About Us
We are a leading provider in Ireland’s roads and infrastructure sector, delivering innovative products and exceptional service to our clients from our base in Drogheda, County Louth.
The Role
We’re seeking a dynamic Apprentice Sales Support Specialist to join our office-based team in Drogheda, acting as a vital link between our sales department and internal teams. You’ll provide technical guidance, manage customer inquiries, drive proactive customer engagement, and ensure seamless post-sales support. This role is perfect for career starters—like recent Business Studies or Engineering graduates seeking hands-on experience as well as those exploring sales for the first time eager to launch their career into business and sales within the roads and infrastructure sector.
The successful candidate will undertake the MSLETB Sales Apprenticeship over 2 years, covering all aspects of selling and sales. Your training will be a combination of on-the-job training with IPL Group and off-the-job learning via online classes (2 hours per week) and face-to-face workshops (2 days every 6-8 weeks) with the Education and Training Board. Upon successful completion, you will qualify as a Sales Specialist and gain a QQI validated NFQ Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Sales. Holders of this award will be eligible to progress within the organisation and/or to higher education programmes.
Key Responsibilities
- Proactively engage with customers to build relationships, provide technical product information, and resolve inquiries related to products, services, and accounts.
- Assist in organising and planning presentations to showcase products and services to clients.
- Follow up on sales leads to convert opportunities and meet performance targets.
- Prepare and issue accurate quotations based on customer requirements.
- Support external sales teams and customers with technical expertise and product knowledge for which training will be provided.
- Process sales orders, coordinating with warehouse supervisors and on-site teams to confirm stock availability and lead time.
- Stay informed about new products and industry innovations to maintain a competitive edge.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and suppliers to drive business growth.
- Assist in preparing purchase orders for stock and technical literature for marketing purposes.
- Update CRM and software systems (Sage, IO-DB, SuperOffice) with customer data, quotations, and sales opportunities.
- Adhere to health, safety, quality, and environmental regulations, promoting best practices.
- Contribute to a positive workplace culture and perform additional duties as requested by management.
Entry Requirements To join the apprenticeship programme:
- Aged 18 or over.
- Must have Grade O6/H7 or above in 5 Leaving Certificate subjects (including Maths F2/O6/H7 along with English or Irish O6/H7).
- If you do not have a Leaving Certificate, you must have a full QQI Level 5 or higher qualification.
- International applicants must present the equivalent of a full Level 5 qualification or higher.
- Mature applicants aged 21 years and over without a Level 5 qualification but with relevant experience will also be considered following an interview and submission of supporting documentation.
What We’re Looking For
- Strong technical aptitude with the ability to explain product details clearly.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with a proactive approach to customer engagement.
- Proficiency in CRM software (e.g., Sage, SuperOffice) and MS Office (training provided).
- Highly organised, with a focus on accuracy and customer satisfaction.
- Knowledge of the roads/infrastructure industry (preferred but not required).
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced office environment.
Why Join Us?
- Competitive starting salary, with a company pension plan and performance-related bonus.
- Access to the MSLETB Sales Apprenticeship programme—a 2-year blended learning model with no training costs, leading to a Level 6 QQI award.
- Assigned workplace mentor and structured training to support your development.
- Opportunity to work in a dynamic, supportive team in our Drogheda offices, with classes available locally at Drogheda Institute of Further Education.
- Contribute to innovative projects in Ireland’s roads and infrastructure sector, with pathways to career progression or higher education.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and a brief cover letter to Recruitment@ipl.ie
For more information on the apprenticeship, visit https://msletbtrainingcentres.ie/sales-apprenticeship/.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: €27,000.00-€35,000.00 per year
Additional pay:
- Bonus pay
Benefits:
- Bike to work scheme
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Language:
- Fluent English (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- Ireland (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 01/09/2025