London, UK
Senior material specification sales consultant
at Surface Matter
Surface Matter is seeking a senior material specification sales 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’re passionate about well-made spaces that stand the test of time and make you want to hang around a little longer. Our design-led surfaces have sustainable qualities and can be used in everything from retail and office spaces to kitchens or skate parks. We bridge the gap between the designers and makers who push the boundaries to bring materials to life, for good.
We are looking for a senior material specification consultant to join our growing team and provide the buzz and energy that drives specifications and develops meaningful relationships. As the main project person working in the studio you lead the sales team, shaping the way we work on projects. Using your excellent communication and leadership skills, you’re there for people to look up to – working collaboratively and setting the example. You love exchanging ideas, sharing stories and offering useful advice to make sure the people we work with feel fully supported.
Tenacious and resilient, you work with a solutions-based approach that prioritises the suitability and longevity of the materials we work with. Drawing upon previous experience to overcome obstacles, you’re self-motivated and welcome ever-changing challenges–consulting with clients and implementing well thought-out solutions. Always asking the right questions to discern criteria and support projects, you imaginatively and regularly re-engage clients to reignite inspiration and build strong ties with specifiers, brands and makers at all levels.
The role
New business development:
- representing Surface Matter at trade shows, events and client meetings
- creating opportunities from visits, phone calls and emails, supporting projects with presentations, case studies, samples, technical, fabrication and pricing information
- asking the right questions and resolving issues with viable, impactful solutions that help support new relationships
- discussing criteria-led solutions with architects, designers and contractors to make sure our materials are used in the right way
- expertly managing projects, sales and related tasks within our CRM/ERP system, Odoo
- delivering efficiently diarised/located material sessions, presentations and site visits
- managing sponsorship requests, gauging suitability and developing collaborations
Customer relationship management:
- developing long-term relationships through calls, meetings, events and catch ups
- keeping an overview to make sure projects receive the right level of attention
- training and expanding our fabricator network, understanding strategies and supporting progress
Sales team leadership:
- collaborating with the team on projects – developing specifications and empowering growth
- reporting, discussing and strategising new products, trends and market changes, addressing areas for improvement
- sharing advice, leading and mentoring others, taking on and developing more complex projects as a whole
- organising events, material sessions and CPDs, boosting attendance and engagement
- shaping our social, environmental and business strategies
Client care:
- producing quotes, sample orders, processing sales and making sure any related activities are in hand and communicated proactively while setting realistic expectations
- sharing care and maintenance information, proactively troubleshooting issues and organising project imagery
- identifying opportunities and suggesting solutions, learning from hurdles and reapplying to avoid future issues
Who we’re looking for:
- passionate about good design, you like working with architects, designers and makers
- a proactive problemsolver, you’re not just good at fixing issues, you’re always thinking long term and coming up with ideas to grow and improve
- excellent communication skills, you love meeting people, asking great questions, listening and adapting
- a natural leader, you welcome the chance to mentor and develop people
- 2 years experience in specification sales preferred
What we can offer:
- full time, permanent position
- £32,000 – £40,000 salary plus performance bonus, pension, cycle and tech schemes
- 22 and 8 days annual leave, increasing up to 25 and 8 with length of service, plus your birthday off
- team lunches and events, professional development reviews and extensive ongoing training
- open plan, inspiring studio with sit-stand desks and healthy snacks and refreshments to keep you going
- an opportunity to grow your leadership skills, improve your knowledge of materials and manufacturing and visit inspiring interiors
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 while achieving your goals.
If this sounds like the job for you apply with your CV on Stryve.