SFR Recruitment Solutions are working closely with a leading brand of architectural and window and door hardware.
Purpose of the Role
For marketing (new) products, our client has effective sales and marketing plans defining target groups and customer groups (distribution channels) as well as determining the relevant sales arguments, communication key points and means.
Principle activities
Develop sales and marketing plans on behalf of the Head of Sales and Marketing and/or Head of Market, including the selection of central offers of Advertising
Define communication measures and media plan
Set up local product launch concepts
Support Head of Sales and Marketing and/or Head of Market in implementation
Set up and assume responsibility for the advertising budget at market level
Formulate market requirements with regard to advertising and PR; prepare Budget for approval; monitor and control spending
Implement local communication measures
Liaise and co-ordinate with PR agency
Create copy for campaigns
Book advertising online and offline
Organise digital, design/print, imagery/CGI, photography and video
Maintain online catalogue via AX
Printed materials
Social media
Co-ordinate the Company’s presence at events, expos, supplier events and exhibitions
Provide updates to Company’s website
Ensure all marketing complies with corporate guidelines and is submitted through the Group approval process
Record success in terms of degree of target achievement of the measures implemented
Prepare report for quarterly Board meetings
Other duties and responsibilities
Ensure effective communication with colleagues
Build strong internal relationships
Develop technical knowledge
These duties and responsibilities may be varied from time to time by your Manager, based upon the changing needs of the Company and your personal development
Demonstrate a commitment to the Company’s Vision and Values at all times
• Maintain a clean and tidy workspace
• Comply with Company regulations regarding Employee / Company confidentiality
University educated with a minimum of 2 years‘ professional experience or a commercial education with several years of experience in comparable areas
Has above-average communicative skills to develop and convey convincing concepts
Strong understanding of digital marketing
Basic understanding of our product offer
Ability to use Crossbase and Microsoft AX
• Ability to use Microsoft Office (Outlook/Excel/Word/PowerPoint) effectively
If you are interested in this position, please contact SFR Recruitment Solutions.
Our client is a globally recognised and successful company with the architectural hardware and access solutions market. Due to continued growth and new product innovation they wish to recruit a Business Development Manager to cover the UK.
Your main role will be to establish a direct and indirect pipeline for product to generate sales and develop a partner network to pull sales into the market.
Other responsibilities will include:
Keep in contact with all customers, follow up on all leads working with our internal teams to ensure we maximise on all potential opportunities.
Be involved in the development of the sales strategy to enable market growth and positive sales success.
Work alongside product development teams to agree methods to penetrate market share.
Take responsibility for growing the company direct/partner business and manage the sales process from end to end e.g., liaising with marketing, completing quotes and solution engineering.
Monitor progress through our CRM system (Salesforce) to be able to track active sales, provide feedback on the market and evaluate competitor activity.
We are looking for:
We are looking for candidates with previous experience working in a Sales environment, preferably selling similar access control solutions.
As a full sales role, we are looking for an experienced salesperson, who has the motivation to succeed and shares our passion for the products.
You will be a confident communicator and have experience dealing with a range of stakeholders, across all levels of a company.
The role is a home based position, however, this is a national sales role and so you would be expected to cover the whole of the UK.
• 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
• Pension Scheme (Enhanced Company Contributions)
• Life Insurance
• Healthcare Support, including an Employee Support and Assistance Programme
• Employee Discount Platform
• Internal Recognition & Reward Schemes
Please get in touch with Matthew at SFR Recruitment Solutions if you wish to learn more or apply for this position.
Within the frame of a strong expansion of the commercial activities in the UK, our client is looking for a Regional Sales Manager South.
Job description
You are responsible for the follow-up and the expansion of the customer portfolio of your region in the UK. For both the product range of mechanical components (Fence & Gate Accessories) and the new fast-growing department of Automation & Entrance Control.
After your training at the headquarters you will take full responsibility of the turnover of your region.
You manage, advise and support your current customers (manufacturers and dealers).
