Job Title: External Sales Engineer
Location: Farnworth, Bolton
Salary: GBP36,000 : GBP45,000 per annum
Job Type: Full time, Permanent
Working Hours: 38 hours per week; Monday to Thursday 07:30 to 16:00 and Friday 07:30 to 12:50.
About Us:
Backer Heatrod is a leading UK manufacturer of electric heating elements and industrial heating solutions. As part of the global NIBE Element Group, we design and produce both standard and bespoke heating products for a wide range of industries including process, food and beverage, and chemical sectors.
About the Role:
The External Technical Sales Engineer is office:based with responsibility for proactively driving business growth and expanding customer accounts. This role includes regular customer visits for technical discussions, presentations, and commercial negotiations, and therefore a full UK driving licence is required for use of a company/pool car. You will manage multiple product portfolios, provide technical expertise throughout the sales cycle, and work closely with internal teams to ensure successful project delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
* Directly manage business figures across multiple product portfolios in the UK.
* Develop and maintain customer accounts, building long:term technical and commercial relationships.
* Detect and pursue new business opportunities and market applications.
* Provide technical support throughout the sales cycle, including offers, contracts, and specifications.
* Participate in customer meetings, technical discussions, and presentations, including regular site visits.
* Collaborate closely with internal teams (Engineering and Operations) to ensure successful project delivery.
* Identify and monitor market trends, competitor activity, and emerging technologies to inform sales strategy.
* Support tendering and bid preparation, including reviewing specifications, coordinating pricing, and responding to technical clarifications.
* Build and manage a structured CRM sales pipeline, tracking leads, opportunities, and follow:ups.
* Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules to achieve profitable outcomes.
* Represent the company at trade shows, exhibitions, and customer events to generate leads and enhance visibility.
* Focus on customer retention while driving proactive growth.
* Assist in resolving customer queries, claims, and quality issues.
* Demonstrate strong numerical and analytical skills in handling orders, quotations, and reporting.
* Communicate effectively with customers, internal teams, and suppliers.
About you:
Essential Requirements:
* HNC or Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline.
* Experience in customer facing technical or external sales roles, ideally with new business development.
* Full UK driving licence required for pool car use and willingness to travel regularly.
* Familiarity with ISO 9001 or other quality standards.
* Strong IT skills, including MS Office, CRM systems, and data reporting tools.
* Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to engage with customers at all levels.
* Numerical and analytical skills for interpreting technical specifications, quotations, sales reporting, and pricing decisions.
* Commercial awareness and ability to prioritise tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet sales targets.
* Problem solving mindset with attention to detail.
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
* Organisational skills, accuracy, and accountability in quotation preparation, order processing, and CRM maintenance.
Benefits:
* 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
* Cash Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme.
* Cycle to work scheme.
* Full training and support.
* Opportunities for career progression.
* Friendly and inclusive working environment.
* Pension scheme based on auto enrolment percentages.
* On:site parking
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