CNC Tooling Sales and Application Engineer

Kennametal, Inc.•Lewisville, NC

About The Position

Kennametal is seeking a machinist or CNC programmer interested in transitioning into a professional sales role. The position drives metal-cutting tool sales growth with new and established direct and indirect customers by managing relationships, providing technical direction and support, and helping customers increase productivity. It combines technical knowledge and sales skills to meet sales targets, build territory presence and pipeline, and support customer initiatives in collaboration with internal sales and support professionals. Sales and Application Engineers address CNC machining, milling, and lathe applications. The role is based from a home office within the assigned territory, with 80% or more of the week spent in the field at customer locations. A company vehicle is provided. Compensation includes a base salary and performance-based bonus, with benefits starting on day one. The employee must be located in the North Central North Carolina territory.

Requirements

At least 3 years of related CNC machining industry experience.
Proficient product knowledge, including applications and troubleshooting, with the ability to tailor solutions to customer needs.
Solid understanding of industry dynamics and the ability to align product solutions with customer needs and trends.
Competence in sales techniques, including objection handling and closing, and the ability to adapt approaches to different customer types.
Ability to execute strategic sales plans independently, contribute to strategy development, and meet targets through planning.
Critical-thinking, presentation, and administrative skills.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
Customer-focused approach and a passion for problem-solving and service.
Attention to detail when reviewing contracts and discussing project specifications.
Creative and persuasive approach, with the ability to think tactically and strategically.
Collaborative approach and ability to work effectively across departments.
Must be located in the assigned North Central North Carolina territory.

Nice To Haves

Technical degree or degree in Business, Manufacturing, and/or Engineering.
1–2 years of technical sales and/or application experience.
Hands-on machining or CNC programming experience.

Responsibilities

Meet or exceed revenue targets by providing metal-cutting solutions aligned with customer needs and market trends.
Generate, qualify, and manage sales leads, prospects, and new customer accounts.
Manage the full sales process, including prospecting, qualification, consultative meetings, product demonstrations, pricing, terms negotiations, and sourcing.
Develop and execute strategic territory plans to deliver revenue goals, focusing on new product sales.
Provide timely responses to customers’ pre-sales technical and commercial questions.
Maintain current customer and project records in CRM to support a healthy sales pipeline.
Collaborate with internal sales and support professionals, including Application Engineers, Channel Partner Representatives, and Inside Sales, to deliver a positive customer experience.
Conduct online and onsite demonstrations of metal-cutting products tailored to customer needs.
Conduct pre-sales workshops, webinars, and other online or onsite territory events.
Represent and promote Kennametal at territory tradeshows, conferences, and other events.
Analyze complex application needs and conduct tooling and application testing to deliver cost savings and support customer business needs.
Prepare and present progress, status, and forecasting reports.