Technical Key Account Manager – UK & Ireland – Woodworking Machinery Manufacturer Living location – M62 corridor – commutable from Nottingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Hull, Sheffield £45,000 - £50,000 p.a. plus Commission on sales plus Year End performance Bonus (up to 10%) company car, health care cash scheme, pension. OTE once established circa £110,000-£120,000 p.a. “Most people think ‘selling’ is the same as ‘talking’. But the most effective salespeople know that listening is the most important part of their job”. Ever worked with salespeople that promise the earth and then it’s down to you implement it? Whilst they’re spending their incoming commission, you’re busting a gut to turn the dream into a reality. Admittedly not to the level of those poor people in charge of delivering the infamous ‘Willy Wonka experience’ up in Glasgow (cue that depressed looking lady with green hair) but, you get the gist. We’re not looking for just ANOTHER salesperson or Key Account Manager that can swing in, take a simple order and fly into the commission sunset. We need more that. A deeper understanding of the woodworking sector that you’ve invested countless hours in and know how to avoid the pitfalls that generic salespeople can fall foul of. You’ve worked on the other side, maybe as a Production Manager, Process Engineer, Project Engineer or even in Design Engineering – but you’ve always appreciated that true solution sales comes down to understanding the needs of the customer and in turn presenting them with the best customised solution. Sure, maybe the thought of working within sales feels a little different, uncomfortable even – but there’s always been a part of you that is excited at the prospect and challenge and deep down you know you can deliver and put that well-earned knowledge to good use. Just to re-iterate – the technical knowledge in woodworking processing / automation is a must here. It’s a complex high value product / service where you’ll be managing c100 Key Accounts with a spend value of anything from £100k to multi million pounds (hence the high OTE above) across the UK and Ireland. Combined with the comprehensive sector knowledge, you’ve sharpened and developed your Project Management skills – working concurrent intricate projects simultaneously, whilst self-motivation has never been in short supply. You’re astute, honest, detail-oriented, organised and reliable. Given front line sales could be new to you, sales training will be supplied both here in the UK and Europe, working closely with the UK MD whose style is very much to serve and support with a realistic and honest appreciation that deals will not happen overnight. Equally, they have an opinion that sales are the consequence of consistent and professional processes, fully understanding the needs of the customer and tailoring the best possible solution. Something that mirrors your approach and philosophy, which has served you well within your career to date. You’ll visit both the UK and European factories, be provided with all the technical training on their systems and be introduced to existing customers to build and develop relationships. This will not be a role where you’re just thrown in to see if you sink or swim – you’ll get the required support and guidance to become effective and self sufficient as quickly as possible. The company It’s a worldwide company striving to add 5% market share in a 5-year period. The focus on Key Accounts and Engineering projects has historically been highly successful but still see significant growth and opportunity in this sector – hence you being a critical part to execute on this. They are one of the largest players in the world, yet still family owned. Targets are demanding (but more than attainable), resources occasionally scarce and competition fierce – yet this is exactly the environment in which you thrive in to remain as one of the very top players within the woodworking industry. Next Steps? If this sounds like a journey you’d want to be part of then get in touch, even if your CV isn’t up to date, just send whatever you have, and we can talk further. Everyone will get a response