Field Sales Engineer in Cramlington

Location: UK-wide field-based role (flexible on candidate location). Occasional travel to the office as required.

Salary: £45,000 basic (flexible depending on experience) + commission (5% of machine profit, paid on installation).

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm. Fridays 8:00am–4:00pm. Flexibility required based on travel and customer meetings.

We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established, family-run engineering business specialising in the supply and support of sheet metal machinery across the UK. Known for their flexible approach, strong customer relationships, and technical expertise, the company has built a solid reputation within the industry.

We are looking for a Field Sales Engineer to support and develop sales presence across the UK. The role involves maintaining and developing customer relationships, identifying sales opportunities, and representing the company's range of products and services. The successful candidate will use their technical knowledge and sales experience to meet customer needs and contribute to the company's overall growth. You will manage a mix of inbound enquiries and self-generated business, with a high degree of autonomy in how you structure your week.

The Role

This is a field-based position involving travel across the UK, with the majority of time spent visiting customers. The role combines managing inbound enquiries with proactively generating new business opportunities. You will plan your own schedule, organising visits by region to maximise efficiency, while developing customer relationships and driving sales growth. The role follows a balanced 50/50 split between converting inbound enquiries and proactive business development activity. You will typically be on the road up to 4 days per week, with the remaining time spent working remotely or from the office completing administration, follow-ups, quotations, and planning activity. Overnight stays may be required depending on location.

Role Responsibilities

• Selling sheet metal machinery including fibre lasers, press brakes, guillotines, and related workshop equipment.
• Developing and implementing effective sales plans.
• Providing technical and engineering guidance on the company's products and services.
• Managing the full sales process from initial enquiry through to order and installation.
• Preparing and delivering technical presentations and product demonstrations to support sales conversion.
• Planning regional travel and managing your own diary to maximise efficiency.
• Building and maintaining strong customer relationships through ongoing support, information, and advice.
• Developing relationships with prospective customers and recommending appropriate solutions.
• Monitoring industry trends, competitor activity, and market developments to identify potential opportunities or product improvements.
• Maintaining accurate CRM records.
• Undertaking additional duties as required by the company.

Skills and Competencies

• Experience within sheet metal machinery, capital equipment, or a related engineering sector is highly desirable.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven sales ability (negotiation, lead generation, and relationship management).
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work independently and within a team.
• Willingness to learn new technologies and stay current with industry developments.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Willingness to travel across the UK, including overnight stays.

Qualifications and Experience

• Background in sheet metal fabrication (highly advantageous).
• Experience as a technical sales or applications engineer with an interest in moving into a sales role.
• A minimum of three years' sales experience (ideally within machine tools or engineering) OR hands-on experience operating relevant machinery with an interest in moving into sales.
• Open to candidates stepping into their first field sales role with the right technical background.

What We Offer

• A competitive salary, supplemented by commission on machine sales profit of 5%.
• 20 days annual leave plus UK public holidays.
• Company-funded pension.
• Fully expensed company vehicle (business and private use).
• Company credit card.
• Laptop/tablet and mobile phone.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) provided.
• Supportive, close-knit environment within a family-run business.
• Direct access to decision-makers and a flexible, non-corporate structure.

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