WernerCo’s Graduate Training Programme, part of its ongoing commitment to supporting merchants and retailers, is now well underway with the first intake of graduates already embarking on their new careers as Field Sales Merchandisers.
Since their appointment in January, the successful recruits, which include 21-year-old Ewan Goodwin and 23-year-old Rachel Oakes, have already been integrated into the wider WernerCo Merchandising team. As well as being the first point of call for customers seeking further support, the new graduates are helping customers to utilise the POS and marketing materials that are available. Additionally, they are also working with customers to develop sales strategies, helping them to understand how stock levels can help them to increase sales value, whilst also supporting with other day to day product enquiries.
When discussing his new role, Ewan said: ‘’I have thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to work so closely with the various stockists, understanding their different requirements and priorities, and learning more about how to advise and work with them effectively. The role also offers excellent development and travel opportunities with benefits such as a company car, so although I am still in the early stages of the programme, I would definitely recommend the graduate scheme to anyone looking to pursue a career in merchandising.’’
This graduate recruitment drive is part of the supplier’s commitment to investing in new talent, in order to provide a greater level of support to its stockists. The scheme is a two-year long training programme, which will enable candidates to effectively monitor products, participate in sales meetings and workshops, and produce layout plans for stores, ensuring they are all well prepared to enter the market as Field Sales Merchandisers. They will ultimately gain a strong knowledge of the WernerCo product and have the opportunity to build constructive relationships with its customers, successfully servicing them by helping customers to optimise and stock the correct products for their stores.
The programme will also require the graduates to support in other areas throughout business. When discussing her time in the Customer Care department, Rachel, who graduated from Sheffield Hallam University in 2018, said: “I have been given a real insight into the lifespan of the WernerCo products, from manufacturing and distribution, right through to when they land in store. My time in the Customer Care department has also given me the confidence to deal with client queries directly and proactively, with the assurance I know exactly who within the business to contact for help providing the relevant information.’’
Paul Floyd, Commercial Head of Sales, commented: “As we continue to see good levels of growth across the business, with product demand remaining on an upwards trajectory, it is incredibly important for us to ensure we are providing excellent levels of support to our stockists.
“We are delighted to have welcomed our first graduates into the team and are incredibly pleased with the progress these young professionals have made in such a short time. It is our belief that working within such a highly motivated team will really encourage and inspire them to succeed, and in the near future we hope they will also be able to benefit from the more extensive travel and development opportunities that we can offer.”
To find out more information on the range of access solutions from WernerCo visit www.wernerco.com
