About Thorns Group
Thorns Group is one of the UK's leading suppliers of furniture, catering equipment, draping and specialist event solutions to the events and exhibitions industry. With over 70 years of experience, an award-winning reputation and millions of items available for hire, we support some of the UK's largest exhibitions, sporting events, conferences and live experiences.
We pride ourselves on operational excellence, exceptional customer service and delivering solutions that help our clients create outstanding events.
Role Purpose
The Sales Administrator plays a vital support role within the Sales Team, ensuring enquiries, quotations, orders and customer communications are handled accurately and efficiently.
Working closely with Account Managers, Operations, Transport, Finance and Purchasing, the Sales Administrator will ensure customers receive an outstanding experience from initial enquiry through to event delivery.
This is a fast-paced role requiring exceptional organisation, attention to detail and the ability to prioritise multiple tasks whilst maintaining excellent customer service.
Key Responsibilities
Sales Administration
- Provide day-to-day administrative support to the Sales Team.
- Prepare accurate quotations using the company ERP/CRM systems.
- Process customer orders and amendments efficiently.
- Ensure all customer information and order details are maintained accurately.
- Create and maintain sales documentation.
- Monitor quotation status and assist the sales team with follow-up activity.
- Produce customer reports, schedules and booking information.
- Assist with contract administration and documentation.
Customer Service
- Act as a first point of contact for customer enquiries.
- Build professional relationships with customers through excellent communication.
- Respond promptly to emails and telephone enquiries.
- Resolve customer queries or escalate where appropriate.
- Ensure customers receive timely updates throughout the sales process.
Operational Support
- Liaise daily with Operations, Transport and Warehouse teams to ensure customer requirements are communicated accurately.
- Assist with booking amendments, additions and reductions.
- Support the coordination of deliveries, collections and installation schedules.
- Ensure all relevant paperwork is completed ahead of events.
Commercial Support
- Support Account Managers with customer account administration.
- Monitor outstanding quotations.
- Assist in producing sales reports and pipeline updates.
- Help identify opportunities to improve customer service and internal processes.
- Support the preparation of tender submissions and customer presentations where required.
General Administration
- Maintain organised electronic filing systems.
- Produce correspondence, reports and meeting notes.
- Support the wider commercial team during busy exhibition and event periods.
- Carry out additional administrative duties as required.
Key Skills & Experience
Essential
- Previous experience in a sales administration or customer service role.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Strong administration and data entry accuracy.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
- High level of attention to detail.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook.
- Professional telephone manner.
- Positive, proactive attitude with a willingness to support colleagues.
Desirable
- Experience within the events, exhibitions, hospitality or hire industry.
- Experience using CRM or ERP systems.
- Understanding of quotation and order processing.
- Knowledge of furniture hire or event logistics.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Strong customer focus.
- Calmness under pressure.
- Positive and enthusiastic attitude.
- Team-first mentality.
- Excellent problem-solving ability.
- Flexibility during busy operational periods.
- Pride in delivering exceptional service.
- Ability to work independently whilst collaborating across departments.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Quotation turnaround time.
- Order accuracy.
- Customer response times.
- Customer satisfaction.
- Administration accuracy.
- CRM/ERP data quality.
- Sales support effectiveness.
- Internal stakeholder feedback.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to work within one of the UK's leading event suppliers.
- Supportive and collaborative team environment.
- Career development opportunities.
- Exposure to some of the UK's largest events and exhibitions.
- Competitive salary.
- Company benefits package.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
Our Values
At Thorns Group we believe that great events are delivered by great people.
We value:
- Customer First
- Operational Excellence
- Teamwork
- Accountability
- Innovation
- Integrity
- Continuous Improvement
Every member of our team plays an important role in delivering exceptional experiences for our customers, and the Sales Administrator is a key part of making that happen.
Pay: £24,784.50-£25,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
