Internal Technical Sales in Forest Row

This is a fantastic opportunity to get into technical sales. The role will be supporting our established and experienced sales team with all aspects of the sales process. At the same time, the successful candidate will learn about our products and develop the necessary knowledge to sell these products themselves. There are great opportunities for career progression.

This role would suit someone with some sales experience who is looking to move into technical sales or someone who has no sales experience, but who is very interested in or has qualifications in engineering and is looking to have a more customer-facing role.

The products and market

We sell spray nozzles and spray systems. These are highly technical, B2B sales. Our main customer contacts are process engineers and engineering managers looking to optimise, improve or develop new spray systems. The industries served are varied but include food processing, chemical, petrochemical, water treatment and general manufacturing.

The business

We are a small group of companies that have been in business for over 25 years. We have three core divisions. Our Spray Nozzle People business focuses on spray technology (this is the division this role is for), our Professional Sprayers People division focuses on spraying equipment for the horticulture and agriculture sector, and The Fulfilment People are a third-party logistics business. All our business units share the same ownership and business culture. We currently employ 26 people across the group.

The culture

Our business culture is very important to us. In fact, it is our single biggest strategic asset. Our “6C’s” company values permeate all aspects of life at SPG and hiring is no exception. We are a non-hierarchical and non-egocentric organisation where every employee is valued and expected to speak their mind, contribute to the ongoing conversation, and make decisions. We leave egos at the door, treat people with respect, empower them, and eliminate blame from our culture as much as possible. We expect a lot from our people and need everyone to truly contribute rather than just attend. For those up for the challenge, we will give full support in your career goals, nurture and grow you with our unique personal development program, and go on an interesting journey together over many years.

Skill set required

Because our products are highly specialised, we do not expect candidates to have direct experience with spray nozzles, although experience with fluid-handling components or systems would be an advantage. We will provide the technical training needed. Essentially, we are looking for someone with a strong interest in engineering and a willingness to learn quickly. In addition to having a technical/engineering type mind, the successful candidate must be highly organised. Initially, a large part of the job will be supporting the sales team by helping them process orders and speaking to customers and suppliers to make sure deals go through the system. This requires high levels of organisation. Finally, this will be a customer-facing role so an ability to communicate by email and on the phone in a friendly and professional manner is a must.

Roles

• Handling inbound sales enquiries
• Quoting customers
• Following up on quotes and closing business
• Gradually handling more complex enquiries as technical and product knowledge increases
• Updating our CRM and ensuring data is complete
• Order processing (converting quotes to orders, ensuring all details are correct, etc.)
• Covering for outbound salespeople when they are out on-site visits – dealing with their customers on their behalf
• Learning the technical side of the business
• Chasing up suppliers for updates
• Getting quotes from suppliers for nonstandard products

Package

Salary £30,000 + £5,000 bonus depending on overall sales team performance. Some home working available after probation period. Extensive product and technical training. Extensive personal development plan. Private health care after one year’s service.

Location

The role will be based in our office in Forest Row, East Sussex. There will be some travel particularly in the first 3-6 months. Our sales force is spread around the country and they all work from home. The successful candidate will be expected to spend time with them as part of the onboarding process, so we need someone who can spend several days away from home as needed. After the onboarding process, the need to travel will be less but as the team is spread around the country some travel and overnight stays away will be required ongoing.

Requirements

Must have skills/qualifications

• A-levels in maths and science
• Highly organised and detail-focused
• Good communication skills
• UK driver’s licence
• Outgoing personality
• Strong IT skills (MS Office is a must; any coding experience is a benefit)

Desirable skills

• Degree educated, particularly if in engineering, maths, physics or chemistry
• Sales experience (does not have to be technical sales but even better if it is)
• Experience with fluid handling products (pumps, valves, filters, etc.) would be desirable
• Coding experience

Please apply with CV and cover letter explaining why you think you would be a good fit for this role.