The posting
A little about us
Capricorn is one of Australia and New Zealand’s largest and most dynamic Member-owned organisations. Since 1974, we’ve provided our Members with financial and business solutions to make running a business easier. Our flagship Trade Account offers instant credit with over 1600 Preferred Suppliers, simplified monthly expenses, and a generous rewards program.
We have a strong foundation in the automotive, marine, agricultural and machinery aftermarkets. Our vibrant community includes over 31,000 Members across Australia and New Zealand, from national franchises to your local family workshop. Last year, Capricorn facilitated nearly $4bn in sales with our Preferred Suppliers.
At Capricorn, we're about more than just products and services. We work hard to ensure that our Members, Suppliers and People feel like they're part of something bigger: a community which is connected and supported to make a difference, while having some fun along the way!
A little about the role
As Area Manager, you will develop business with existing Members and assigned Suppliers while identifying and converting new membership opportunities across your designated territory. You will connect Suppliers with Members, promote Capricorn products, services and events, and help grow the value Members receive from their relationship with Capricorn.
This is a hands-on, field-based roles where you will plan and run your own week with support from your leader. Around 80% of your time will be spent meeting members, prospects and suppliers, with the balance focused on administration, follow-up and reporting. Your portfolio will include approximately 350 Members, including regional territories, with a strong focus on growing existing business and maintaining regular engagement with priority members.
You will build a strong local network, use your commercial judgement to identify opportunities, and collaborate with internal teams to progress solutions. Prospecting will form approximately 10-20% of the role, with most of your activity focused on existing Members. Travel is required approximately every 6-8 weeks, generally for a week at a time.
What you’ll bring
We’re looking for an extremely organised person who can work efficiently autonomously, whilst also working and supporting other team members. A proactive business developer who enjoys being on the road, building networks and turning conversations into practical growth opportunities will thrive in this role.
What’s essential
- Proven experience in business development, relationship management or high-level customer service.
- Strong business development and opportunity-identification capability, with the confidence to grow existing accounts and convert suitable prospects.
- Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build rapport across Members, Suppliers and internal teams.
- Strong personal organisation, attention to detail and administration skills, including the discipline to maintain accurate activity records and reports.
- The ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and run an effective field-based schedule.
- Commercial awareness, sound negotiation skills and a practical approach to problem solving is highly regarded
Experience in the automotive, industrial or manufacturing sectors.
- Knowledge of the automotive parts and service industry or automotive supply chain is highly regarded but not essential.
- Experience in a BDM role or previous experience within a 2-sided community (member and supplier) role will be highly regarded.
- Confidence working with suppliers and internal specialists to develop customer solutions and sales opportunities.
- An established local network or demonstrated ability to build one quickly.
Qualifications
- A current valid driver’s licence is essential. Relevant qualifications in business management or sales and/or previous experience in a field based and autonomous role, will be highly regarded.
A little on life at Capricorn
Joining our community is about more than just a job, so here’s what’s in it for you:
- Field-based autonomy - Plan and run your own week, balancing Member and Supplier visits with focused administration and follow-up.
- Company vehicle support - A vehicle and fuel card are provided to support the travel requirements of the role.
- Reward for performance - The role includes quarterly and annual commission opportunities.
- Development opportunities - Your success is ours too. We provide training opportunities and development to give you the tools you need to grow.
- Paid parental leave - During life’s most important times, we support parents’ leave for both parents and their transition back to work.
- Get social - Our social calendar is full, with a range of virtual and face-to-face events to keep us connected.
- More to enjoy - Access reward and recognition, wellness initiatives, additional leave purchase and more.
Sound like you’d be a good fit?
If you are ready to build strong relationships, uncover new opportunities and help our Members grow, get in touch today.
For further information, support with your application and details on Capricorn, please visit capricorn.coop/careers
