External Sales Engineer

Bolton, Lancashire
Backer Heatrod Limited

Job Title: External Sales Engineer

Location: Farnworth, Bolton

Salary: £36,000 – £45,000 per annum

Job Type: Full time, Permanent

Working Hours: 38 hours per week; Monday to Thursday 07:30 to 16:00 and Friday 07:30 to 12:50.

About Us:

Backer Heatrod is a leading UK manufacturer of electric heating elements and industrial heating solutions. As part of the global NIBE Element Group, we design and produce both standard and bespoke heating products for a wide range of industries including process, food & beverage, and chemical sectors.

About the Role:

The External Technical Sales Engineer is office-based with responsibility for proactively driving business growth and expanding customer accounts. This role includes regular customer visits for technical discussions, presentations, and commercial negotiations, and therefore a full UK driving licence is required for use of a company/pool car. You will manage multiple product portfolios, provide technical expertise throughout the sales cycle, and work closely with internal teams to ensure successful project delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Directly manage business figures across multiple product portfolios in the UK.
• Develop and maintain customer accounts, building long-term technical and commercial relationships.
• Detect and pursue new business opportunities and market applications.
• Provide technical support throughout the sales cycle, including offers, contracts, and specifications.
• Participate in customer meetings, technical discussions, and presentations, including regular site visits.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams (Engineering and Operations) to ensure successful project delivery.
• Identify and monitor market trends, competitor activity, and emerging technologies to inform sales strategy.
• Support tendering and bid preparation, including reviewing specifications, coordinating pricing, and responding to technical clarifications.
• Build and manage a structured CRM sales pipeline, tracking leads, opportunities, and follow-ups.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules to achieve profitable outcomes.
• Represent the company at trade shows, exhibitions, and customer events to generate leads and enhance visibility.
• Focus on customer retention while driving proactive growth.
• Assist in resolving customer queries, claims, and quality issues.
• Demonstrate strong numerical and analytical skills in handling orders, quotations, and reporting.
• Communicate effectively with customers, internal teams, and suppliers.

About you:

Essential Requirements:

• HNC or Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience in customer facing technical or external sales roles, ideally with new business development.
• Full UK driving licence required for pool car use and willingness to travel regularly.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or other quality standards.
• Strong IT skills, including MS Office, CRM systems, and data reporting tools.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to engage with customers at all levels.
• Numerical and analytical skills for interpreting technical specifications, quotations, sales reporting, and pricing decisions.
• Commercial awareness and ability to prioritise tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet sales targets.
• Problem solving mindset with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Organisational skills, accuracy, and accountability in quotation preparation, order processing, and CRM maintenance.

Benefits:

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Cash Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Full training and support.
• Opportunities for career progression.
• Friendly and inclusive working environment.
• Pension scheme based on auto enrolment percentages.
• On-site parking
• Life assurance benefit

Please Note:

No agencies.

Please click the APPLY button to send your CV and Cover Letter for this role.

Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of: Technical Sales Engineer, Direct Sales, B2B Sales, Business Development Manager, Business to Business Sales, External Sales, Sales Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Sales Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer may also be considered for this role.