SAS Otley branch manager Martin Elliott is latest example of team members progressing through the business
The path from sales advisor to branch manager is well trodden across the network and SAS Otley branch manager Martin Elliott is another great example of one of our team rising through the ranks.
Martin’s journey has taken him to branches across the Yorkshire region, driven by a combination of ambition and experience.
“I knew when I joined that I wanted to reach a managerial level in my career and the first step to that was becoming assistant branch manager at SAS Northallerton in 2014,” said Martin, who first joined the team as a sales advisor the previous year.
“I had a great period where I learned a lot from the branch manager at the time and we really built Northallerton up as a branch over the two years I was there.”
Following this success, Martin had a stint as assistant branch manager at SAS Harrogate, before making the step up to Branch Manager when an opportunity became available at SAS Skipton.
He said: “Working at a bigger branch like Harrogate gave me greater responsibility, which really helped to prepare me for managing a branch for the first time.
“The management training offered by the company is a real help in getting you ready for branch management, but my biggest piece of advice for a sales advisor or assistant branch manager looking to make the step up is to make sure you’re constantly pushing yourself and making yourself available to learn.
“Managers are always looking for talent to nurture and develop, and this can give you a real boost to your career. Mentorship has given me the skills and confidence to get to management level.
“Whether it’s covering for a manager during an absence or just jumping at the chance to help out with elements of that role whenever you can, it’s the best way to ensure you’re learning and putting yourself forward for these opportunities when they come up.”
After a successful stint at SAS Skipton, Martin took on the branch manager role at SAS Otley in November 2020.
While starting a new managerial position during the pandemic wasn’t ideal, a good team and his experience to date have helped him to hit the ground running.
“It was certainly challenging starting when I did because the natural thing is go and meet your customers in person to build those relationships that are so important.
“Thankfully, I know some customers from my earlier days in the trade and I knew the team at Otley well too,” said Martin.
“We all work hard to build relationships with customers over the phone during lockdown, but as a wise person told me 10 years ago: people buy from people.
“I think we’ll find when this pandemic is over this will stay true and I look forward to getting on the road and meeting my customers.”
