The Company Chandlers Building Supplies Founded in 1993, Chandlers Building Supplies is an independent builders’ merchant with branches across the South East of England in Surrey, Sussex and Kent. Offering over 20,000 individual product lines to meet the needs of all construction and refurbishment projects, large or small. At Chandlers Building Supplies, we have a deep respect and appreciation for our customers. We strive to serve their needs for quality building supplies every day through eight branches across Surrey, Sussex & Kent, with over 242 employees supporting our vision to be the best local merchant to do business with. The desire to serve our customers has been the driving force behind our growth and our strategy. We are dedicated to our people and supporting our local communities. From our Branch Support Centres to the employees throughout our branches, every individual plays a role in helping ensure the business’ success. Chandlers Building Supplies is proud to be part of the Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG). IBMG is the largest independent merchant group in the South of England operating through five core divisions (Builders Merchants, Timber, Plumbing & Heating, Roofing and Electrical), primarily serving trade customers with an extensive range of products. IBMG has over 170 branches extending from Penzance to Margate, generating revenues in excess of £650 million and are supported by over 2,200 colleagues. The Role We are looking to add to a full time Internal Sales Assistant to join our growing team at Chandlers Petworth branch. The ideal candidate should be customer focus, conscientious with excellent communication and teamwork skills. The position requires previous electrical wholesale experience with good product knowledge. Full training will be provided with company benefits including company pension and employee discount scheme. Daily Duties Serve customers politely and efficiently to ensure customer satisfaction Provide customers with advice and guidance on the selection and use of products and support colleagues in your areas of expertise Maximise sales using linked selling and other appropriate skills Drive sales forward using appropriate selling techniques e.g. effective quotation follow up, proactive promotional selling, effective telephone marketing Maximise the use of the information technology available to enhance presentation to customers and company performance (e.g. Cad systems, supplier CD Rom catalogues etc.) Ensure all telephones are answered promptly and politely, covering for colleagues as appropriate All enquiries and quotations must be priced quickly and efficiently using market and system information to gain orders at maximum margin for the company Monitor and effectively use customer special terms Support external representation to ensure that customer accounts are developed to achieve maximum sales, allowing the representative to spend as much time as possible developing new and additional business Upon instruction, be prepared to undertake site surveys to satisfy customer requirements, ensuring customers acknowledge details of goods prior to placing order (e.g. kitchen and bathroom planning, joinery survey, truss measurement etc.) Service customer orders from branch stock profile where ever possible and appropriate Ensure all customer special orders and directs are placed with preferred suppliers (in accordance with Company policy) having negotiated the best possible price and using the correct documentation Liaise with customer and internal department/supplier to ensure delivery requirements are met. Customers must be informed of any delays or problems in meeting those requirements Upon the receipt of customer special orders ensure prompt delivery/collection. Cancelled or incorrect orders should be returned promptly to supplier. All rehandling charges must be considered and commercial decisions made Monitor potential issues with customer credit limits and payments. Liaise with Branch Management/Supervisor as necessary to maximise sales potential and minimise financial risk Maintain an up to date knowledge of products technology and regulations in order to support or further customer service Be aware of competitor and customers’ activities to identify commercial threats and sales opportunities Follow the Company procedure in the handling of all monies and selection of payment types Ensure the preparation of documentation for goods to be returned by customers for credit/refund Deal with any customer complaints quickly and properly, seeking guidance from your Supervisor/Branch Manager where needed or appropriate Keep all sales and display areas clean and tidy ensuring manufacturers’ literature is kept up to date Advise of apparent stock shortages in order to achieve good stock management When covering other departments ensure correct procedures are followed The Requirements Experience in customer facing sales role Driving licence (desirable) Acknowledged customer service training Experience in a telephone sales environment Technical ability to take–off quantities from plans Any industry recognized training/certification The Hours Week 1: Monday to Friday 07:30-17:00 Week 2: Monday to Friday 07:30-17:00 & Saturday 08:00-12:00 The Rewards Joining us means joining the leading and largest Independent Builders’ Merchant in the South of England. We provide training, support, and opportunities for career progression through our commitment to creating a great work environment where you’re encouraged to be and do your best. You’ll be joining a friendly and welcoming team. We offer an excellent benefits package which includes a competitive salary, pension, bonus scheme, employee assistance programme, perks membership and staff discount.