Aggregate Sales Representative

Knife River•Sauk Rapids, MN

About The Position

At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it's our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the Country, and we are a PEOPLE-first company. Our team members are the key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and safely each day. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index. The Aggregate Sales representative is a key cornerstone of the business growth strategy of Knife River Corporation and serves as the primary link between the company and external aggregate customers. By blending sales acumen, technical knowledge, and customer service, this role helps ensure that the right products reach the right projects, contributing to the success of Knife River across the region. Through prospecting new business, diligent fieldwork, and maintaining relationships with the existing customer base, this position will work to fulfill the needs of the market and provide solutions to customers. It is crucial that the Sales Representative is self-motivated, drives business growth, maintains customer relationships, and ensures the seamless supply of aggregates such as sand, gravel, crushed stone, and recycled materials to Knife River customers.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, engineering or related field of study or previous comparable experience in the industry.
Robust sales acumen with strong persuasive skills, ability to negotiate and close deals with a results-driven mindset.
Outstanding interpersonal skills, excellent verbal and written communication and a talent for building rapport and trust.
Technical Proficiency and the ability to learn the company products as well as how to interpret drawings, project specifications, proposals and contracts.
Problem-Solving skills and the capacity to identify challenges and implement effective solutions for customers and prospects both externally and internally.
Capability to operate computer software applications such as Microsoft Office, as well as ERP systems and CRM/quoting tools.
Organizational Skills and efficient time management, territory planning, and administrative accuracy.
Flexibility and willingness to travel throughout the market area and adapt to changing industry demands.

Nice To Haves

2-5 years sales experience, preferably in heavy bulk construction materials, such aggregate, concrete products, asphalt, or the highway/infrastructure industry.

Responsibilities

Expand Knife River's market presence by identifying potential customers within assigned territory among all market segments including commercial, residential, agriculture, infrastructure, and industrial plants to maintain a pipeline of new business opportunities.
Maintain and build positive relationships with existing customer bases as assigned and develop growing relationships with new customers and prospects.
Using project reporting tools, subscriptions, permit-issuing agencies, trade associations, and customer involvement, develop leads for future projects.
Follow company pricing strategies to prepare quotes for aggregate products specified on public and private sector projects, as well as other industrial plants utilizing bulk aggregate products.
Follow up and maintain contact with all stakeholders on projects and with customers.
Employ experience and technical product knowledge to troubleshoot and problem-solve situations, address customer questions, assist with product quality resolution and identify best product for customer needs, including finding opportunities to sell by-products or non-spec products when needed.
Follow through with customer satisfaction on jobs awarded.
Monitor product quality during delivery and installation.
Participate in both community and local and regional trade associations events to promote Knife River's commitment to safety, innovation, quality, sustainability, environmental stewardship and the use of aggregates and value-added products and services in the markets we serve.
Visit project sites and customers to check on progress and address issues as they arise.
Report any concerns and complaints to QC, Operations and Accounting to foster resolution.
Maintain ongoing internal communication with logistics, scale operations, operations management and plant supervisors.
Gain internal knowledge of and assist with daily processes and operations.
Assist with employee accident/injury reporting/process.
Escort employee to doctor or for drug testing as needed.
Communicate effectively (verbal, listening, written) and work with difficult people under high stress situations.
Ensure OSHA, EPA, DNR, safety and environmental regulation compliance.
Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor/manager.
Always work safely and take action to prevent any and all unsafe actions, processes, and behaviors.
Perform other duties as assigned.