. Working across commercial and residential design projects, delivering a standout experience at every touchpoint. As you grow and develop, you’ll work on larger and more complex architecture projects.
Day to day you’ll:
- Turn enquiries into opportunities.
- Qualify potential, understand project needs, and follow up with energy and action.
- Guide clients and set expectations for material characteristics, pricing, fabrication and lead times.
- Manage orders from enquiry to quotation, delivery and aftercare – with accurate details, clear communication and proactive follow-ups to move projects from specification to completion.
- Check in on finished projects that feed into our case studies and content.
- Identify valuable relationships and nurture them to build long-term opportunities – turning introductions and enquiries into meaningful conversations.
- Spot issues early and suggest solutions or escalate before they become problems.
- Champion circular thinking, helping clients make better material choices and championing Material Rescue.
You’ll also get involved in studio life: helping organise and run events and presentations, keeping the space organised and full of energy for visitors, organising samples and building your network across industry events.
Who we’re looking for:
- Curious, creative, and full of energy – you bring fresh ideas and look for the next opportunity.
- Confident & friendly – you connect easily, listen and can lead meaningful conversations.
- A natural multitasker and self-starter – thriving on variety and taking ownership without losing momentum.
- Collaborative and solutions-focused – bringing people together, tackling challenges and making things happen.
- You may not know much about surfaces or materials, but you love design and making and want to know how things are made and what they can do.
What we can offer:
- £27,000 – 30,000 salary, plus bonus linked to KPIs.
- Full time (35 hours), permanent position.
- 22 + 8 days annual leave, rising to 30 + 8 with length of service, plus your birthday off and 2 low-carbon travel days.
- Private health/dental/optical insurance, group life insurance.
- Living Pension contribution.
- Cyclescheme, techscheme, gym discounts.
- Enhanced maternity/paternity leave, 27 hours paid volunteering.
- Professional development reviews and ongoing training.
- Air-conditioned studio with sit-stand desks, fresh fruit and refreshments; plus regular team events.
Get in touch
We’re all about people and have high standards on the kinds of people we work with, and how we treat them in return. We want everyone in our team to feel good and grow with us – regardless of race, religion, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, disability or social, financial, cultural or educational background. Joining our small team in a varied and evolving role means there are always interesting projects to get involved in to help move us forward and achieve your goals.
Junior specification sales assistant in London employer: Surface Matter
Surface Matter is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of London’s design district. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, employees enjoy opportunities for professional growth through hands-on experience in design-led projects, alongside generous benefits such as private health insurance, enhanced leave, and a supportive environment that champions diversity and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior specification sales assistant in London
✨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 Junior specification sales assistant at Surface Matter, 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 Surface Matter. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Junior specification sales assistant. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior specification sales assistant in London
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 Surface Matter:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Surface Matter. 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 Surface Matter
✨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 Surface Matter 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 Surface Matter 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 Surface Matter’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.
