OUR PLACEMENTS

Placement summary

Sercon Ltd have an exciting 12 month placement opportunity for a graduate from a business or marketing background to research and generate business development opportunities, as well as building on marketing communications, particularly through social media. There is significant scope for this role to help build on the growth of this Irvine-based business, and potential for a permanent role for the right individual.

Job description

Project Description:

Whilst the economic climate remains challenging, we expect next financial year will be an exciting one for Sercon as we exceed our original financial projections produced at the start of the year.  As part of our success, we have identified the requirement to strengthen the team and we are looking for a business improvement and marketing specialist to manage the project.

Project Objectives

The objectives of this project are to:

• Deliver qualitative and quantitative research
• Identify and generate new business opportunities
• Improve the use of social media and conventional marketing platforms to market the business.

Role Description:

The successful graduate will be involved with many of the business core functions including Operations, Facilities Management, Finance and I.T. You will research new business development opportunities, collating detailed information and intelligience that can be used to make informed decision in conjuction with the departments key objectives, business strategies and growth, e.g. analysing clients contracts and client market place, assessing whether the service provided can be improved to include our Facilities Management services. This will form part of identifying and generating new business opportunities aligned to the Pre Qualified Questionaires and Invitation to Tenders procurement processes within our chosen operating sectors. Related to this business development, you will co-ordinate and improve the use of social media and conventional marketing platforms to ensure our business is communicating the value of our services to our existing customers and potential prospects. This will include networking opportunities, as appropriate

Tasks will include:

• Manage procurement/tendering projects and related administration, including Pre Qualified Questionaires, Invitation To Tender report writing, expressions of interest, site visits through to submission
• Prepare timely and accurate management information covering aspects of the procurement process lifecycle
• Identify and manage of procurement channels and portals for new business opportunities, as well as development initiatives to monitor client retention and new business
• Assist in creation and implementation of marketing plans including conducting market research to identify market requirements and new markets, managing social media to promote awareness of our brand, and preparing materials (literature packs, promotional merchandise, etc)
• Periodic update and refresh of the company website including editing articles and liaising with web hosting company to ensure changes are made in an accurate and timely manner
• Populate and manage CRM system and intranet with relevant information
• Employ problem solving skills and analysis, and report problems to Business Development Management, as necessary.

 

 

Qualifications

Graduate from an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, HNC or HND qualification in discipline such as Marketing or Business or similar

 

Skills / Experience

• Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office applications and Internet
• Strong Customer service skills
• Excellent oral and written English
• Strong administration/organisational skills
• Ability to pay close attention to detail
• Effective time management with the ability to prioritise to ensure deadlines are met
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Good decision making abilities and able to work under pressure
• Knowledge and understanding of Social Media in business use
• Marketing skills, e.g. producing marketing production reports

Benefits

Company Benefits:

Being part of a fast growing business in an ever congested market place, having the direct access to management and quick decision making.

There is scope for the placement becoming a full time permanent opportunity, with the business supporting the right candidate for any future further qualifications, that would benefit both the company and individual.

Placement Benefits:

As part of ScotGrad Graduate Placement Programme, the candidate will benefit from support from the ScotGrad team and may have access to training.

Additional information

Location: Irvine

Planned interview date: 05/12/2013

Preferred start date: 09/12/2013

Company information

Established in 2001, Sercon Support Services Ltd is an ambitious and growing SME specialising in facilities management solutions providing a range of soft services including security, contract cleaning, waste management, building maintenance, void property clearance and specialist cleaning.

We provide our range of expertise to public bodies (Social Housing Providers, Local Authorities, Education and NHS) and private clients (Commercial, Property Management Retail, Industrial and Construction), across Scotland and the North of England, with our services delivered as either individual contracts or integrated packages, offering our customers a complete facilities solution.

In previous financial year, Sercon grew revenues by 82% and underlying profit before tax by 5%.  In doing so we have outperformed our original projections and increased our security business by 84%.  We continue to grow in both the public and private sectors, with our services, including our Facilities Management services.  In the next financial year, we expect to double the business turnover and profits.

Company sector: Other

Company website: http://www.serconltd.co.uk

This placement may result in a permanent employment afterwards