Sales Executive Apprentice

Role overview

Joe Duffy Group is expanding and is looking for an energetic and motivated Trainee Sales Executive to join the Audi Approved : plus Drogheda team on a full-time, on-site basis. This opportunity sits within Ireland’s largest motor retail group, which operates across 24 locations, spans 20 franchises, represents 13 brands, and employs around 600 people.

The role begins as an apprentice sales position and includes an in-house training programme of up to 12 months. Successful completion of the programme can lead to qualification as a Joe Duffy Group Sales Executive. Retail or hospitality background is preferred, and applicants must hold a full Irish or EU driving licence.

Training and development

During the apprenticeship, the focus will be on learning the Joe Duffy Group sales approach, building product and process knowledge, improving customer service capability, and developing the skills needed for a career in motor sales. Training will include mentoring, observing experienced sales executives, classroom learning, brand training, database work, and exposure to marketing and customer service processes. In the early stages, selling is not the main expectation; the priority is development, with the longer-term objective of progressing into a full Sales Executive role.

Main learning areas

• Apply the company’s sales process consistently when working towards vehicle sales.
• Work closely with the Sales Manager and follow guidance carefully.
• Use follow-up and prospecting systems to create repeat and new-business opportunities.
• Guide customers through the full journey from enquiry through to delivery and aftersales.
• Work towards agreed targets for new and used vehicle sales.
• Create strong customer relationships that support repeat business.
• Keep accurate customer records and contact details in internal systems.
• Assess part-exchange vehicles and agree values with the Sales Manager.
• Stay focused on meeting daily performance targets.
• Attend regular training to strengthen product knowledge and selling ability.
• Work toward meeting the standards required to progress into a Sales Executive position.

Candidate profile

The ideal applicant will have experience in sales or customer service and a clear commitment to delivering a high standard of service. Experience presenting products to customers would be an advantage. A strong interest in building a career in motor sales is important, along with a dependable work ethic, good organisation, and confident negotiation skills.

The role also calls for a warm, professional manner in person and on the phone, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the discipline to follow a structured process from beginning to end. Candidates should either be a graduate or have Leaving Cert Maths and English at A1-C3 level, or an equivalent qualification.

Requirements

• Full clean Irish or EU driving licence is mandatory.
• Eligibility to work full-time in the EU is required.
• Experience in sales, telesales, retail, or customer-facing roles is strongly preferred.
• Applicants should demonstrate a genuine interest in motor sales.
• Leaving Cert Maths and English at A1-C3, equivalent qualifications, or a graduate degree are required.

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Active social club.
• Industry-leading training and progression plans.
• Bike to Work Scheme.
• 20 days of annual leave.
• Life cover.
• Pension.

Additional information

This is an apprentice sales role with a tailored training programme that can take up to 12 months to complete. The company values hard work, achievement, and loyalty, and states that it is an equal opportunities employer. Third-party or agency assistance is not required.