Obolensky our rugby legend

In the midst of this year's 6 Nations Championship will be the 108^th anniversary of the birth of a rugby legend. A man who deserves to be better remembered.

By Peter Foy

Obolensky our rugby legend Prince Alexander Sergeevich Obolensky was born in Petrograd on 17 February 1916. His family were forced to flee their home during the Bolshevik revolution of 1917 and, like so many persecuted people, found refuge in the UK. Obolensky thrived in his adopted homeland, academically gifted, he was awarded a scholarship to read PPE at Oxford, and he was also an exceptionally talented sportsman. At Oxford he won two rugby blues, he also played for Chesterfield, Leicester Tigers and Rosslyn Park.

Forced to flee his country of birth, he chose to serve his adopted home...

On 4 January 1936, he won his first cap for England against the All Blacks, an achievement made all the better by scoring 2 tries in his adopted nation’s first win against New Zealand. His first try saw him receive the ball from a scrum and he ran 75 yards for a magnificent touchdown. Captured on Pathe news footage which was shown around the country, the try made Obolensky a national hero. You can still see the footage on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wjb8eO0bJ3U

As war approached, Obolensky was commissioned as an officer in the RAF. He died on the 29 March 1940 in a flying accident at RAF Martlesham Heath, just outside of Ipswich. A statue, by the artist Harry Gray, was paid for by public subscription and stands in the centre of Ipswich. It commemorates an amazing man. Forced to flee his country of birth, he chose to serve his adopted home both on the field of play and in battle.

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Published: 9 February 2024
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Sales Negotiator (9-month contract)

About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded, market-leading business on the outskirts of Colchester that is seeking a Sales Negotiator to join its stable team.

The key purpose of this role is to achieve and exceed sales conversion targets from quotations, whilst maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and engagement.

You will be responsible for the accurate updating of CRM and pricing systems too.

Key duties include:

Contacting clients by phone or email to follow up on quotations with a view to securing orders for the business.
Ensuring internal systems are updated accordingly with accurate and current information.
Negotiating with customers — listen to objections, understand requirements, and provide appropriate solutions.
Developing relationships with key customers, influencers, and decision-makers within the industry.
Using the bespoke pricing software to review and amend quotations in line with company processes.
Performing other tasks and duties as reasonably requested by the Sales Office Manager.

Role requirements include:

Professional and confident communication skills, both written and verbal.
Diligent and proactive in following up on quotations and capturing feedback.
Positive, “can-do” attitude and solution-oriented mindset.
Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work methodically under pressure.
Reasonable level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Office Suite; training provided for in-house systems.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise and remain organised.

Please note that, due to the company location, you must have access to your own transport.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

Sales Negotiator

About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded, market-leading business on the outskirts of Colchester that is seeking a Sales Negotiator to join its stable team on a full-time, permanent basis.

The key purpose of this role is to achieve and exceed sales conversion targets from quotations, whilst maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and engagement.

You will be responsible for the accurate updating of CRM and pricing systems too.

Key duties include:

Contacting clients by phone or email to follow up on quotations with a view to securing orders for the business.
Ensuring internal systems are updated accordingly with accurate and current information.
Negotiating with customers — listen to objections, understand requirements, and provide appropriate solutions.
Developing relationships with key customers, influencers, and decision-makers within the industry.
Using the bespoke pricing software to review and amend quotations in line with company processes.
Performing other tasks and duties as reasonably requested by the Sales Office Manager.

Role requirements include:

Professional and confident communication skills, both written and verbal.
Diligent and proactive in following up on quotations and capturing feedback.
Positive, “can-do” attitude and solution-oriented mindset.
Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work methodically under pressure.
Reasonable level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Office Suite; training provided for in-house systems.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise and remain organised.

Please note that, due to the company location, you must have access to your own transport.

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.