COTTINGHAM: External Sales Executive

Salary:
Competitive, dependent on experience Closing Date: 13/02/2026

Join a long‑established, customer‑focused timber and builders’ merchant where your drive, confidence, and commercial know‑how will help grow strong customer relationships and deliver real results. If you’re proactive, people‑centred, and ready to spot every sales opportunity, this is your chance to make a big impact.

Putting people at the heart of what we do

With 185 years’ trading experience, the Howarth Timber Group has grown to provide not only the widest range of products, but expertise, service and knowledge you can rely on.

With a nationwide network of branches supplying timber and building materials, kitchens and a dedicated manufacturing division supplying timber engineering services, the Howarth Timber Group is focused on providing market leading choice, quality, service and value.

Built on a passion for service and people, we strive to set the highest standards in the quality of our products, in the continuity of supply and in every aspect of customer service and support. Quality products and processes are what drive our passion, but people are central to everything we do and it’s thanks to our loyal workforce that we’ve built a strong and successful business.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for the role of External Sales Executive at our busy Cottingham branch. This position is key to driving our sales through proactive and organic growth, while also nurturing and expanding our existing ledger accounts.

If you are an experienced sales professional within our industry and eager to make a significant impact, we invite you to apply and join our dynamic team!

• Working closely with the internal sales team is essential.
• Achieve KPIs set by the company.
• Follow up all sales leads, enquiries and quotations.
• Understanding margin and costs.
• Be aware of all opportunities and gather information from customers and competitors that may influence or help our company including understanding changing market conditions.
• Always exceed our customers’ expectations by dealing with them professionally, whatever their enquiry.
• Ensure a high level of after sales based on customer care, that always enhances our company reputation.
• Working closely with suppliers and develop relationships with representatives of our suppliers and work with them to create opportunities to enhance our company.
• Effective time management, with weekly, monthly and yearly goals.
• Completing all necessary administration in line with the current company procedures.
• Attend all in-house and external training as and when required.
• Monitor your effectiveness to the branch, carefully managing your on the road and in-branch time.
• To work in branch as emergency cover when requested by the Branch Manager.
• Continually develop and update your product knowledge.
• Adhere to all Health and Safety policies and procedures.

The ideal candidate must possess strong communication skills and have established industry contacts. They should demonstrate extensive product knowledge, a keen focus on sales and margin awareness, and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service to drive business growth and maximise profitability. The role requires a full driving licence and availability for full‑time work, Monday to Friday inclusive.

Howarth Timber Group is proud to have been officially recognised in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025!

We are a family‑owned company, with a desire to provide colleague benefits that are truly valuable. Benefits include but are not limited to:

• Competitive salary, negotiable dependent on experience plus generous bonus scheme
• Company car
• 31 days’ holiday, inclusive of Statutory Bank Holidays
• Opportunity to buy up to an additional 5 days’ annual leave or sell up to 3 days’ annual leave
• Length of service awards
• Cycle to work scheme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Death in service benefit
• Company sick pay
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Online Benefits Hub (inc discounts on gift cards, travel, cinema tickets, to name a few)
• Employee Assistance Programme, (24/7 helpline, counselling sessions, legal, debt and life management advice line)
• Generous colleague Merchant Branch discount
• Opportunity to participate in a volunteering role for one working day per year – fully paid by the Company
• Excellent training and development opportunities

Applicants should put their application in writing enclosing their CV to Carl Buckley, Branch Manager, by email to