Outside Sales Applications Engineer

Creston Industrial Sales•Lansing, MI

3h•$80,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Creston is a distributor of metal cutting tools and related products and services with a strong presence in West Michigan. We are family-owned with over 50 years of technical expertise and a reputation for superior customer service. We have an opportunity for the right sales candidate to serve the market territory from Portland/Ionia area to East of Lansing. This position is primarily responsible for developing, growing, and maintaining business relationships with customers in the sales territory from Grand Rapids to Laning, providing products and services that meet customer needs. This position also helps to ensure that individual and company sales and profit goals are met.

Requirements

College degree or trade school preferred but not required
3+ years of outside sales in HSS, carbide and cutting tool application experience
Experience and knowledge of business to business sales techniques
Experience in manufacturing or industrial sales
Knowledge of metal cutting tools required
Proven track record of managing and growing an industrial sales territory
Ability to quickly build relationships with key decision-makers and end users
Knowledgeable about selling VMI programs
Must be able to work at all levels within the customer account (operations, end users, purchasing, engineering, upper management, department-heads, etc.)
Strong presentation skills, including general ability to use Power Point
Working knowledge of web/digital services
Ability to operate a personal computer, including use of Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook, etc.)
Ability to effectively use databases and other similar on-line systems and related software
Be able to physically visit customer locations throughout a specified territory

Responsibilities

Develop business relationships with existing and potential new customers
Understand customer business models and product needs
Understand related industry terminology and applications of products
Possesses advanced business acumen and technical knowledge to position CIS as a value-added strategic solutions partner
Uses knowledge of manufacturing economics to communicate costs, identify cost drivers, and develop solutions
Develop cutting tool solutions for customers that meet or exceed their requirements
Expand sales with end users relative to annual sales goals
Function as subject-matter expert on all product lines and technology that CIS provides
Work with customer to show tangible cost-savings and value and submit related monthly cost-savings reports to manager.
Perform tool tests for end users
Provide territory & customer progress reports and opportunities for growth, including detailed sales forecasts/projections & appropriate CRM account data entries
Responsible for contacting and interacting with prospective new customers
Maintain relationships with CIS vendors to help grow their portfolio. Provides regular account updates to satisfy vendor requirements.
Maintain established margin objectives
Understand vendor tool pricing and product application/function as a liaison to achieve continued and additional sales.
Maintain accurate sales records and generates various reports relevant to marketing and sales
Perform regular customer business reviews
Develop a personal business plan with annual goals, including key account strategic sales plans
Travel as needed
Consult with manager and leadership team to identify and solve potential problems
Work closely with other teams and departments on projects as needed
Work with the accounting department to help ensure receivables are current and communicates forecasting of potential negative financial implications
Attend product training, seminars, and other educational opportunities to advance skills
Attend industry trade shows, exhibitions, etc.
Perform other duties as assigned