Company overview
Our aim is to be the premier supplier of high-quality products and services to the hospitality and leisure industry, through our experience, choice and support.
Andy Thornton supplies contract furniture, lighting, antiques and metalwork services to bars, restaurants, cafes, hotels, offices, garden centres, universities, holiday parks, sports venues, leisure centres and care homes. We work with a wide variety of projects, clients and industry partners every day.
Role purpose
We are looking for someone with the desire to learn, contribute and grow with the business. This role provides a pathway to develop a strong understanding of our products, customers, systems and market over an 18-month to two-year period, with the potential to progress into a Business Development Manager role for Andy Thornton.
Key responsibilities
· Respond professionally to inbound enquiries from the website, live chat, telephone and Business Development Managers.
· Qualify enquiries, identifying opportunities to develop relationships, supply additional products or support larger projects.
· Record leads, contacts and customer activity accurately in the CRM system.
· Produce clear, visual quotations for clients using the company quotation system.
· Interpret, process and manage sales orders accurately and in a timely manner using Sage X3.
· Liaise with the Purchasing Team to prepare project costing sheets for approval.
· Support external Business Development Managers by managing orders, preparing quotes and following up internal queries.
· Attend and actively contribute to departmental meetings.
· Assist with general ad hoc duties that support the smooth running of the company.
· Act as an ambassador for Andy Thornton when dealing with customers and suppliers, creating a positive and professional impression.
· Share relevant product, project and market content with the marketing team to support company promotion.
· Contribute ideas and practical support to showroom development.
Market development
· Continue to develop existing relationships with clients, designers and industry contacts where appropriate.
· Help identify and follow up on growing brands, groups and opportunities within the hospitality and leisure sectors.
· Review trade magazines, online articles and newsletters to identify potential targets for the Business Development Managers.
· Identify products appearing on specifications that Andy Thornton can supply but does not currently advertise.
Systems and tools
· Microsoft Office: Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook.
· Sage X3: order processing and CRM system.
· Custom-built website quotation package, integrated with the company website.
Experience using Sage X3 is desirable, although full training will be provided on Sage X3 and the quotation package.
Key skills and attributes
· A genuine interest in furniture, interiors and design.
· Strong verbal and written communication skills.
· Good organisation skills and attention to detail.
· Friendly, personable and confident when dealing with customers, suppliers and colleagues.
· Self-motivated, proactive and keen to learn.
· Competent IT skills and willingness to learn new systems.
· UK driving licence preferred.
Development pathway
The successful candidate will be supported to build product knowledge, system confidence, customer understanding and industry awareness. Over time, the role is designed to develop commercial judgement and sales capability, supporting progression towards a Business Development Manager position.