• SFR RECRUITMENT SOLUTIONS

Tag: Ironmongery

Blog Post

Helping the Herd-The Elephants in the Room Pt 1

Oct 26, 2023 , , , by sfrrecruitment
When One Moves on: Migrating to Pastures New.
Written by Bryony Matthews & Matthew Robinson

The only thing worse than a work bestie leaving is probably if the go-to guru leaves. You know the type…they live and breathe insider knowledge and are somewhere between the ‘Yoda’ or ‘Alexa’ of your business.

ChatGPT has nothing on them. They know the ungoogleable.

In fact, they often are ungoogleable – among the few that remain off the grid.

Sometimes talent lies in these hidden gems. Oftentimes, talent hides in plain sight and it is easy to forget how niche the industry really is, as we remain immersed in our day-to-day norm.

As a collective, ironmongers in the construction world very much have hidden talents that will become increasingly more relevant, as the requirement to demonstrate competency rises.

The talent pool, however talented, is limited. And the risks that occur when one moves on, can have a ripple effect.

Addressing this head on, requires a balanced level of awareness so that we can challenge norms, nurture positive responses and steer clear of only reviewing risks from a negative perspective.

This is a challenge in and of itself, but it is important to highlight, that in order to grasp the true impact of when talent leaves the industry, calls first for recognition of the value that lies in the talent that we have.

Competent ironmongers are individuals with a very particular set of skills. Skills that have been acquired throughout their career, skills that would make anyone in the industry with a vacancy say ‘I will look for you, I will find you, and I will hire you’.

Point taken.

So, when talent leaves a niche industry such as ours, both the workforce and employers may be faced with several risks, such as; loss of expertise, decreased efficiency, talent shortage, as well as delays and disruption to business as usual.

With a view to maintaining a solution led focus, we explore some initiatives to help minimise the impacts and inspire some solutions, when one moves on;

  1. Reducing the Risks of Burnout When someone leaves the proverbial building, taking all of their knowledge with them, the rest of the team can be left scrambling for the answer like a countdown conundrum. Firefighting can be caused by many things- but where talent leaving the industry is concerned, the risk of burnout can be proactively reduced through establishing continuity plans.

This involves having systems, processes, and documentation in place to enable others to seamlessly pick up the workload and access relevant information to continue the work – without significant interruption and without unnecessary firefighting. Cultivating and contributing to this way of working also ensures minimal disruption in case one of the team is suddenly unable to work.

  1. Reducing the Risks of Poaching It’s one thing for talent to leave a company, but it’s another for talent to be poached by another industry. When talent leaves, the risk of poaching can increase due to the temptation in others to follow suit, or because of the ripple effect created by the workload.

We know that the workforce has transferable skills that are desirable for head hunters. Simply providing an open forum to discuss issues can help reduce the risk of talent being lured away. Evaluating and benchmarking are both essential practices to help identify gaps and develop strategies to improve.

Where there is no progression available for an employee, ironmongers that pursue a new opportunity but remain in the industry, contribute to the quality, skills and knowledge of the existing workforce and can serve to improve the value and reputation of the sector. Whilst this may create a gap for their employer, the conservation of talent is of benefit to the wider community.

  1. Reducing the Risks of Delays

Positions can remain vacant for a longer period than is comfortable, or manageable. Based on the time it takes to fill positions in the architectural ironmongery sector, it’s important to reduce the impact of delays and any potential disruption.

Job descriptions that are up-to-date, inclusive, and clearly outline how to demonstrate attributes, not only to support development discussions but help to optimise the recruitment process. Employers that are open to training candidates and have a clear CPD structure can naturally reduce delays, by opening the position to a wider pool.

Getting people connected at the right place and the right time, as SFR can do, can also support efficient placements. Knowledge of the recruitment climate can not only help to indicate the potential time it will take to fill the opening, but can help to retain talent in the industry.

Whilst we have looked at the impact on businesses, where individuals are concerned, there are different considerations to be made when looking for a position. This leads us on to part two, where we look at jumbo opportunities and titles.

