Sales Development Representative
Location: Peterborough | Full-time, Permanent | £28k - £32k depending on experience
OAL is looking for a Sales Development Representative to support the growth of our automation and robotics business in the UK food industry.
This is an entry point into technology sales with clear progression. You will work closely with the sales and marketing teams to generate and qualify opportunities, build pipeline, and help move deals forward.
You will not be stuck doing repetitive admin or handed a rigid script. You will be expected to think, engage, and learn how to sell into a technical, B2B environment with longer sales cycles and multiple decision-makers.
If you want to build a career in sales and are prepared to put the work in, this role will give you that opportunity.
What you will actually do
Prospecting and outreach. Generate new business opportunities through outbound activity including calls, emails, and LinkedIn. Identify and engage potential customers across the food manufacturing sector.
Pipeline management. Keep your pipeline organised and up to date. Follow up consistently and make sure no opportunities are lost through lack of contact or poor tracking.
Sales support. Work closely with the wider sales team to qualify leads, book meetings, and help move opportunities through the sales process.
Events and networking. Attend industry events and conferences to meet potential customers, build relationships, and generate leads.
Market feedback. Share insights from conversations with prospects to help shape sales and marketing activity. You will be close to the market, so your input will matter.
What we are looking for
Early sales experience. Around two to three years in a customer-facing or sales role. You understand the basics of engaging customers and handling conversations.
Resilience. You are comfortable with rejection and can maintain momentum in a role that involves regular outbound activity.
Communication skills. You can speak and write clearly and confidently with a range of stakeholders.
Organisation. You can manage your time, keep track of activity, and maintain a structured approach to pipeline management.
CRM experience. Familiar with using CRM systems and sales tools to track activity and manage leads.
Full UK driving licence. Required for attending events and visiting customers.
Why this role is different
A genuine entry into tech sales. This is not a call centre role. You will be selling complex automation solutions into a technical market and learning how B2B sales really works.
Clear progression. This role is designed as a stepping stone into a full sales position. You will gain the experience needed to move into a more senior role.
Exposure to the full sales cycle. You will work closely with experienced sales professionals and see how deals are developed and closed.
Growing business. OAL is expanding, and there is real opportunity for progression as the company grows.
About OAL
OAL helps food manufacturers automate. Based in Peterborough, we design and deploy automation systems including machine vision, robotic palletising, barcode and label verification, and factory software. Our systems run on production lines across the UK food industry, serving manufacturers who supply the major retailers.
We are a family-owned business with a serious engineering culture. The team is small enough that your work will be visible and your decisions will matter.
Interested?
Please complete the form below.
We do not need a long cover letter. Tell us what systems you have worked on, what platforms you are comfortable with, and what interests you about this role.