Trainee Technical Sales Designer
James Oliver Conservatories Ltd, Lincoln
Full-time | Permanent
The opportunity
James Oliver Conservatories is looking for a confident, creative and technically minded person to train as a Technical Sales Designer.
This is a varied role combining customer service, design, sales and construction knowledge. You will help homeowners develop their ideas for new living spaces, including conservatories and home extensions, before turning those ideas into practical designs, CAD drawings and detailed quotations, before converting these quotes to orders ready for our Operational team to build!
You do not need previous experience in the industry. We will provide structured training in our products, design principles, software, pricing systems and sales process.
Initially, you will accompany experienced members of the team on customer appointments and receive close support. As your knowledge and confidence develop, you will begin managing your own enquiries and projects.
What you will learn to do:
- Attend customers homes to discuss their ideas, requirements and budget.
- Advise customers on suitable conservatories, extensions and other living-space options.
- Take initial dimensions, photographs and site information.
- Develop attractive and practical designs that meet the customer’s needs.
- Produce accurate CAD drawings, specifications and quotations.
- Clearly present designs and explain the available products and options.
- Revise proposals following customer feedback.
- Follow up enquiries and help customers make informed purchasing decisions.
- Work with our surveying, order-processing and installation teams.
- Develop an understanding of products, construction, planning considerations, Building Regulations, materials and product performance.
- Maintain accurate customer and project records.
- Provide an excellent customer experience from the first appointment through to order.
About you
We are looking for someone who:
- Is interested in design, construction, architecture, property or home improvement.
- Enjoys meeting people and can communicate confidently and professionally.
- Can listen carefully and turn a customer’s ideas into a practical proposal.
- Is comfortable discussing prices and developing the confidence to sell. Our approach is as technical expert advisors to customers that have already expressed interest. We do not believe in hard selling or cold calling.
- Has good attention to detail and takes pride in producing accurate work.
- Is numerate, organised and comfortable using computers.
- Is willing to learn technical information and develop strong product knowledge.
- Can manage several enquiries and priorities at the same time.
- Is reliable, enthusiastic and able to take responsibility for their own development.
Previous experience with CAD, design, construction or sales would be helpful, but it is not essential. Full training will be provided.
A full UK driving licence will be required before attending customer appointments independently in the future.
What we offer
- A basic salary with room to progress, with reviews as your skills and responsibilities develop.
- Full training from an experienced design, sales and technical team.
- Training in CAD and industry-specific design software.
- Involvement in customer projects from concept through to installation.
- Opportunities to visit completed projects, suppliers and industry events.
- A clear route to progress into a permanent Technical Sales Designer position
- Long-term opportunities to develop within an established local company.
How to apply
Please send us your CV together with a short covering note explaining why you are interested in design, construction and working directly with customers.
We are not expecting applicants to arrive with all the necessary technical knowledge. We are looking for the right attitude, strong communication skills and a genuine willingness to learn.
No agencies please
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Work Location: In person