As professionals navigate the ever-changing landscape of their careers, transitioning to new sectors can feel like traversing a challenging terrain. However, should adventure lead to no more than an elephant graveyard, individuals should be assured that they can absolutely find their way back and reclaim a title to thrive in their chosen field once again.

As the headline that inspired this series suggests, we are ready to respond – ‘Returning Talent, We Welcome You!’.

Vacancies

Sales Administrator – SFR376

Oct 19, 2023 , , by sfrrecruitment

A fantastic opportunity for full time employment has arisen at a very successful and fast paced, forward thinking Ironmongery business in Birmingham.

Our client would like to recruit an enthusiastic customer focused Internal Sales Administrator.

  • Internal – Head-office B6
  • 40 hours per week – Monday to Friday
  • Rewarding Culture
  • Company pension
  • Employee discount
  • On-site free parking

What we would like to you to do.

  • Handling order and product enquiries via email, telephone, live chat and social media
  • Daily inputting of customer sales orders via various methods and invoicing orders
  • Managing orders by reviewing out of stock items and back orders
  • Booking in deliveries and building shipments online and via customer portals
  • Processing customer returns and raising credits  
  • Updating and maintaining inventory across all channels
  • Maintaining customer feedback and account health
  • Handling customer complaints
  • Dealing with courier and customer claims
  • Creating and maintaining website/platform content
  • Liaising with other departments such as warehouse, purchasing and accounts team
  • Other general office administrative tasks

If you are successful.

This role presents a great opportunity to work in a fast developing Ironmongery business. The successful candidate for the role will ideally carry following key skills and qualities:

  • Sound computer knowledge
  • Capability to understand Microsoft Office Apps, ERP software
  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Ability to multitask and use own initiative in a busy demanding environment
  • Confident, thorough and attentional to detail
  • A quick learner, with a collaborative can-do attitude
  • Passionate about helping customers

Fast-paced, forward thinking, progressive business, therefore you will need to be able to adapt to change, be a quick thinker, work well under pressure and take initiatives. You will also be self-motivated and able to prioritise your work load, whilst working as a team.

Ability to commute/relocate: Birmingham, B6.

If you are interested in this position, please contact SFR Recruitment Solutions.

Architectural Ironmongery / Door Sets / Locks & Security

        Access Control / Washroom / Automation

Vacancies

Project Manager – SFR373

Oct 9, 2023 , , , , by sfrrecruitment

SFR Recruitment Solutions are very excited to be working on this exciting position to join an established and leading supplier or Ironmongery and Doorset solutions.

Main Purpose of the Job

To support field sales teams, respond to client’s invitations to tender and manage ongoing projects.

Essential Skills

  • Scheduling Architectural Ironmongery
  • GAI Diploma holder

Key Activities

  • Producing accurate and compliant door schedules and estimates
  • To ensure that all customers quotations are handled quickly and effectively and are followed up within the time standards agreed.
  • Manage new and existing projects
  • To manage clients’ contact at all levels
  • Be the eyes and ears of the company and provide feedback to the Directors on compliance, developments, competitive innovations, and perceived customer needs

Nice to Have

  • Knowledge of sales of Timber Door Sets
  • Reg AI
  • Relevant professional qualifications

If you are interested in this position, please contact SFR Recruitment Solutions.

Architectural Ironmongery | Internal & External Doors | Access Control | Window & Door Hardware

Vacancies

Area Sales Manager – SFR332

Feb 7, 2023 , , , by sfrrecruitment

Our client is an established and well respected Architectural Ironmonger located in Yorkshire.

We are looking to recruit an Area Sales Manager covering the North of England/M62 corridor from Sheffield upwards but not into Scotland. The successful candidate will require experience in the architectural ironmongery industry, ideally in an external sales role. They will be responsible for maintaining and developing a previous customer base as well as developing new customers and business opportunities.

Any person applying must be comfortable dealing with main contractors, joinery sub contractors, internal fit out companies and architects, G.A.I qualified would be an advantage but not a necessity.

The successful candidate would be supplied with a fully expensed company car, mobile phone and laptop. They will be entitled to 22 days annual leave and will be enrolled in the companies pension scheme.