You closely collaborate with the buying and engineering department of your customer/manufacturer, or with the sales team of your dealers. You advise them on the product range, product launches, and provide training if necessary.
You are responsible for the primary technical support (both by phone and on site) of the direct and non-direct channels to your account. You will look for new business opportunities and consult with the business after-sales services team if required.
Together with an internal sales assistant you manage the sales procedure from A to Z.
You will directly report to the Head of UK sales.
Qualifications
You will have minimum 3 to 5 years of experience in B2B, preferably in the branch of technical products.
You have a strong interest in electro-mechanics and electricity/electronics.
You like to build relationships: you enjoy making new contacts and developing a network.
Liaising with existing customers, actively responding to enquiries, looking for up-selling opportunities and closing deals is your second nature.
You are Self-motivated with the ability to manage own time and prioritize workload.
Pro-active and a positive attitude with a flexible approach to working makes you fit in our sales team.
Your perseverance and performance orientation enable you to achieve your commercial objectives.
You live in the Southern UK region.
Why our client?
Because our team is passionate and talented, we have the speed and flexibility of a SME and the international spirit of a multinational. Our products are all around so you can easily identify yourself with our company.
Being a fast-growing company, we are always looking for new people with whom we can actively build our and your future.
Please get in touch with Matthew at SFR Recruitment Solutions if you wish to learn more or apply for this position.
SFR Recruitment Solutions are working with a market leader in the intruder protection and Intruder alarm sector.
We are seeking to recruit a Regional Sales Manager based in the South East of England.
Key responsibilities and duties are to:
Take responsibility for planning sales strategy within the territory in agreement with the Head of Sales & Marketing and ensure implementation to deliver business growth.
Manage, develop and motivate select accounts within a specified territory in order to achieve company objectives and strategy.
Achievement of sales on a monthly, quarterly and YTD basis.
Ensure timely follow up and reporting of all sales enquiries on the territory including end
Acquire and develop new installers
Work off own initiative to develop installer sales via core database
Ensure a constant flow of new business activity whilst maintaining and developing existing business levels
Deliver accurate sales and budget forecasts
Monthly analysis of sales activity (Min 30 prospect/customer visits per month) by appointment/account in order to implement new initiatives if required to reach company objectives.
Monitoring and reporting market trends and competitor activity within the territory.
Record all prospect/client communications on company CRM as well as diary activity.
Provide support to installers by providing sales training, pre-sales support, and demonstration of equipment
Participate in and organise exhibitions, events etc.
The ideal candidate will:
Possess exceptional self motivational skills and will have demonstrated a good track record of building relationships and have the drive and determination to meet the company’s objectives.
Be able to demonstrate clear knowledge of a trade and B2B environment.
Have clear evidence of achieving targets and delivering both customer and product driven growth.
Have previous experience of electronic security systems
Be experienced in internal / external relationship development experience
Have experience working as part of a team
Have an outgoing personality with a determination to succeed
Have excellent planning, prioritisation skills with the ability to adhere to deadlines
If this exciting opportunity sounds of interest please get in touch with SFR Recruitment Solutions.
SFR Recruitment Solutions are working with a market leader in the intruder protection and Intruder alarm sector.
We are seeking to recruit a Regional Sales Manager based in the South East of England.
Key responsibilities and duties are to:
Take responsibility for planning sales strategy within the territory in agreement with the Head of Sales & Marketing and ensure implementation to deliver business growth.
Manage, develop and motivate select accounts within a specified territory in order to achieve company objectives and strategy.
Achievement of sales on a monthly, quarterly and YTD basis.
Ensure timely follow up and reporting of all sales enquiries on the territory including end
Acquire and develop new installers
Work off own initiative to develop installer sales via core database
Ensure a constant flow of new business activity whilst maintaining and developing existing business levels
Deliver accurate sales and budget forecasts
Monthly analysis of sales activity (Min 30 prospect/customer visits per month) by appointment/account in order to implement new initiatives if required to reach company objectives.
Monitoring and reporting market trends and competitor activity within the territory.
Record all prospect/client communications on company CRM as well as diary activity.
