Training Academy FAQs
We provide finance solutions to smaller-sized companies throughout the UK – without organisations such as Close Brothers, it would be a much more difficult place for them to trade. We are proud of the role we play in contributing to the UK’s economic growth – joining the Training Academy will give you the opportunity not only to learn from the best in the industry, but to make a real and significant difference to people’s lives and livelihoods by allowing them to invest in and grow their businesses.
You will be mentored by an experienced Sales Manager who will be your guide as you and your fellow trainees embark on a two-year development programme. This will be a mix of classroom-based training (for the first nine months) with some of the best Sales trainers in the UK, and ‘on the road’ mentoring with the Sales Managers. This will fast-track your knowledge of our markets, customers and products to ensure you have the best possible grounding for a fulfilling career with Close Brothers.
On successful completion of the initial nine months you will take up your role as a trainee Area Sales Manager within the Asset Finance Sales team. Here you will concentrate on building your customer base, territory and business plan, with full assistance from your mentor. At the end of the two year course, successful candidates will be promoted to Area Sales Manager.
You will work in either our Transport, Print, Construction or Manufacturing divisions. All of these represent varied and dynamic industry with a wide variety of customers.
A large majority of our Sales people are home-based but for the duration of the Training Academy the classroom training will be held at our new offices in Wimbledon - all travel and accommodation expenses will be taken care of. For your time ‘on the road’ you will be paired with an experienced Sales Mentor in the Division you will be working in.
Your first official day will be 1 September, but you will have an opportunity to meet your fellow trainees at a special event in the weeks prior to the start date.
Stage 1: Online application.
You will be required to complete a short application form and submit your CV via the online recruitment portal.
Stage 2: Interview
This is to find out more about you and your interest in joining the Training Academy at Close Brothers
Stage 3: Ability tests
Subject to passing the telephone interview you will be invited to complete tests as part of the next stage in the recruitment process
Stage 4: One day assessment centre plus further psychometric testing
Subject to passing the tests you will be invited to complete psychometric testing as part of the final stage in the recruitment process.
This is the final stage in the recruitment process.
The first nine months will involve a mix of classroom and ‘on the road’ training with your sales mentor, building your knowledge of Asset Finance and your industry sector.
On completion of the nine months, you will take up your role as a trainee Area Sales Manager for the rest of the course, where you will concentrate on building your customer base, territory and business plan, with full assistance from your mentor to gain a deeper understanding of the customer journey.
At the end of the two year course, successful candidates will be promoted to Area Sales Manager.
In total, there are 30 spaces available.
You have until 7 May 2015 to submit your application.
Competitive starting salary (with high OTE potential after 9 months), company car, full benefits package, including pension and life assurance.