Sales Support & Business Development (Part-Time)

Location: Rangiora, North Canterbury

Hours: Approximately 20 hours per week, Monday to Friday (around 4 hours per day). Exact hours and working arrangements can be discussed with the successful applicant.

About Lily & George

Lily & George is a proudly New Zealand-owned children's toy company specialising in premium soft toys, comforters and gifts. Since 2008, we have built a reputation for quality, safety and beautiful design, with our products now stocked by hundreds of retailers throughout New Zealand and Australia.

As our business continues to grow, we are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic team member to help support and expand our wholesale customer base, with a particular focus on Australia.

About the Role

This is primarily a sales-focused role supporting our wholesale business across New Zealand and Australia.

A large part of the role will involve building relationships with retailers over the phone, maintaining regular contact with customers, following up opportunities, and ensuring our customers receive outstanding service.

Australia will be a major focus for this role. Working alongside the business owners, you will help identify growth opportunities, develop customer contact strategies and call cycles, explore new market opportunities, and contribute ideas that support the continued growth of the Lily & George brand throughout Australia.

You will also assist with customer enquiries, email communication, database management and the day-to-day activities that help keep a growing business running smoothly.

This is not a call-centre role. We are looking for someone who enjoys building genuine long-term relationships with customers and helping businesses succeed.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintaining regular contact with existing wholesale customers

• Building strong relationships with retailers throughout New Zealand and Australia

• Conducting outbound phone calls to existing and prospective customers

• Developing and managing customer call cycles

• Assisting in the development and execution of sales strategies, particularly within Australia

• Identifying new market opportunities, customer segments and areas for growth

• Following up quotations, samples and sales opportunities

• Responding to customer enquiries via phone and email

• Maintaining and updating customer records and databases

• Assisting with trade fairs and promotional activities as required

• Supporting order processing and customer service activities

• Assisting with preparing and dispatching orders when required

• Contributing ideas and initiatives that support business growth

• Supporting the wider business and team as required

About You

We're looking for someone who genuinely enjoys talking to people and building relationships.

You don't necessarily need extensive sales experience, however you must be comfortable picking up the phone, engaging with customers and developing ongoing business relationships.

The ideal applicant will have:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• A confident and professional phone manner

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

• The ability to work independently and manage their time effectively

• Confidence using email, databases and computer systems

• A positive, proactive attitude and willingness to learn

• A genuine interest in helping grow a business

Experience in wholesale, retail, customer service, account management or telesales would be advantageous, but is not essential.

An interest in children's products, gifting, retail or related industries would also be viewed favourably.

What We Offer

• Flexible part-time hours

• Competitive hourly rate plus commission opportunities

• The opportunity to help shape and grow our Australian market presence

• A supportive, family-owned business environment

• Potential travel opportunities to trade fairs and industry events throughout New Zealand and Australia

• A varied role where your contribution can make a genuine impact on the growth of the business

• The opportunity to work with a well-established and respected New Zealand brand

A Note About Working With Us

We are a small, agile business where everyone contributes to the success of the team. While the primary focus of this role is sales and customer development, there will be times where helping with other reasonable business activities is required.

We're looking for someone who enjoys being part of a team, takes initiative, and is happy to roll up their sleeves when needed.

How to Apply

Please send your CV along with a brief cover letter telling us a little about yourself and why you believe you would be a good fit for the role.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.