Hannah Smith - Women in Industry

How did you get into this industry? “I have been in the window industry for about seven years however, my first full time job was at a car dealership working within sales and servicing.

18.07.2023

How did you get into this industry?

“I have been in the window industry for about seven years however, my first full time job was at a car dealership working within sales and servicing. I then came across an opportunity to get into training within a construction company and this eventually led me to a job in this sector. As time went by and I built up more experience, I realised that I wanted to make a full-time career in the industry. The rest, as they say, is history.”

Please give a brief resume of your career to date.

“It was the construction training role which gave me the platform to get into the window and door industry. I worked at another window company in a sales role before applying to join REHAU in 2020, which was seen as the crème de la crème of the window industry. In June that year, I joined the team as a Trade Sales Manager which I was super excited about, of course, it was challenging to join in the year of Covid but the team and customers were so welcoming – I just threw myself into it. I immediately knew that is where I wanted to grow my career – so many people who work at REHAU have been there for a long time which is testament to what a great employer it is.

Then, earlier this year I was promoted to an Area Sales Manager covering the Midlands and South Yorkshire region. The role is quite similar, however much more challenging as it involves driving sales growth around new product across around 26 accounts so far this year. During this time my focus was also on achieving the Institute of Sales and Professional Sales Executive Foundation Degree which I was recently informed I had passed. It wouldn’t be possible without REHAU’s help and support along the way.”

Do you believe your speciality (finance, sales, management, marketing etc.) is transferable to any industry?

“I believe so. Sales allows you to build a truly diverse set of skills, both technical and personal. Communication is a crucial part of my job which transfers across all sectors and industries when working with customers, partners, and other employees.”

Have you a career path mapped out or is it more about opportunism?

“Earlier in my career I was focused on learning and was curious to find my niche however, I am now much clearer on what path I want to take. I would like to continue my career at REHAU and the company offers many opportunities through internal promotions so for now I am focused on excelling in my new role.”

Looking ahead, where would you like to be in a) 5 years’ time and b) 10 years’ time?

“In the short-term I will continue my professional growth, hopefully leading to a senior position within the next ten years. I look up to the management team here at REHAU, people like Jonathan Hicks, our Head of Sales, helps motivate me to continually grow my skills. I was recently nominated for the Young Person of the Year award and winning it would be a meaningful reassurance of the work I have been doing, being such a strong brand REHAU has never failed to recognise and celebrate effort. In the future, the company may create a completely new job role, who knows what the next step might be for me?”

Away from work, what is your focus?

“Travelling is my passion and focus outside of my busy work life. I recently explored Dubai and in a couple of weeks I am going to Greece. Cooper, my Beagle, is also the apple of my eye. My partner and I spend our spare time with him, going on long walks and unwinding together.”

Do you achieve the work/life balance you would like to?

“Yes, definitely. I am lucky to have travelled to many countries while working for REHAU where everyone is very mindful of the work-life balance. My partner and I are always planning our next trip; Australia is currently on our radar.”

If money and leisure time were no object, what would you really like to do for yourself or your family?

“If time and money did not matter, I would be travelling the world with my partner and Cooper. I would aim for 12 destinations a year to immerse myself in diverse cultures and experiences.”