InterTradeIreland Acumen Programme
Company Partner:
AspiraCon
Location:
Cork
Job Title:
Sales Development Graduate
Job Ref No.:
AC1411
InterTradeIreland Acumen Programme
The Acumen programme aims to help SMEs, North and South, to grow their business on the island of
Ireland by targeting new cross-border markets. Companies apply for funding and if approved, are
provided with assistance toward the recruitment of a sales graduate to work within their company
for a period of up to 12 months. Successful candidates will be employed by the company and will
undertake the job as outlined in the job specification detailed for each company.
AspiraCon
Located in EastGate Business Park at Little Island in Cork, AspiraCon is an award winning, Enterprise
Project Management / Software Development company, specialising in the design and development
of enterprise software solutions. Founded in 2007 by directors with a wealth of knowledge and
experience in the ICT industry, AspiraCon has the goal of delivering best in class software solutions
and project management services, has established a presence in the UK and USA markets, and is a
Microsoft Gold Certified Partner – the highest level attainable.
To find out more, visit: www.aspiracon.com
Graduate
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work alongside and learn from industry
professionals with over 20 years experience in the market. AspiraCon are seeking a graduate with a
technical background and in particular experience working with cloud systems. You will work closely
with a mentor and gain an understanding of the software and systems that AspiraCon have
developed. You will have the responsibility for generating sales leads and creating a sales strategy
for the Northern Ireland market.
Main Duties
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Assist in the preparation of a Sales and Marketing Plan
Assist on the monitoring of progress on the plan
Investigate new markets in Northern Ireland
Establish new customer relationships in Northern Ireland
Drive increased profitable sales with the management team
Daily interaction with an assigned mentor
Meeting goals and targets set by the company
Attend Postgraduate Diploma in Sales Development delivered by Michael Smurfit Graduate
Business School, UCD
Assist with the preparation of a Final Report required by InterTradeIreland
Any other duties which may fall within the general ambit of the post
Career Development
The project is 12 months in duration and offers the ideal opportunity for the Graduate to develop
managerial and sales skills. The project will provide valuable career experience and help develop an
understanding of the commercial reality of business and sales. At the end of the project there is an
excellent opportunity for permanent employment with the Company. All Graduates on the
InterTradeIreland Acumen Programme have the advantage of being a part of a wider network of
InterTradeIreland Acumen Graduates with a clear plan for career development.
Post Graduate Diploma in Sales Development
You will be expected to attend a sales development course, specifically designed for
InterTradeIreland Acumen Graduates and delivered by Ireland’s leading graduate business school,
Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, UCD. Through a combination of classroom learning,
action learning and assignments, you will learn how to apply sales strategy, how to manage
customer accounts, develop marketing and customer value propositions, and acquire an excellent
business management skill set. This learning combined with the experience gained in your Company
role will enhance your personal, professional and managerial capabilities to equip you with the
necessary skills to take up future leadership roles in business. The course consists of four 2-day
workshops and a substantial final research project. On successful completion of the training, you will
obtain a Post Graduate Diploma in Sales Development, accredited by UCD.
Location
The successful candidate will be based at AspiraCon in Eastgate House, Eastgate Business Park, Little
Island, Co. Cork. The Graduate will also travel independently on occasions between AspiraCon offices
and UCD. Independent travel to other locations will also be required occasionally as the job dictates.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential Criteria
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Third level degree
Eligible to work in Ireland
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Computer literate
Have the ability to work to targets and time deadlines
As this post requires the applicant to travel on official duty, the successful candidate must
have the access to a form of transport which will enable them to fulfil their responsibilities
Highly motivated and driven, with strong attention to detail
Desirable Criteria
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ICT degree
Experience working with cloud systems
Sales and/or marketing experience
Proven ability to work on own initiative
Proven ability to work as part of a team
Positive and enthusiastic attitude to work
Personal Qualities and Skills
In addition to satisfying the above eligibility criteria, applicants will also be expected to demonstrate
the following competencies at an assessment day:
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Problem solving skills
Ability to work as part of a team
Good interpersonal skills
Ability to communicate effectively with others both verbally and in writing
Ability to show initiative and self-motivate
Remuneration
Will be decided following final interview.
Application and selection
Application is by completion of an application form only. Please include job reference number on
application form and email completed form to graduate@acumenprogramme.com
Successful applicants will be asked to complete an online interview within one week of closing date,
followed by an invitation to attend an assessment day which will be held in Dublin in June.
All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit and applications must
be accompanied by a completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.
Closing date for all applications is Thursday 2nd June 2011 at 12 noon.