Provide support to installers by providing sales training, pre-sales support, and demonstration of equipment
Participate in and organise exhibitions, events etc.
The ideal candidate will:
Possess exceptional self motivational skills and will have demonstrated a good track record of building relationships and have the drive and determination to meet the company’s objectives.
Be able to demonstrate clear knowledge of a trade and B2B environment.
Have clear evidence of achieving targets and delivering both customer and product driven growth.
Have previous experience of electronic security systems
Be experienced in internal / external relationship development experience
Have experience working as part of a team
Have an outgoing personality with a determination to succeed
Have excellent planning, prioritisation skills with the ability to adhere to deadlines
If this exciting opportunity sounds of interest please get in touch with SFR Recruitment Solutions.
SFR Recruitment Solutions are working with a market leader in the intruder protection and Intruder alarm sector.
We are seeking to recruit a Regional Sales Manager based in the East Anglia area.
Key responsibilities and duties are to:
Take responsibility for planning sales strategy within the territory in agreement with the Head of Sales & Marketing and ensure implementation to deliver business growth.
Manage, develop and motivate select accounts within a specified territory in order to achieve company objectives and strategy.
Achievement of sales on a monthly, quarterly and YTD basis.
Ensure timely follow up and reporting of all sales enquiries on the territory including end
Acquire and develop new installers
Work off own initiative to develop installer sales via core database
Ensure a constant flow of new business activity whilst maintaining and developing existing business levels
Deliver accurate sales and budget forecasts
Monthly analysis of sales activity (Min 30 prospect/customer visits per month) by appointment/account in order to implement new initiatives if required to reach company objectives.
Monitoring and reporting market trends and competitor activity within the territory.
Record all prospect/client communications on company CRM as well as diary activity.
Provide support to installers by providing sales training, pre-sales support, and demonstration of equipment
Participate in and organise exhibitions, events etc.
The ideal candidate will:
Possess exceptional self motivational skills and will have demonstrated a good track record of building relationships and have the drive and determination to meet the company’s objectives.
Be able to demonstrate clear knowledge of a trade and B2B environment.
Have clear evidence of achieving targets and delivering both customer and product driven growth.
Have previous experience of electronic security systems
Be experienced in internal / external relationship development experience
Have experience working as part of a team
Have an outgoing personality with a determination to succeed
Have excellent planning, prioritisation skills with the ability to adhere to deadlines
If this exciting opportunity sounds of interest please get in touch with SFR Recruitment Solutions.
SFR Recruitment Solutions are working closely with a leading manufacturer and brand of Architectural Hardware, Door Hardware and Access Solutions.
We are looking to recruit a Sales Manager for the distribution channel and account management team.
Key areas of responsibilities would be:
Maintaining and increasing sales of company product and services
Implementing sales strategies
Drive CRM usage
Building relationships with customers, new and current
Setting team targets and monitoring their performance
Develop and motivate team to ensure success
Collating customer data to constantly improve service
YOUR SKILLS
You will have strong experience in managing relationships with major customers as you will be responsible for dealing with major clients and need to be able to increase business opportunities through a variety of routes to market. You must be result orientated and have evidence of maintaining and increasing sales for company products and services.
You will have a proven track record in managing a successful team of Sales Professionals who consistently exceed sales targets. The role is accountable for developing and implementing comprehensive sales plans that will contribute towards revenue and profit. To ensure the success of the team you will need to optimise sales performance through on-going motivation, training, coaching and support.
The successful candidate will have had previous experience within a sales environment, ideally in a similar industry or construction related sector.
A message from our client; We care for our employees and so as well as an attractive salary offering, company car and bonus scheme, we also provide the following benefits:
25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
SMART Pension Scheme (Enhanced Company Contributions)
Life Insurance
Healthcare Support, including an Employee Support and Assistance Programme
Employee Discount Platform
Internal Recognition & Reward Schemes
Please get in touch with Matthew at SFR Recruitment Solutions if you wish to learn more or apply for this position.
