At a Glance
- Tasks: Build relationships with local tradespeople and drive sales through proactive engagement.
- Company: Join Plumbase, part of the UK's largest independent plumbing and heating network.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit share scheme, and full training provided.
- Other info: Enjoy autonomy and opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Take ownership of your role and make a real impact on business growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in trade environments and a proactive, commercial mindset.
The predicted salary is between 24300 - 29700 £ per year.
If you’re expecting a standard Trade Counter role where you stand behind a desk and wait for the next customer, this isn’t it. At Plumbase Basingstoke, our Trade Counter Sales Advisors are right at the centre of how our site performs. Yes, you’ll serve customers, build quotes and manage accounts, but that’s only part of the job. This role is built around ownership. You’ll be out building relationships with local tradespeople, bringing in new business, reactivating dormant accounts and helping shape how the site grows.
We operate as part of the UK’s largest independent network of plumbing and heating merchants with over 310 sites nationwide. Each site runs with real autonomy, you’re not just following a script or waiting for instructions from head office. You’re making commercial decisions, influencing stock, working with suppliers and getting involved in anything that drives sales and margin. This is a Trade Counter Sales Advisor role for someone who wants more than just serving customers. If you’ve got the instinct to spot opportunities and the confidence to act on them, you’ll fit in well here.
Key Responsibilities:
- Serve trade and retail customers on the counter, building relationships that drive repeat business
- Build quotes, manage orders and take ownership of customer accounts
- Actively develop new business by engaging local tradespeople and bringing new accounts on board
- Re-engage dormant and low-spend customers to grow revenue
- Work closely with the Manager on pricing, stock decisions and supplier relationships
- Get involved in trade events, customer visits and local outreach to drive sales
- Maintain strong product knowledge across plumbing and heating to confidently advise customers
- Support the wider operation including picking, packing and keeping the site running efficiently
This is a role where you’re expected to think commercially. The better the merchant performs, the more everyone benefits from it.
What We’re Looking For:
This role suits someone who understands that a Trade Counter Sales Advisor can be more than just a counter role. You might currently be a Sales Assistant within a merchant environment.
You’ll likely bring:
- Experience within a plumbing & heating, builders merchant or similar trade environment
- Confidence dealing with trade customers and building long-term relationships
- A commercial mindset. You’re aware of margin, pricing and opportunities to grow accounts
- A proactive approach. You’re comfortable picking up the phone, speaking to customers and generating business
- Strong product awareness or the ability to learn quickly
- A hands-on attitude. You’ll want to be involved in all areas of the site, not just the counter
- A full UK driving licence
What You’ll Get:
- Competitive salary + profit share scheme
- Full training on products and systems
- Real autonomy in how you run the counter and interact with customers
- The chance to grow in a business that rewards initiative, not just tenure
Trade Counter Sales Advisor in Basingstoke employer: UK Plumbing Supplies (trading as UKPS)
HPS in Brighton is an excellent employer that prioritises the growth and development of its apprentices. With a supportive team environment, you will gain invaluable hands-on experience while working towards your Level 2 Trade Supplier Apprenticeship, all while enjoying competitive pay and opportunities for progression. The company fosters a culture of learning and collaboration, making it a rewarding place to kickstart your career in trade and retail.
Contact Details:
UK Plumbing Supplies (trading as UKPS) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trade Counter Sales Advisor in Basingstoke
✨Get Your Retail Game On
Start by getting to know the local retail scene. Make a list of stores that align with your vibe and visit them. You'll be surprised at how many job openings come from chatting with staff or managers in-store. Plus, showing that you have a genuine interest in their brand can make you stand out when applying for that full-time role!
✨Join Retail Networks and Forums
Tap into retail-specific communities and forums, whether online or in-person. Platforms like Retail Week or local retail meetups can provide invaluable insights and connections. You never know who might drop a tip about an upcoming job at companies like UK Plumbing Supplies (trading as UKPS), so don’t miss out on building those relationships!
✨Be Ready for Busy Season Opportunities
Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal hiring windows, especially in the run-up to major shopping periods. Retailers often look for full-time staff to carry through busy times and may even keep you on after the season. Stay proactive by regularly checking in with your favourite retailers about their hiring plans.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail’s all about customer interactions, so make sure you showcase any relevant experience in your conversations and interviews. Share specific examples of your customer service skills and how they’ve led to positive outcomes. This is your moment to shine when applying to roles at places like UK Plumbing Supplies (trading as UKPS)!
We think you need these skills to ace Trade Counter Sales Advisor in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Customer Service Skills:In retail, customer service is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you've dealt with customers, whether it’s resolving issues or enhancing the shopping experience. Use concrete examples to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to handle difficult situations with ease.
Tailor Your CV for Retail:When applying for a full-time role like this one at UK Plumbing Supplies (trading as UKPS), customise your CV to reflect retail-specific buzzwords. Include any relevant skills such as inventory management or visual merchandising, and if you have experience with POS systems, shout about it! This will show you’re serious about joining the retail team.
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Don’t just repeat your CV in your cover letter! Use it as a chance to explain why you're excited about the opportunity at UK Plumbing Supplies (trading as UKPS) and how your values align with their brand. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Your Adaptability:In retail, things can get busy and unpredictable, so demonstrate how adaptable and flexible you are. Share examples of times you've had to adjust your approach on the fly or take on new responsibilities. This will show UK Plumbing Supplies (trading as UKPS) that you’re ready to jump in and contribute right away!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Plumbing Supplies (trading as UKPS)
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Retail is all about providing an exceptional customer experience, so be ready to discuss your past customer service stories. We should have examples on hand of how we've handled difficult situations or gone above and beyond to meet a customer's needs. These anecdotes will bring your application to life!
✨Familiarity with Point of Sale Systems
Many retail roles require us to work with Point of Sale (POS) systems, so it's a good idea to brush up on any relevant software you’ve used before. If you’re familiar with systems like Shopify or Square, don’t forget to mention this during the interview. Highlighting technical proficiency can set us apart from other candidates!
✨Understand Product Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the products that the store sells and how we can contribute to their sales. Showing enthusiasm for the products and a willingness to learn can impress interviewers. We should research popular items or trends in the industry before the interview, so we can speak confidently about them.
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Many retail interviews include role-playing scenarios where we might have to deal with a difficult customer or upsell a product. Practising these scenarios with a friend or family member can help us feel more comfortable. The key here is to showcase our problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure!
