Apprentice Account Manager

Sportsafe UK Limited; Colchester; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports equipment company is seeking an Apprentice Account Manager to join their Colchester team. This full-time role offers practical experience in customer relations, alongside essential skills for career progression. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong attention to detail and a commitment to learning within a supportive environment.

Benefits

20 Days annual leave + 8 bank holidays

Auto Enrolment Pension

Health Cash Plan

Group Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Annual Christmas Get-together

Bike to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Commitment to a minimum of 15 months.
• Punctuality and consistent attendance.
• Willingness to learn and grow.

Responsibilities

• Manage allocated customer accounts and handle inquiries.
• Ensure data accuracy in the CRM system.
• Support in converting quotes into sales orders.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Job description

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Learn the ropes, gain experience and move up the ladder!

Sportsafe UK is looking for an Apprentice Account Manager for our Colchester Head Office.

Sportsafe, established in 1997, is a leading company with over 70 dedicated professionals across three locations in Essex, Manchester, and Scotland. We specialise in supplying, installing, inspecting, and maintaining sports and fitness equipment for a diverse client base, including primary and secondary schools, private institutions, sports centres, care homes, and various governmental authorities. We hold prestigious accreditations, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, Safecontractor, CHAS, and Construction line Gold Member, and we are registered with afPE.

Core Values - our culture makes us different from our competitors:

• Trust: We put faith in our colleagues, helping and inspiring them to give their best.
• Integrity: We are motivated by our desire to operate with honesty, consideration, and quality of service.
• Pride: We work hard to succeed, and we celebrate our achievements.
• Passion: We are passionate about transforming lives and helping communities.
• Respect: We respect innovation, hard work, and community involvement.

Responsibilities

• Be responsible for customers who are allocated to you and deal with queries, bookings and returns.
• Ensure accurate information is obtained from the customer and entered into the CRM System, and all relevant procedures are followed.
• Responsible for raising all inspections, call outs, repairs and customer requests, and sales orders.
• Inspection orders must always be raised a minimum of three months in advance.
• Ensure all planned orders are confirmed at least two weeks in advance and no jobs go out unconfirmed, this requirement will be extended in the lead up to holiday periods and notified accordingly.
• Working closely with the Operations Director and Logistical Planner to ensure any returned work is rebooked and reconfirmed, within the same week where possible, reducing the return figures and maintaining a high level of customer service.
• Be positive and motivated in your approach, and provide support to your colleague
• To own and nurture the relationship between Sportsafe and our customers, being the point of contact to explain inspection reports and convert remedial quotes into sales orders.
• To be an ambassador of Sportsafe and promote the wider range of products and services to our customers.
• To exceed sales, conversion, leads and calls targets set, to report weekly on progress and to maintain these records accurately and accordingly.
• Evaluate your accounts' sales and recommend new strategies for performance improvements.
• Address business enquiries from customers and team members in a professional manner.
• Resolve business issues and ensure that all escalated issues are closed.
• Work in compliance with company policies and procedures
• To ensure all procedures in the company handbook are adhered to and to ensure paperwork is completed correctly.
• To ensure customer satisfaction is given to all customers no matter how large or small.
• To abide to company rules, Health and Safety and quality policies.
• Carry out all reasonable tasks, requests or projects as requested.

Key Skills, Characteristics and Experience

Here are five qualities we look for in an apprentice to ensure that our apprenticeship experience is a successful one:

1. Commitment to the Apprenticeship

We seek individuals who value the opportunity an apprenticeship provides. This role offers invaluable practical experience that can set you apart from university graduates who may lack hands-on industry exposure.

2. Punctuality & Attendance

As with any professional role, good punctuality and consistent attendance are essential traits for success at Sportsafe.

3. Willingness to Learn

Our apprenticeship program offers a unique learning experience, equipping you with skills that cannot be gained in a classroom or typical job setting. The qualifications you earn carry significant value, both educationally and financially.

4. Commitment to a Minimum of 15 Months

Our apprenticeship programs typically last between 12 and 18 months. Candidates must be prepared to complete at least the first 12 months on the apprentice wage and remain committed to earning their qualification for career progression.

5. Genuine Interest in the Role

A passion for sports and education will make this role more engaging and rewarding, as these are the core industries we serve.

What We're Looking For

This full-time role is fast-paced and requires strong attention to detail and excellent organisational skills. Ideal candidates will be

Team Players - Able to work effectively within a close-knit and friendly team.

Customer-Focused - Committed to delivering excellent service to clients.

Hardworking & Motivated - Driven to succeed with a strong work ethic.

Personable & Positive - Enthusiastic, resilient, and eager to contribute.

We understand that apprentices may have little to no prior experience. That's why we prioritise potential, a passion for learning, and alignment with our company values. At Sportsafe, you'll be joining a supportive and energetic team where you can develop lifelong friendships while building your career

In return, we offer:

Working Hours

40-hour working week

Monday to Thursday 8.00 am - 4.45 pm

Friday 8.00 am - 3.30 pm

30-minute lunch break

Package

• 20 Days annual leave + 8 bank holidays
• Auto Enrolment Pension - Salary sacrifice + Employer contribution (eligibility depending on age)
• Heath Cash Plan (Reimbursement for the value of Dental, Optical and some other medical services)
• Group Life Insurance (Death in Service benefit)
• Staff benefits portal for retailer discounts
• Employee Assistance Programme (Legal Advice, Mental Health Wellbeing Support)
• Annual Christmas Get-together
• Bike to Work Scheme