Responsibilities:

  • Build strong long lasting relationships with all customers.
  • Generate new enquires for future work and secure orders.
  • Identify new business opportunities and follow them through.
  • Assist with the running of the projects for example site visits.
  • Overall management of customer account.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: £40,000 – 50,000 per year including bonus.

Please get in touch with Matthew at SFR Recruitment Solutions if you wish to learn more or apply for this position. 

Vacancies

Internal Sales Person – SFR312

Oct 13, 2022 , , by sfrrecruitment

Our client is a designer and manufacturer of luxury door and window hardware, supplying to prestigious properties around the world. A Sales Representative is required to join the growing team and we are looking for someone with a proven track record of achieving sales whilst growing and progressing client accounts through the sales cycle.

Working as part of our team towards sales targets the role will involve:

– Making outbound calls to customers and prospects

– Building relationships, providing a high quality of service and identifying sales opportunities.

– Dealing with phone and email enquiries, following up opportunities through to point of sale.

– Accurately processing orders within a timely and efficient manner.

– General office administration duties.

This position would suit a proactive, committed, and enthusiastic individual with a willingness to learn an exciting new portfolio whilst maintaining and continually expanding product knowledge. Reliable and punctual, sales driven, friendly, confident with good communication and written skills, with experience working within a similar role.

This is an exciting position within a well-established and ambitious company. Working hours are Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.00pm and 8.30am-4.00pm Friday. New modern offices and free onsite parking.

If you are interested in this position, please contact SFR Recruitment Solutions.

Vacancies

Ironmongery Scheduler – SFR311

Sep 28, 2022 , , by sfrrecruitment

Our client is a single source supplier of performance doorsets and architectural ironmongery providing high quality products ideally suited to the health, education, commercial, defence, office fit-out and high-end residential markets.

With over 150 years of combined management experience within the doorset and ironmongery industry, they have invested more than £10m to create two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities.

The newly created role, Ironmongery Estimating Scheduler.  It is an opportunity to join the team right at the beginning of our new journey where our client will improve customers experience by implementing a new robust ironmongery scheduling system which will integrate with and improve both our internal and external existing supply chain processes.  Enabling us to look with confidence to grow our ironmongery and integrated package sales which is the future of the industry.

Principle duties and Key Responsibilities

  • To diligently develop certified integrated package specifications.
  • To accurately and commercially prequalify and prepare customer quotes and pricing schedules, ensuring company margins are protected and customer expectations met. 
  • Liaise directly with customers explaining our quote in detail and assisting with any queries, by telephone, email, Teams, or site visits – wherever possible building trust and relationships.
  • To provide necessary technical, product specification and factory recess (CNC) support to your Door Scheduling and Door Production colleagues.
  • Coordination of incoming supply of project specific “Free Issue” components from our customer supply chain partners.
  • To ensure that any design changes or variations within a contract are captured. 
  • Represent the Company at industry events and forums.
  • Work towards industry recognised Continual Professional Development.

Essentials:

  • Experience in understanding how to commercially analyse ironmongery schedules in conjunction with door schedules, general arrangement drawings, fire strategy drawings, lock suiting strategies and NBS P21 specifications.
  • Recent experience using the Intec Door Scheduling software.
  • GAI Diploma is Scheduling or equally approved equivalent.
  • 3 years + ironmongery scheduling experience.
  • Driving License.
  • Competent on all Microsoft Office applications, in particular Excel.

Desirable:

  • An appreciation of the criteria of L20 specifications and previous experience in supplying “Integrated Doors and Ironmongery” packages.  

Benefits:

You will be auto enrolled into the company pension scheme after three months’ service, where current levels are at 3% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution.

  • Your holiday entitlement will be 25 days paid holiday per annum; a number of which must be taken in conjunction with Christmas, New Year and Easter. You will also be entitled to 8 days paid statutory holidays per annum. The holiday period runs from 1st October to 30th September each year and your holidays for the period will be pro rata accordingly.               
  • Death in service life assurance benefit equivalent to 2 x annual salary •   Free onsite parking

If you are interested in this position, please contact SFR Recruitment Solutions.

