Job Specification: Sales Manager - Structural Steel for Major Construction and Civil Engineering Projects

Position Title: Sales Manager - Structural Steel

Department: Sales

Reports To: Head of Sales / Business Development Director

Location: UK/Ireland (with potential for travel)

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Position Overview:

The Sales Manager will be responsible for driving the growth of the company's structural steel supply business within the UK and Ireland. This involves managing relationships with key stakeholders in major construction and civil engineering projects, identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, and overseeing the successful delivery of projects. The role demands a deep understanding of the construction and steel industries, an ability to manage complex projects, and the capacity to develop strong client relationships to meet sales targets and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Sales and Business Development:

• Client Acquisition and Retention: Identify new business opportunities within the UK and Ireland construction and civil engineering sectors, focusing on the supply of structural steel. Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, including construction contractors, civil engineering firms, and project managers.

• Lead Generation: Source and qualify new leads through a variety of methods, including networking, referrals, industry events, and direct outreach to potential clients.

• Sales Targets: Develop and implement sales strategies to meet or exceed set targets. Maintain a clear sales pipeline and report regularly on progress against objectives.

• Market Research: Stay updated on industry trends, competitor activities, and market demands to identify new opportunities and adjust sales strategies accordingly.

• Tendering and Proposal Management: Lead the preparation and submission of competitive tenders, ensuring compliance with client requirements and accurate costings.

Project Management and Coordination:

• Project Oversight: Manage key projects from inception to completion, ensuring the timely and cost-effective delivery of structural steel supplies.

• Client Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact between clients and the company's internal teams (engineering, procurement, production, and logistics), ensuring seamless communication and client satisfaction.

• Contract Negotiation: Negotiate contracts with clients, addressing project timelines, costs, and delivery schedules while maintaining profitability.

• Risk Management: Identify potential risks to project success, including delays, budget overruns, and quality issues, and take appropriate actions to mitigate them.

• Project Documentation: Oversee the documentation of contracts, proposals, specifications, and communications throughout the project lifecycle.

Relationship Management:

• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including contractors, architects, engineers, and procurement officers.

• Supplier Relationships: Manage relationships with steel manufacturers and suppliers, ensuring competitive pricing, high-quality materials, and adherence to lead times.

• Customer Service: Provide high levels of customer service throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring that client expectations are met and issues are resolved quickly.

Sales Administration and Reporting:

• CRM System Management: Maintain up-to-date records in the CRM system for all client and project interactions, sales progress, and lead tracking.

• Reporting: Regularly report on sales performance, project status, and market conditions to senior management. Provide forecasts and contribute to strategic planning.

• Budget and Cost Control: Monitor project budgets and costs, ensuring profitability while delivering quality and meeting client deadlines.

Key Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Education: A degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred. A background in structural engineering or construction is highly beneficial.

• Experience:

• Proven experience (5+ years) in sales, business development, or project management within the construction, civil engineering, or structural steel industry.

• Strong track record in managing large-scale construction projects, including supply of structural steel.

• Familiarity with UK and Irish construction regulations, standards, and compliance requirements.

• Experience with tendering processes, contract negotiations, and project delivery.

Skills & Competencies:

• Sales & Negotiation Skills: Strong ability to generate leads, negotiate terms, and close deals while ensuring long-term client relationships.

• Project Management Skills: Experience managing projects with multiple stakeholders, budgets, and timelines, particularly in the steel or construction sectors.

• Technical Knowledge: Understanding of structural steel products, steel fabrication processes, and their application in major construction and civil engineering projects.

• Relationship Management: Ability to manage relationships with both clients and suppliers, ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction.

• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information in a clear and concise manner.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to address client and project challenges effectively.

• Attention to Detail: High attention to detail in managing contracts, budgets, and project specifications.

Personal Attributes:

• Proactive and Results-Driven: Self-motivated with a strong drive