London, UK
Material specification consultant
at Surface Matter
Surface Matter is seeking a material specification consultant to join its team in London.
Surface Matter work with some of the most exciting materials out there – from sheets made of recycled paper to colourful panels that rethink plastic waste. We bridge the gap between the creatives who push the boundaries of architecture and design and the joiners and makers who are so good at bringing materials to life. Our inspiring high-end surface materials have sustainable qualities and can be used in everything from retail and office spaces to kitchens or skate parks. We are looking for someone with initiative and an interest in surface materials to drive and support sales of our surface materials end-to-end.
The materials we work with are incredibly versatile and can be used in everything from retail and office environments to kitchens or skate parks, which means you’ll work with people from a broad range of touchpoints and industries. As material specification consultant, you’ll meet with clients in our materials studio in London Fields – working through projects, discussing design criteria and material suitability, offering samples, giving technical information and ultimately supplying the material. This is the perfect role for someone who views sales as an opportunity to build relationships, promote great products without pushing them and be involved in exciting specification-led projects throughout the UK and EMEA.
The role
Sales:
- answering enquiries and developing leads into sales – asking questions, identifying opportunities, suggesting solutions and escalating if more support is needed
- promoting products, developing relationships and driving sales through solution-based selling
- producing quotes, sample orders, processing sales and making sure any related activities are in hand and communicated proactively while setting realistic expectations
- building product knowledge and shadowing on projects to hone your communication skills, working on larger and more challenging projects with time
- presenting our brand and our materials in our studio, in virtual presentations and at design firms, tradeshows and events
Project support:
- managing and prioritising projects, opportunities, sales and related tasks within our CRM/ERP system, Odoo from initial enquiry through to delivery and aftercare
- reporting on your pipeline, sales, clients, meetings and presentations
- discussing and strategising sales, opportunities, marketing, operations, projects and areas for action or improvement at weekly team meetings
- staying in touch with materials, architecture and design news and events
- helping achieve and grow our social, environmental and business strategies
Customer relationship management:
- cultivating relationships, making useful connections, touching base with customers to reignite interest and develop new business opportunities
- working with the team and our suppliers to understand products, changes to lead times, troubleshoot issues and explore new developments
- providing aftersales support and sharing project imagery and info to help develop new projects
- developing relationships within and adding to our fabricator network
Who we’re looking for:
- a tactful communicator, you’re good at digesting and relaying complex information to people from different cultures and industries
- you care about making the most of any situation and think about the long term
- someone who likes speaking to people and isn’t afraid to pick up the phone, lead a presentation or follow up on progress
- self-motivated and super-organised, you’re keen to juggle multiple projects at once, setting and meeting priorities, timelines and goals
- enthusiastic about materials, you crave to know how it’s made and what it can do
- commercial sales experience within the architecture and design/construction industry preferable
What we can offer:
- full time, permanent position
- £27,000 – £32,000 salary and performance bonus, cycle and tech schemes
- 22 plus eight days annual leave, increasing up to 25 plus eight with length of service, plus your birthday off
- professional development reviews and extensive ongoing training and learning
- open plan, inspiring studio with sit-stand desks and healthy snacks and refreshments to keep you going
- team lunches and events
- an opportunity to learn about materials and manufacturing, visit interiors and see objects and projects you’ve worked on
Get in touch
We believe in working with good people, thinking long term and continuously striving to do better. We want everyone in our team to feel valued and to grow with us – regardless of race, religion, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, disability or social, financial, cultural or educational background. Joining our small team in a varied and evolving role means there are always interesting projects to get involved in to help us move forward together and achieve your goals.
If this sounds like the job for you apply with your CV on Stryve with a short note about why you think you’d make a great fit – your journey, what skillsets you’re hoping to develop and what you like about the job and our company.