SFR Recruitment Solutions are pleased to be supporting a leading Architectural Ironmongery Manufacturer and supplier.
The role we are recruiting for is An Internal Sales Representative based in Birmingham.
Job Purpose
Principally working alongside the existing Specification Sales Team & Business Development Manager (UK) to manage, maintain and convert the existing company quote bank, ensuring an upward growth curve. Interaction with the Main & Sub Contractor customer base (internally) to provide high levels of customer service, also proactively assisting an allocated Specification Sales Consultants quote bank to ensure all projects, at whatever stage, are continually followed up, with report status current and next actions clearly communicated.
Previous Experience.
Internal Sales Experience. preferably within the Main Contractor & Joinery Sub-Contractor Sectors
Duties.
Develop trusting relationships with identified Joinery Sub Contractors, and ensure they have a contact within the business.
To understand the needs and requirements of our customers and continue to build relationships with new and existing customers.
To serve as the link of communication between key customers and the Specification team.
Regularly liaise with the Specification team and chase quotes to increase the conversion rates.
To resolve customer queries and complaints, and ensure trust is always maintained.
Generating new sales from offering knowledge and guidance on non-company Specified projects helping to build our long-lasting contractor relationships.
On a monthly basis, report successes, losses and constraints to the Business Development Manager (UK) and work towards building a clear path between specification and order receipt.
Review of the lost report each month with your line manager, agreeing on a plan of action relating to each.
Key Competencies
Results Focus-Focused on delivering results and demonstrates accountability for actions with a high level of quality
Initiative – the capacity to search and develop new solutions, solve problems and spontaneously suggest improvements
Adaptability & Resilience-Resiliently embraces change in structure, processes, requirements or cultures
Customer Focus– Constant desire to satisfy one’s customers, whether outside or inside the organization
Teamwork– The capacity to work in interaction with others, in mutual support
Key Skills
Ability to problem solve
Communication skills both oral and written
Negotiating and Persuading
Strong but fair negotiator
Planning and Organizing
IT skills, proficient in the use of Excel, Word, PowerPoint, CRM data inputting and management
Our client supplies a large range of Locks, Security and Hardware products, to the Locksmith and Hardware trades.
We are looking for a professional, competitive, enthusiastic business development manager with the ability to promote and sell our clients products. It will be down to your tenacious attitude to grow your customer base and boost your sales.
This is an exciting and challenging role, with the opportunity to join a flourishing company. The role will be a combination of managing existing accounts and also to develop new business opportunities to secure new customers. The role reports directly into the UK Sales Manager and has the overall objective of increasing the turnover and profitability of the business in the Midlands and South West inc. South Wales.
Be proactive, always looking to expand your customer base
Planning and organising your routes efficiently
Achieve and maintain your sales targets
Submit orders collected from customers to the sales office
Be proactive in learning the range of products
Ability to demonstrate ‘Key Cutting’ and ‘Security’ products to customers
Participate in trade shows and other sales events throughout the year
Required Skills & Experience:
Hard working and self-motivated
Sales experience desirable
Presenting a clean and professional appearance at all times
Driven to achieve your sales target
Great personality – positive, likeable, good sense of humour, builds relationships easily
Holiday entitlement is 25 days plus bank holidays. Our client offers company pension scheme, additional leave for length of service and other company benefits. You will have use of a company car, phone and tablet.
If you are interested in this position, please contact SFR Recruitment Solutions.
Candidates applying for external sales roles are often faced with the challenge of negotiating suitable company car and car allowance packages, as well as the prospect of adjusting to different policies at a new employer.
This challenge is now exasperated by the automotive sector going through rapid change – transitioning itself in order to achieve the Government’s target of zero emissions by 2030 for all new cars and vans sales – resulting in the petrol and diesel cars being phased out.
As hybrids and electric cars are now thrown into the mix, this is creating confusion for both candidates and employers trying to navigate the changes and alter their car policies to remain competitive in the job market, while candidates need to negotiate carefully and consider any car investments and commitments they make very wisely.