Vacancies

Business Development Manager – SFR307

Sep 13, 2022 , , , by sfrrecruitment

Our client is a leading British Manufacturers of the Finest Architectural Hardware are looking to recruit an experienced Business Development Manager to grow and develop profitable sales across its multiple sales channels

The ideal candidate will have an understanding of the specification sales process and have experience in dealing with Architectural Ironmongers, Interior Designers and Architects, as well as the OEM Market

Principle duties and Key responsibilities.

  • Increasing sales by achieving agreed quarterly sales targets.
  • Maintain and develop relationship with an existing established customer base
  • Identify and develop new opportunities across multiple market sectors
  • Manage and plan your time efficiently and effectively making contact with your customers and potential customers via appropriate methods.
  • Increase market awareness and promote the company brand.
  • Actively update activity records via our CRM system.
  • Produce quotations in line with customer expectations
  • Represent the Company at industry events and forums
  • Work towards industry recognised Continual Professional Development

Reporting to the Head of Sales monthly analysing your individual performance through sales figures and KPI’s, the company service levels, market activity and competitor activity.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities required

The ideal candidate will have experience within the Architectural Ironmongery or Door and Window Market and either hold or will be working towards recognised industry qualifications (DipGAI, RegAI, FDIS)

You will need to be self-motivated with excellent communication and people skills with experience of specifying a selling a technical product

PC Literate with experience of the usual MS office products as well as understanding of the use of professional CRM Systems

What can you expect?

A competitive package with benefits including:

· Group Life Insurance

· Pension with employer contribution

· In addition our employees get 30 days annual leave in 2022 including their Birthday.

Please advise details of current salary with application.

Vacancies

Area Sales Manager – SFR306

Sep 13, 2022 , , , by sfrrecruitment

Our client is a privately owned and growing company. Leading suppliers of Architectural Ironmongery and Security product ranges.

We are looking for a candidate who will join this sales team with a hunger to develop an existing customer base and increase sales revenue for Mechanical and electro locking systems, panic hardware and general Architectural Ironmongery.

The successful individual must demonstrate or have: –

  • Successful external sales experience within the U.K. lock products industry for a lock manufacturer, distributor, large locksmith organisation or similar.
  • Some knowledge and understanding of access control and / or electronic locking systems.
  • A good knowledge and understanding of mechanical locking and master key systems.
  • A good knowledge and understanding of Panic Hardware.
  • Some knowledge and understanding of Door Furniture and accessories.
  • G.A.I. qualifications and /or proven completion of any stage of the G.A.I education process could be advantageous
  • Must be highly computer literate with an excellent knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel and Word programmes.
  • Excellent commercial and product sector awareness.
  • Enthusiastic, self motivated, positive and energetic personality.

The successful individual will be offered: –

  • Competitive basic salary and commission/ bonus structure
  • Laptop and mobile phone
  • Company car and petrol card
  • Company expenses card
  • Company Pension Scheme

If you are interested in this position, please contact SFR Recruitment Solutions.

Vacancies

Business Development Manager – SFR303

Sep 1, 2022 , , , , by sfrrecruitment

Our client is looking for a successful Business Development Manager to join the growing team.

They are a manufacturer and supplier to the trade of Ironmongery, fixings and fastenings.

General Summary

To build professional and reliable relationships with current and potential customers and to become their “trusted regional account manager”.

Principle duties and Key responsibilities:

  • Increasing sales and achieving agreed quarterly sales targets.
  • Planning your time efficiently and effectively making contact with your customers and potential customers via appropriate methods.
  • Actively update activity records via our state of the art CRM system.
  • Produce accurate quotes and orders for sales using our bespoke computer and app system.
  • Build and maintain good working relationships with colleagues, managers, and office-based staff in order to facilitate an aligned approach to sales and after sales service to customers.
  • Actively seek to acquire further skills and knowledge of our products across all brands and services in order to build up your expertise, customer confidence and offer an industry leading service to customers and potential customers.
  • Remain appraised of trends in our customer industries, with matters and issues affecting clients and potential clients in your region/territory, and of competitor offers and services.

Reporting to your line manager on a monthly basis analysing your territory performance through sales figures and KPI’s, the company service levels, market activity and competitor activity.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required

To be successful in the role, we are looking for someone with proven experience of achieving challenging sales targets, demonstrable experience gained within the sales environment. Someone who is comfortable in contacting customers using appropriate methods, whilst being able to use our CRM proficiently. You will also need to be highly organised and capable of planning, and prioritising workload.

