Junior Project / Sales Assistant | Surface Matter | London
About Us
Surface Matter work with some of the most exciting materials out there - from sheets made of recycled paper to colourful panels that rethink plastic waste. Our design-led surfaces have sustainable qualities and can be used in everything from retail and office spaces to kitchens or skate parks. We bridge the gap between the designers and makers who push the boundaries to bring materials to life, for good.
We support designers and makers by working through projects, sharing samples and information, discussing design criteria and material suitability, supplying the actual sheet material, offering technical and fabrication information and making useful connections where we can.
Job Description
We are looking for someone who is driven and resourceful to support sales of our surface materials and carry out the business activities that keep our studio running smoothly. Working from our materials studio in London Fields, as Junior Projects/Sales Assistant you will answer enquiries and work through projects, supporting our team and our clients by updating information, sending out samples, sharing case studies and pricing information, discussing design criteria and material suitability and bringing in technical support where needed.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to learn solution-based selling through shadowing on projects to hone communication skills, build relationships and promote innovative products in a creative industry. As you grow and develop, you’ll work on larger and more challenging architecture and design projects.
THE ROLE
Projects
Answering enquiries in studio visits, phone and email – qualifying and assigning leads, setting up meetings and offering information, samples + support
Updating our system to make sure project details are accurate + suitably supported
Identifying opportunities, suggesting solutions and escalating issues where needed
Staying in touch with material, architecture and design news
Collaboratively following up on completed projects to organise imagery + information that feeds into case studies, press releases, web + social posts
Sales
Processing orders from initial enquiry through to sales, delivery and aftercare
Representing Surface Matter at trade fairs/events/client meetings
Arranging + delivering presentations, meetings + events
Sharing information + setting expectations including material characteristics, pricing, fabrication, lead times + availability
Identifying long-term value + nurturing relationships
Studio/Admin
Helping keep the studio organised + full of energy - greeting visitors, offering help + refreshments
Organising and labelling samples, packaging + office supplies
Updating inventory, price lists + product descriptions
Working with the team to reduce waste
Helping to achieve and improve our social, environmental + brand strategies
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Great communication skills – you like communicating with people, asking questions, listening, learning + figuring out the next best steps
Driven – you want to get things done, grow + adapt
Highly organised – you like setting and achieving your own goals and priorities to help you deliver projects
Interested – you notice detail and you care about quality
You want to learn how things are made, what materials can do and appreciate design, materials + making
WHAT WE CAN OFFER
Full time, permanent position
£23,000 - 26,000 salary + performance bonus, cycle and tech schemes + pension
22 + 8 days annual leave, increasing up to 25 + 8 with length of service, plus your birthday off
Professional development reviews + extensive ongoing training and learning
Open plan, inspiring studio with sit-stand desks + healthy snacks and refreshments to keep you going
Team lunches and events
An opportunity to learn about materials and manufacturing, visit interiors and see objects from projects you’ve worked on
GET IN TOUCH
We believe in working with good people, thinking long term and continuously striving to do better. We want everyone in our team to feel valued and to grow with us – regardless of race, religion, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, disability or social, financial, cultural or educational background.
Joining our small team in a varied and evolving role means there are always interesting projects to get involved in to help us move forward together while achieving your goals.
If this sounds like the job for you, apply with your CV and a short note about why you think you'd make a great fit - your journey, the skillsets you want to develop, what you like about this job and our company.