SFR Recruitment, as a niche recruiter with a core focus on external sales, key account management, marketing and business development roles, has researched this important topic that, more often than not, can impact on whether a job is ultimately accepted or declined.
Independent Research
Our independent research discovered the following interesting facts and has proved that cars are a very emotive subject. We can see that car allowance is preferred over company car but only slightly. When offered a company car the preference is hybrid or electric, representing 3/4 of the survey responses, showing a huge shift towards a ‘greener’ vehicle choice.
34% of candidates prefer a company car
41% of candidates prefer car allowance
41% of candidates prefer a hybrid car
31% of candidates prefer an electric car
27% of candidates prefer a diesel/petrol car
Car Choice Considerations
Whatcar.com states that fully electric and hybrids are fast taking over as the smart choices for company car drivers. They predict that over the next few years that shift looks set to accelerate, as benefit-in-kind tax bandings make hybrids (especially plug-in hybrids) very tax efficient. https://www.whatcar.com/news/hybrid-car-company-car-tax/n2261
The main concern being with car choice is ensuring the vehicle is “fit for purpose” – the daily mileage should be within the range of the EV to ensure only an occasional need to charge during the day.
Is it Time to Choose Pure EV or PHEV?
Looking at the research we believe the answer is “yes if you can”.
EVs have the most attractive BiK rates, however PHEX also attract less tax. A typical PHEV for example can do around 25 miles on battery power alone and will have 49g/km CO2 emissions; such a car would attract a BiK rate of 13% in FY 2021/22.
A typical petrol car, registered after 6 April 2020 and subject to WLTP tests might emit 132g/km of CO2, attracting a BiK rating of 30%, while a typical RDE2-compliant diesel might emit 120g/km, making its owner liable for a 28% BiK rate.
The tax in kind you will pay on a company car is high especially on diesel vehicles.
Should I take a company car or car allowance?
Most companies tend to offer the one or the other. If you have the choice of either company car or a car allowance at your new job, it often comes down to personal preference. Both options have their pros and cons, and it’s another thing to weigh-up in your job move. Car allowance gives you more freedom in choosing a car, but also comes with more financial responsibilities for maintenance and tax payments over your increased income.
Environmental option – choosing an EV is also a more environmentally conscious option, making your car usage more sustainable and helping the UK to meet its 2030 target of moving all personal vehicles over to electric.
Home-charging grant – the Government also offers the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme. This scheme provides a 75% contribution to the cost of one chargepoint and its installation, capped at £350 (inclusive of VAT). This helps towards the cost of installing a charging point for your EV at home, allowing you to keep the vehicle charged overnight at cheaper electricity rates.
Low running costs – Once you’ve got your electric vehicle you will quickly see the difference in running costs. If you drive in the city you won’t have to pay congestion charges or Ultra Low Emission Zone charges and you’ve also got much lower running costs.
Lower maintenance costs – Thanks to the fact that electric vehicles have far fewer moving parts than a traditional internal combustion engine vehicle, you will find that when the time comes to get it repaired, your maintenance costs will be much lower.
Plug-in grant for qualifying vehicles – the Government is also currently offering a ‘plug-in grant’ for qualifying EVs that meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
Tax benefits – If you’re driving an EV then you will benefit from lower tax costs, not only are you eligible for £0 Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) but if the car is for the business, then Company Car Tax is just 1% in 2021. This means company car drivers who choose an EV will save thousands compared with the driver of a comparable diesel.
You can still claim your business mileage – even though you’re not using petrol, you can still claim the government-approved mileage allowance for an EV. The rate per mile will vary where the car is owned by the company or by an employee. The rates can be found here.
Company Car Policies
How to Design an Electric Vehicle Company Car Policy
For a company to stay competitive in terms of the benefits it offers in relation to company cars, they should consider reviewing and updating their policies and, perhaps, consider developing an EV company car policy. Here’s some best practice advice and tips on doing exactly that from The Association of Fleet Professional’s EV, Alternative Fuels and Low Carbon Committee:
Understanding the Tax Advantages of Electric Vehicles
The realms of tax benefits in relation to company cars is an absolute minefield, feast your financial director’s eyes on these resources, consult your accountant, or employ an expert who can design a policy that best suits your employees and bottom-line.