We require someone who has knowledge of hardware/ fixing products, proven skills in building and maintaining relationships leading to sales and repeat sales and proven sales ability from enquiry to order in a B2B environment.

You will need to be self-motivated who is open minded and excited about selling various brands into the same customer, analytical and flexible with excellent communication skills and must be able to demonstrate initiative whilst working along and as part of a complete sales force.

What can you expect?

  • Holidays increasing with service to a maximum of 37 days.
  • Group Life insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Christmas shutdown.
  • Pension Scheme.
  • Discounts on our ranges of products.
  • Monthly car allowance
  • Quarterly bonus scheme

Please get in contact with Lorna at SFR recruitment solutions if you wish to learn more or apply for this position

Vacancies

Sales Manager – Built Environment – MR301

Aug 18, 2022 , , , by sfrrecruitment

SFR Recruitment Solutions are very excited to be working on this exciting Southern Sales Manager opportunity. We are working closely with a business built on innovation and technology.

They offer complete commitment to providing high quality service to customers and throughout the Residential, Heath, Education, Commercial and University sectors.

Vacancy Description

This role requires a driven & high calibre, NEW BUSINESS FOCUSED SALES MANAGER looking to enhance their career with one of the Pioneers and industry innovators in sustainable Locking Systems, Electromechanical Locks, Cylinders, Digital Locking Systems & other closely aligned solutions.

Due to growth and expansion, we are seeking to recruit an experienced and highly motivated SALES MANAGER to join the team with responsibility for promoting the full portfolio of Digital Locking products and solutions to the built environment in London. Built environment covers hospitals, schools, student housing, property management, but to let, office rental, etc.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Sales, The SALES MANAGER will be responsible for:

  • Prospect for new clients by networking, drawing on existing contacts and relationships, cold calling, site visits or other means of generating interest along with be responsibility for maintaining, growing, nurturing and developing existing key accounts.
  • Plan persuasive approaches and pitches that will convince potential clients to do business with our clients based on facts.
  • Develop a rapport with new clients, set targets for sales and provide support that will continually improve customer relations.
  • Grow and retain existing accounts by presenting new products, solutions and services to clients by working with mid and senior level management, marketing, and technical staff.
  • Introduce controlled sales growth by strategic planning and target KPI’s.
  • The sales team ultimate aim is to create market pull for products, supports and trains the dealer partners and designers and also helps the end customers by defining their needs and offering suitable solutions from the product offering.
  • The candidate’s responsibility is to create market pull by actively meeting and consulting potential end customers about the benefits of their products vs mechanical access systems and to identify new business opportunities. This is critical to be successful in the role.
  • The successful Candidate will also actively develop partner network in the area and take care of area sales and support of the end customers.
  • The successful Candidate will proactively participate in the marketing of the products and solutions by promoting the company actively on relevant business fairs, events and social media along with demonstrating a high level of commercial acumen with competitor activity and the development of competing products.
  • The 3 year plan is for the Sales Manager to have a turnover in excess of £1M per year.

Key Skills and Experience:

  • The successful candidate will be a highly motivated sales professional that is digitally and technically minded with at least 5 years professional sales experience, of which at least 3 years should be ideally working within a B2B sales role within a similar product sector: EAC, A.I, Door Entry, Locks, Locking Systems, Security Products, Lifts & Escalators or any other relevant mechanically biased technically orientated product sectors related to a partner network etc

Sector experience

  • Advantage to have experience and connections with my clients  primarily targeted customer segments; Residential & student housing, Schools and public facilities, Hospitals, offices, buy to let ,property services.

Technical skills

  • Technical skills that enable the candidate to understand the locking industry or access control industry.
  • Good IT skills. Need to have drivers license.

Salary & Benefits            

Basic salary + very lucrative uncapped commission structure + bonus + car + pension + 25 days holiday + mobile + laptop + excellent career development opportunities.

If you are interested in this position, please contact SFR Recruitment Solutions.

SFR Recruitment Solutions