18 December 2024
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Jenny Dean is Business Director – Air Conditioning, Beijer Ref UK & Ireland.
What was your first job?
I started young! Whilst at school I had various jobs including a paper round, starting a local car washing business, working in a children’s soft play centre and cafe and providing tutoring support to other students at school whose families were non-native English speakers. My first full-time job after leaving education was as a patient services co-ordinator for a home health care company.
What does your current role involve?
I’m all about setting clear sales targets and KPIs that align with our company goals and the demands of the market. This means analysing industry trends and listening to what our customers need so we can continue to grow.
Leading a team of talented and hardworking salespeople is a highlight for me. I focus on coaching, training, and setting them up for success with ongoing development, and clear, actionable goals. I allocate and oversee different regions and sectors, making sure everyone has their targets and knows what they’re working towards.
Building and nurturing relationships is key; I keep close to our customer base to ensure they remain satisfied with our product and service and to understand what they value most, so they keep coming back! I also work closely with our marketing and product teams to create engaging content and advertising that is relevant and to introduce new products to the market.
I am always tracking our sales performance, encouraging feedback, celebrating wins, and finding ways to grow even stronger together, which I love.
What attracted you to the industry?
I did not set out to enter the world of air conditioning! In my early 20s I moved to Welwyn Garden City and was looking for a new job locally. I took on a role as internal account manager at Mitsubishi Electric, later moving into management and corporate end user sales. My eyes were opened to the opportunity for growth and improved service within the industry and this is where I have stayed!
What excites/interests you about the industry?
As we know, HVAC has traditionally been male-dominated. I am excited by the growing push for diversity and inclusion within the industry. It is positive to see how the networks for women in engineering and HVAC are helping people to build careers in leadership and technical roles.
How would you like to see your career developing?
I have been fortunate enough to have various roles during my career and I still like to say ‘every day is a school day’. I’d like to continue to develop myself and my knowledge when it comes to people management, product innovation and legislation and be the best I can be. I love developing others, too. Watching new, outside-of-industry colleagues join the business and flourish is something I want to continue to do.
Jenny enjoys spending time near the sea with daughter Summer
What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Look after your people first and in turn they will look after your customers.
What do you see as the challenges facing the industry?
It is known there is a shortage of skilled HVAC engineers, with not enough young people entering the industry. Via our academy centres, Beijer Ref is plugging some of the skill set gaps. We also have a host of apprentices coming through the business but there is still plenty of work to be done to encourage more young people into the industry.
What would you say to other women who are considering coming into the ACR industry?
Do it! There is so much opportunity, the people are great and it’s fun! New technologies are always on the horizon and there is value to add in all different roles within the HVAC Industry.
Is there a little-known fact about yourself that would surprise other people?
I am a huge Chas & Dave fan! Also, I once danced on the stage at the London Palladium!
I love to spend time near the sea with my 10-year-old daughter, Summer, either in the UK or abroad.
