Outside Sales Rep - Industrial & Commercial Paint

Cogent Talent Solutions•Grand Rapids, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Industrial / Commercial Sales Representative is responsible for driving business development, cultivating strong customer relationships, and managing a defined sales territory. This role combines technical understanding with consultative selling to deliver tailored solutions for industrial and commercial clients. The representative identifies and secures new business opportunities, maximizes penetration of existing accounts, and provides product and application knowledge. Reporting to leadership, this role collaborates with internal teams and partners to ensure profitability, customer satisfaction, and long-term growth within the assigned territory.

Requirements

Proven experience in industrial or commercial sales, account management, or a related field.
Strong understanding of industrial and commercial processes with the ability to develop technical expertise.
Demonstrated success in business development, customer relationship management, and territory growth.
Proficiency in CRM systems, forecasting, and expense management.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational and time management abilities.
Good competency with Excel
Business Acumen: Understanding of sales strategies, pricing models, and profitability drivers.
Technical Expertise: Ability to quickly learn, apply, and explain industrial and commercial solutions.
Consultative Selling: Skilled at identifying customer needs and positioning value-based solutions.
Relationship Building: Establishes trust and long-term partnerships with stakeholders.
Communication Skills: Clear, professional written and verbal communication.
Time & Territory Management: Effectively prioritizes tasks and manages a defined territory.
Analytical Thinking: Strong problem-solving and solution development skills.
Collaboration & Teamwork: Works across teams to achieve shared goals.
Adaptability & Resilience: Thrives in changing environments and customer-driven schedules.
Leadership: Demonstrates accountability and supports team success.

Responsibilities

Prospect, research, and identify new customer opportunities; plan and execute strategies to convert leads into business.
Conduct market research to understand industry trends, competitor activity, and client needs within the territory.
Maximize penetration of existing accounts by introducing additional services, solutions, and upgrade opportunities.
Advance accounts to higher-value categories through consultative selling and value-based solutions.
Attend trade shows, conferences, and training events to generate leads and expand professional networks.
Develop and execute a business plan and professional portfolio to track and measure progress toward territory goals.
Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with multiple contacts at each account to preserve and expand business.
Act as a technical consultant, educating customers on specifications, applications, and process improvements.
Conduct on-site visits to measure, document, and assess project requirements for accurate quoting.
Provide timely responses to customer inquiries, support requests, and service needs.
Negotiate sales, pricing, and terms to reflect customer value while ensuring profitability.
Follow up regularly with clients to ensure satisfaction and repeat business.
Collaborate with internal teams to deliver complete and accurate quotes, orders, and project execution.
Provide technical insight on industrial and commercial applications and solutions.
Submit accurate documentation, specifications, and field information for customer solutions.
Develop pricing strategies based on scope, quantity, purchasing patterns, and customer history.
Support operations with accurate field measurements and project documentation.
Assist in training and supporting team members with product knowledge and sales processes.
Prepare regular sales reports, including pipeline forecasts and goal tracking.
Maintain and update CRM systems to track customer activity, opportunities, and performance metrics.
Submit expense reports, travel plans, and updates in a timely manner.
Manage territory-related expenses responsibly, including travel and client-related costs.
Communicate effectively with internal teams to align customer needs with company resources and processes.
Serve as a collaborative and supportive team member, offering and accepting help as needed.
Partner with vendors and teammates to strengthen client presentations and territory support.
Share best practices, creative solutions, and market intelligence to drive team success.
Demonstrate leadership by achieving sales goals and mentoring others in consultative selling techniques.