Sales Executive Apprenticeship

What will the apprentice be doing?

• Learn and develop understanding of the business, customers, markets and the products and solutions that Macfarlane Packaging can offer
• Obtain a firm grasp of the sales process, learning various techniques and an appreciation of what makes an effective sales professional
• Act as the lead point of contact for your allocated regional customer portfolio, delivering excellent standards of customer service at all times.
• Via field accompaniment training, to gradually take ownership of a territory, undertaking all field sales activities covering both existing account management and generation of new business and customers with the allocated area

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

Lots of on the job training (first 6 months spent internally at our local office, learning our systems / processes, customers and products, shadowing other sales team members etc. After 6 months, you will be gradually introduced and trained 'in the field' via field accompaniment to customer visits and client facing meetings. Completion of your apprenticeship with us will also see you undertake a mandatory level-4 Sales Executive standard, successful completion of which will see you awadred with: Ofqual level 4 sales apprenticeship standard and sales certification/accreditation with the Institute of Sales Professionals (ISP). This will be delivered remotely and within the workplace (no need for day release or college attendance). Via a combination of attending workshops, undertaking e-learning and benefitting from coaching, you will complete modules covering off each stage of the sales process and demonstrate that you have learned things that can improve your performance within the workplace.

The main modules will comprise of:

• Balancing success and effective goal setting
• Sales planning and time management
• Winning attitudes and mindset
• Working with ethics and integrity
• Communication skills and social preferences

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

An official award of the level 4 certificate in sales alongside professional accreditation via the ISP (Institute of Sales Professionals). Our intention, all being well is to also award a permanent contract of employment as Sales Executive to the apprentice upon successful completion of the apprenticeship contract.

As a salesperson within Macfarlane Group, there are a myriad of longer-term opportunities to progress, either into sales management, national accounts or niche category sales roles (or beyond into other functions / disciplines).

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Presentation skills, Administrative skills, Number skills, Team working, Initiative, Patience

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent English (Grade 4) Desired
GCSE or equivalent Mathematics (Grade 4) Desired

Things to consider

Please note a full valid driving license is essential to this role, so please only apply if you have already passed your driving test and hold a license (this is because as stated, you will eventually be expected to spend a large percentage of your working week 'in the field' travelling to customer visits across the wider region.