The benefit in kind (BiK) is a percentage of the list price of the car when it was new, and the percentage applied increases in line with the CO2 emissions of the car. This is why many company car drivers are now looking at electric vehicles – either plug-ins or self-charging hybrids – as a tax efficient alternative.
Conclusion
There are many good reasons to ‘ditch the diesel’ and reconsider our motor vehicle choices in general. When considering EVs and PHEVs, ensuring the car is ‘fit for purpose’ is key; choose wisely ensuring the daily mileage is within the range of the EV. When considering PHEVs be prepared for additional maintenance costs and management time. If implemented correctly the introduction of PHEVs should benefit both the employee and employer with significant tax savings, improved environmental and fuel savings, as well as reduce charges in emission-based charging zones.
For rock-bottom benefit-in-kind tax bills, you can’t beat a pure-electric car. But a hybrid is very much the next best thing, especially a plug-in hybrid with a healthy battery-powered range. And switching from a petrol or diesel to a hybrid takes less getting used to than changing to a fully electric car.
PHEVs are more expensive and will attract higher rental rates, however factoring in NI, fuel costs, SMR over life-time of the vehicle they can be significantly cheaper than the traditional ICE. Ensure you check out the whole life cost (WLC) calculations, which are explained on most car manufacturers’ websites such as Volkswagen. https://www.volkswagen.co.uk/en/finance-offers-and-fleet/fleet/whole-life-costs.html
Electric vehicles are very expensive and employers should consider that they will be above most employee’s pay grades. Consider allowing employees to trade-up based on WLC by making a private contribution, thus reducing BiK tax and salary sacrifice schemes for pure EVs only.
Charging points in the home – who will pay? Company or employee?
Claiming tax relief for using privately owned EVs – See Understanding the Tax Advantages
Employees living in rental accommodation, or no driveway – how will they charge their EV or PHEV
Declaration from employee to sign to take responsibility for charging effectively at their cost
Fuel policies can be complex and advice from an accountancy expert should be sought
Government grants for plug-ins, tax relief for electric and VAT rules for EVs
Indeed, the realms of company car benefits and tax are growing in complexity! Before accepting a role, candidates should consider fully the company car policy or car allowance on offer to them, and when choosing car allowance weigh-up whether car ownership or lease plan would work better for them. SFR Recruitment Solutions supports all of its candidates in securing new roles within the hardware, ironmongery and access control sectors, whilst finding companies all the talent they need to grow their businesses. If you need help securing talent or finding your next role, including car benefits or not, why not reach out to us.
Jargon Buster! Car Terminology that will Blow Your Mind
You may or may not be familiar with these acronyms and terms – there is no escape! ?
BiK – Benefit in Kind is any non-cash benefit of monetary value that you provide for your employee. These benefits can also be referred to as notional pay, fringe benefits or perks.
E-REV – Extended-Range Electric vehicle. Car uses an electric motor, but is also able to use an internal combustion engine to generate power, keeping a minimum level of charge in the battery whenever it gets low. These vehicles help alleviate drivers’ worries about running out of power in electric car.
EV – An electric vehicle. A car that’s largely powered by an electric motor. This can cover everything from E-REVs to Hybrids.
Hybrid – Any vehicle which is powered by both a fuel engine and an electric motor. Many hybrids will jump between the two ‘modes’ when driving conditions are best suited to that particular form of power.
ICE – Internal Combustion Engine
PHEV – Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. This refers to a type of car with a particularly good range of electric power, owing to a large propulsion battery
Range – The distance any given electric vehicle can travel, from full charge, before it would run out and require charging again.
RDE2 – (formerly RDE) stands for Real Driving Emissions step 2. It’s the new real-world testing procedure that all newly launched cars must meet.
SMR – service, maintenance and repair
WLC – Whole Life Cost
WLTP – Worldwide harmonized Light-duty vehicles Test Procedure
