InterTradeIreland Acumen
Company Partner:
Abcon Industrial Products
Location:
Cootehill, Co. Cavan
Job Title:
Sales Development Graduate
Job Ref No.:
AC1511
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.
Abcon Industrial Products
The Abcon manufacturing plant is located in Cootehill, Co. Cavan. Here, they divide production into
two main areas: Industrial Abrasives and Industrial Rubber Hosing. This is an interesting company,
creating niche products for the home market and specialist goods for export. They sell directly to
and support countless sectors of the market including for example: engineering, automotive,
medical, and food processing. The key to their success had been to retain value for money and
provide high quality technical support for their customers.
To learn more about Abcon visit: www.abconireland.com
Graduate
Reporting to the Managing Director and following a company induction programme, the Graduate
will initially assist with field sales in the export market. This will give you the opportunity to gain
from the experience of the Managing Director, whilst being involved first hand in export sales. You
will then undertake market visits with a view to managing the Northern Ireland export market. You
will also be provided with the exciting opportunity to be heavily involved in the sales expansion
programme being undertaken at Abcon. This role is suitable for an engineering graduate with an
understanding of sales and marketing in the industry.
Main Duties
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Complete the company induction programme
Become familiar with elements in each area of the company
Assist the Managing Director with field sales in the export markets
Investigate new markets in Northern Ireland
Establish new customer relationships in Northern Ireland
Undertake market visits
Assist with exhibitions
Daily interaction with the Managing Director
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 Abcon Industrial Products in Cootehill, Co. Cavan. The
Graduate will also travel independently on occasions between Abcon 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 ROI
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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Mechanical Engineering Degree
1-2 years project work experience
Interest in database and web-based applications
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 July.
All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.
All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit and applications must
be accompanied by a completed Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.