We wanted to get a better idea of what it is like to work for PhoneWatch. Regional Sales Manager Neil Warren agreed to spill the beans.
What is your job and what do you do?
I am currently Regional Sales Manager with PhoneWatch, part of the Sector Alarm Group. In this capacity, I oversee and manage sales teams in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Louth and North Dublin. My role is to ensure the right culture and values are consistent across all areas that I am responsible for. I also ensure customers, staff and sales representatives have a great experience with us.
How did you get there?
I’ve had fantastic opportunities to grow and develop my career within PhoneWatch. When I finished college in 2012 I was looking for a work so applied for a Field Sales role in Kilkenny. I did that for just over a year before being promoted to Team Leader. A year later I moved to Naas as an Assistant Manager and less than a year later I was promoted again to Manager. By May 2015 I succeeded in becoming the youngest Regional Sales Manager within the PhoneWatch Direct Sales organisation.
What qualifications do you have?
I hold a degree in Business Studies from Waterford Institute of Technology. I’ve also completed numerous management development courses as part of the Sector Way Academy within PhoneWatch. SWA is the training organisation that provides training and development across all business areas throughout the entire Sector Group.
Tell us about your typical day?
Every day is different and brings new challenges and experiences. Communication is a big part of my role. I spend a considerable amount of my week travelling to meet with my teams around the country visiting regional offices. Then there are also sales conference calls with the other Regional Sales Managers and our National Sales Director.
Another important daily activity is analysing sales reports. This means I keep on track the of individual office performance within my region and look at the comparative data across all regions. This allows me to identify areas where we are hugely successful as well as areas that require addressing. It also allows me to identify training requirements for my teams. I strongly believe in the importance of developing everyone on my team and support them in being the best they possibly can be through providing coaching and individual development plans to support them progressing in their roles. I also regularly attend careers fairs and recruit and interview new staff members.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Probably the fact that every day is different and the people. PhoneWatch is all about their staff and developing and investing in making great sales people. Also all the trips away are great. This year we’ve been to Spain for our annual football tournament, Croatia and Ibiza for the Top Performer trips, last year we went to Thailand and Dubai! We also have two massive kick off parties each year. It’s a very rewarding company to work for with a very comprehensive incentive programme.
What’s the most challenging?
Direct sales can be challenging but we provide a huge amount of support and training and the progression available is second to none. We look for people who are aligned with our core values – Reliable, Goal Focused, Willing to Improve and Customer Focused.
What additional skills are needed in your role?
It’s definitely not all about sales. You really need to be great at listening and building effective relationships with your direct reports and colleagues. Being proactive and having the energy and drive to make things happen is also essential.
What advice would you give somebody applying for a job with your company?
If you have the right attitude you will go far in PhoneWatch. There is a really strong positive culture within Phonewatch. It is a very open company and fantastic to work for. It’s the people that make the company great and working in sales you are encouraged to hit and exceed your goals and are recognised for your achievements every step of the way.
If you'd like to learn more about PhoneWatch and the career opportunities they offer you can find out more here.