Building Confidence, Opportunity, and Impact: Chris’ Journey from the Office to the Field

Written by the Hilti GB / Northern Europe employer brand team – sharing real stories and insights into life, culture and careers at Hilti. 

 

When Chris stepped into Hilti four years ago, he wasn’t sure what to expect. Coming straight from university and working in fashion retail, construction felt like uncharted territory – “parallel universes,” as he describes them. Yet that step into the unknown became the starting point of a career defined by growth, courage, and real impact.  

Today, as Regional Account Manager for in the Northwest, Chris reflects on the opportunities he’s seized, the people who supported him, and the moments that made him realise just how meaningful his work can be. 

 

Finding his path: “There are so many directions you can go here” 

Chris joined Hilti through the Graduate Channel Sales Development Program – a deliberately broad start designed to expose him to different parts of the business. 

He began in customer service, moved into the inside sales team, and later stepped into the field as a Regional Account Manager. In just four years, three roles gave him a wide-angle view of the company and its customers. 

There are a lot of directions you can go. In four years, I’ve had three roles, which really accelerated my career.

What stood out most during those early interviews was the flexibility Hilti offered. For someone curious, ambitious, and eager to take on new challenges, it was the right environment to grow. 

 

Opportunities made real through support 

Navigating a new industry requires not only courage but the right support system. Chris had both. 

He was assigned a mentor early on – someone experienced, approachable, and always willing to help. 

“If he didn’t know the answer, he’d find it and get back to me within hours. That relationship was important for my development and confidence.”  

Beyond mentorship, his team leader, sales director, and colleagues were always there to offer direction. That sense of community, and knowing he never had to face challenges alone, made a significant difference. 

 

Switching from office to field: a new kind of challenge 

After several years in an office environment surrounded by colleagues, Chris moved into a field-based role – one where relationships look a little different. 

What changed? 

Customer volume went from 400 accounts to 17 strategic partnerships, requiring deeper trust-building and more nuanced problem-solving. 

“Gaining trust quickly is similar in both roles, but in the field you’re building many relationships within one business instead of hundreds of short interactions.” 

The independence took adjusting, but he never felt isolated. Daily calls with peers, workshops, site visits, and frequent team meetings kept him connected. And being out with customers – laughing, problem solving, learning – gave him a sense of belonging in a different way. 

Discovering the industry’s biggest misconceptions 

Like many people outside construction, Chris once assumed you needed deep technical knowledge to start a career here. His experience quickly proved otherwise. 

“Coming from fashion, everything was new – but that helped me. I absorbed so much information. Four years in, I still learn something every day.” 

This openness to learning – paired with Hilti’s training, mentorship, and hands-on exposure – accelerated his growth and confidence. 

 

A moment of impact: when productivity became real 

One of Chris’ proudest moments came during a tool demonstration at a fabrication workshop. A customer’s existing method took them two to three days. With Hilti’s solution, the same task took one hour. 

Seeing that direct impact – the speed, the effortlessness – was a proud moment. It shows what our tools can do for people’s day‑to‑day work.

Moments like these are what Hilti’s Making Construction Better pillar is all about: improving productivity, safety, and efficiency in ways that matter to real people. 

 

Connection, culture, and the power of one event 

When Chris describes Hilti to friends or family, one thing always surprises them: our annual Kick Off event. 

“Over a thousand people from across the UK come together. It’s inclusive, energising, and a great way to meet people from every part of the business.” 

For many colleagues, it’s their first day – a memorable introduction to the culture and community they are joining. 

Motivation: “I treat my territory like it’s my own business” 

Chris is driven by building something meaningful – watching his territory grow, strengthening partnerships, and helping customers achieve results. 

Every win feels earned, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow further.

A typical day might include reconnecting with colleagues at head office, visiting customers across Manchester, picking up demo stock for upcoming site visits, and finding new opportunities through conversations – the kind of varied, hands-on rhythm he thrives in. 

 

A career made real 

Looking back, Chris credits his journey to three things: 

• the courage to try something new, 
• Hilti’s culture of support and development, and 
• the opportunities that came with saying “yes” to new challenges. 

His story is one of growth made possible through mobility, mentorship, and a team that believes in investing in its people. 

And it’s only the beginning. 

 

Thinking about your own leap into a new industry or role? 
Discover our offerings, keep an eye out for upcoming vacancies, and start shaping your Hilti journey by applying through our Careers Website.