Commercial Graduate

We are currently looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our team in the position of Commerical Graduate.

To gain a strong knowledge of the products, customers, and commercial processes within Forterra and be able to fulfil a role within the commercial function at the end of the 24-month training period.

Your duties would include but not limited to the following;

To gain management responsibility experience through a series of secondments on key Forterra sites over a period of 2 years, the role includes but is not limited to:

• To build up a strong and detailed product knowledge of bricks, Thermalite, Aggregate Block and precast concrete, including Bison
• To develop an understanding of the customers and their dynamics for each of the key channels to market: merchants, distributors, and house builders.
• To develop a detailed understanding of the commercial processes that operates in Forterra.
• Support the achievement of budget volume/price across the product range
• To gain experience of the Area Sales Manager role, production Planning, the Customer Contact Centre, Distribution, Marketing and Commercial Reporting during the structured training period
• Gain a good understanding of the competitor landscape for brick, Thermalite, aggregate block and precast concrete
• To keep abreast of product and market developments in commercial, technical and policy matters and be able to react accordingly
• To maintain and operate internal recording, reporting and administration systems
• To assist at exhibitions, conferences, presentations, and other functions as required
• To regularly review personal progress and keep abreast of technical and sales techniques
• To monitor the efficiency of present procedures and systems and where necessary suggest new improvements
• To follow safe working practice in accordance with the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act and with the Company’s Safety Policy
• From time to time to undertake duties not specifically mentioned above according to instructions from the National Sales Manager, Merchants & Directs Team.
• To effectively manage personal projects and display excellent organisational techniques to share results with colleagues and senior managers.
• To learn and demonstrate excellent customer service skills relating to communicating efficiently and accurately when required regarding business information (including stock availability, pricing details, logistics etc.)

About you;

• Excellent communication and customer relationship skills
• Strong analytical and reporting skills
• Good knowledge of IT skills – important regarding ability to use a variety of digital systems
• Commercial awareness / basic business acumen
• Highly motivated with strong team ethics
• Ability to work on own initiative with minimum supervision
• Strong presentation skills
• Good organisational and planning skills
• Ability to prioritise workload
• Ability to build strong and trusting working relationships both within Forterra and with its customer and supplier base
• Degree preferred entry level
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• Understanding of Building Industry practices
• Holder of a clean full driving licence

About us;

We have an extensive network of 17 manufacturing facilities in the UK, employing approximately 1,900 people.

We are a leading manufacturer of a diverse and trusted range of concrete and clay building products used extensively within the construction sector, with instantly recognisable brands such as Thermalite blocks, London Brick, Ecostock, Cradley, Formpave and Jetfloor, Bison Precast. Our product range comprises of clay bricks, Thermalite blocks, aggregate blocks, Red Bank chimney, roofing and flue systems, precast concrete and flooring products and Formpave permeable paving.

Forterra represents exactly what we do and have always done. Our purpose is to manufacture products that are the essential to the nation’s construction sector, helping our customers build with ease and confidence. Moreover, we continue to lead our industry in terms of standards and safety.

What we can offer you;

• Competitive salary and 27 days annual leave
• Company Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme