Graduate Trainee Area Sales Manager (Entry-Level)

Forklift Truck - Graduate Trainee Area Sales Manager (Entry Level)

Reports to: Regional Sales Manager

Location: Portsmouth Depot (Field-Based covering Southcoast Dorset/Hampshire)

Salary: c£28K basic salary (Open-ended with generous commission structure)

Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time

About Us

At Jofson, we’ve been helping businesses move and lift with confidence since 1977. As one of the UK’s largest independent suppliers of material handling equipment, we’re proud of our long-standing reputation for reliability, expertise, and customer service. Following a massive period of expansion across our strategic UK branches (including Aldridge, Manchester, Portsmouth, Bristol, and Somerset), we are launching our next generation of sales talent.

We are seeking an ambitious Trainee Area Sales Manager to join our expanding team. You don't need to know anything about forklift trucks yet—we will teach you everything.

Why Join Our Trainee Programme

• Structured Training: Training programme covering technical product knowledge and commercial sales methodology.
• Mentorship: Fast-track your career by shadowing current Area Sales Managers and working directly with the Regional Sales Manager.
• Clear Career Path: You will transition from a trainee into a fully autonomous field-based Area Sales Manager with your own territory (postcode areas within the Birmingham/West Midlands conurbation)
• Uncapped Earning Power: A competitive £30k base with a generous commission structure where your hard work directly dictates your take-home pay.

The Role

This is an exceptional entry-level career opportunity for a driven individual looking to launch a lucrative corporate career. Joining a collaborative and supportive team environment, you will learn the full B2B sales cycle. You will build long-term commercial relationships with business owners and see the direct financial rewards of your resilience.

Key Responsibilities

• Structured Learning: Complete all technical product training regarding our new and used forklift equipment.
• Territory Mapping: Support senior sales staff in identifying and mapping new business opportunities within the region.
• Lead Generation: Generate pipeline by strategically prospecting potential clients through phone, email, and direct business marketing.
• Shadowing & Mentorship: Accompany Area Sales Managers on field visits to learn negotiation and closing techniques.
• Account Support: Assist with the management of existing customer accounts to ensure high satisfaction and retention.
• CRM Management: Maintain accurate records of all prospecting activity, leads, and customer interactions in the company CRM.

What We Are Looking For

• Education & Drive: Open to degree holders of any discipline (Business, Sports Science, History, etc.) or individuals who can demonstrate equivalent commercial drive and a hunger to succeed.
• Resilience: A positive, competitive attitude with the ability to handle the natural rejections of sales and keep pushing forward.
• Communication Skills: Confident, articulate verbal and written skills, comfortable engaging with business owners and decision-makers.
• Mobility: A full UK driving licence is essential, as this role transitions into a field-based position.
• Experience: Previous sales experience is an advantage, but not essential.

Benefits

• Full structured industry and sales training.
• Uncapped commission structure with realistic earning potential.
• Company car commensurate with role.
• Comprehensive private healthcare package and company pension scheme.
• Company mobile phone, laptop, and all necessary remote working technology.
• Supportive team culture with clear progression pathways to a full Area Sales Manager role.
• Permanent position with an established, rapidly expanding independent employer.

Pay: From £28,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company car
• Company pension
• Life insurance
• Private medical insurance

Application question(s):

• Please briefly describe any university projects, sports club involvements, or part-time work where you had to show high motivation or handle rejection.

Education:

• Bachelor's (preferred)

Work Location: In person