At a Glance
- Tasks: Accelerate sales and customer acquisition through lead generation and CRM management.
- Company: Join Switch2, a forward-thinking company in the energy sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Great potential for career growth into independent roles within 12–18 months.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in business development with hands-on experience and mentorship.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates with strong communication skills and a passion for sales are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 25650 - 31350 £ per year.
Business Context and Main Purpose of the Role
The Sales Graduate role is a dedicated position within Switch2's Business Development function, designed to accelerate order intake and customer acquisition in the unmetered meter installation growth pillar. The role bridges sales support, lead generation, CRM management, and business development, working closely with Chloe Chandler and the wider BDM team to convert pipeline opportunities and build new prospect relationships. This is a high-visibility, mentored entry point into commercial and business development, offering hands-on exposure to heat network regulation, customer decision-making, and consultative sales practice. The successful candidate will develop industry knowledge, sales skills, and relationship management experience to support progression towards an independent BDM or commercial leadership role.
Core Responsibilities:
- Pipeline Acceleration & Lead Generation
- Conduct proactive outbound calls and emails to warm prospects and adjacent Local Authorities and Housing Associations to qualify and advance pipeline opportunities.
- Identify decision-makers, regulatory drivers, and operational pain points using research, HubSpot, and data sources (Barbour ABI, Lead Forensics, etc.).
- Follow up on past quotations, lapsed opportunities, and warm leads from marketing campaigns to move them into active sales conversations.
- Build preliminary contact lists and outreach plans for Chloe and the BDM team, ensuring focus on high-priority geographies (London, Midlands, North).
- CRM Management & Data Intelligence
- Maintain and cleanse the CRM database, ensuring accurate contact details, opportunity records, and activity logs across all accounts.
- Update opportunity stages, record all interactions, and flag risks and blockers to support BDM pipeline forecasting and deal closure.
- Generate weekly/monthly reporting on pipeline value, conversion rates, activity volume, and prospect engagement to support Chloe's account management and territory planning.
- Support campaign management and targeting, working with marketing to nurture segments and identify high-probability accounts for focused BDM outreach.
- Sales Support & Deal Acceleration
- Prepare quotations, financial case summaries, and ROI/compliance analysis documents to support Chloe's account conversations.
- Assemble sales enablement materials (case studies, technical one-pagers, objection handling guides, regulatory briefings) to reduce perceived risk and accelerate decision-making.
- Liaise with operations, technical, and delivery teams to gather project-specific information, cost data, and delivery timelines for quotation and proposal support.
- Support field-based BDMs with scheduling, materials, and communication on a project-by-project basis.
- Relationship Development & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build rapport with key decision-makers and influencers (Asset Managers, Operations Directors, Compliance Officers) through regular outreach and consultative engagement.
- Develop working relationships with Chloe and the wider BDM team, marketing, and internal operations teams to ensure seamless cross-functional collaboration.
- Maintain accurate records of account relationships, communication preferences, and strategic notes to support continuity and relationship progression.
Main Accountabilities / Key Result Areas
- Conduct 20–30 proactive outbound calls per week to warm and cold prospects, qualifying opportunities and moving them into active sales status within Chloe's pipeline.
- Process and follow up on 100%+ of marketing-generated leads within 2 working days, qualifying and routing to BDM or nurture sequence.
- Maintain CRM data accuracy: update all interactions, ensure zero stale records in active pipeline, cleanse database quarterly to remove duplicates and error data.
- Deliver weekly pipeline report (opportunity count, value, conversion rate, stage distribution) and monthly activity summary (calls, emails, meetings, follow-ups) to Chloe.
- Identify and qualify 10–15 new opportunities per month from proactive research, campaign lists, and warm outreach; build account profiles and decision-maker maps for BDM handover.
- Produce 5–10 quotations per month with supporting ROI/compliance case; track all quotes and chase follow-up outcomes to measure conversion and identify re-engage opportunities.
- Support 100%+ of Chloe's accounts with timely sales materials, technical briefs, and stakeholder communication; flag risks, blockers, and next-step timelines in real-time.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required
Essential:
- Recent graduate or equivalent with strong academic achievement and demonstrated commercial interest.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; confident telephone manner and professional written English.
- Proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, basic formula) and CRM systems (experience with HubSpot, Salesforce, or similar preferred).
- Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple workstreams and priorities independently.
- Genuine commercial curiosity; interest in understanding customer needs, business models, and deal dynamics.
- Willingness to learn and develop; coachability and receptivity to feedback from Chloe and the BDM team.
Desirable:
- Previous internship, placement, or early-career experience in sales, business development, or account management.
- Familiarity with energy, utilities, or B2B commercial sectors.
- Understanding of regulatory or compliance-driven sales environments.
- Experience with data analysis, reporting, or business intelligence tools.
Key Interfaces and Working Relationships
- Primary: Chloe Chandler (Business Development Manager) – daily operational oversight, mentorship, and deal support.
- BDM Team – support on account strategy, quotation, and field-based activities.
- Marketing – lead generation, campaign planning, nurture sequences, and event support.
- Operations, Technical & Delivery Teams – project feasibility, cost data, timelines, and delivery coordination.
- Finance – quotation approval, commercial terms, and deal pricing.
Grade, Salary & Development Path
- Grade: Support (Graduate Entry)
- Benefits: Competitive package including pension, life assurance, flexible working, and professional development support.
- Development Path: This role is positioned as a mentored entry point into Business Development. Successful performance over 12–18 months, with demonstrated sales capability and industry knowledge, may lead to progression into an independent BDM role or senior sales support position.
Sales Graduate in Shipley employer: Switch2 Energy Limited
Join a dynamic and forward-thinking company that prioritises employee growth and well-being in the energy and heat network sector. As a Field Services Team Leader, you'll benefit from a hybrid working model, extensive training opportunities, and a supportive work culture that fosters collaboration and safety. With competitive benefits like health insurance, a company pension, and a cycle to work scheme, this role offers a rewarding environment for those passionate about operational excellence and team development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales Graduate in Shipley
✨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 Sales Graduate at Switch2 Energy Limited, 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 Switch2 Energy Limited. Tailor your message to explain why you’re drawn to them and how you can contribute as a Sales Graduate. Sometimes, a personal touch can grab attention faster than a generic application!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Graduate in Shipley
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 Switch2 Energy Limited:When writing your cover letter, make sure to tailor your message specifically for Switch2 Energy Limited. 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 Switch2 Energy Limited
✨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 Switch2 Energy Limited 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 Switch2 Energy Limited 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 Switch2 Energy Limited’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.
