Application Specialist - Pacific Northwest

Department: Sales | Reports to: VP of Sales | Location: Pacific Northwest | Travel: 50% required

About the Role

We are seeking an Application Specialist focused on Solid Round and Insert Cutting Tools. The successful candidate will manage accounts and generate new opportunities by understanding customers' metalworking needs and educating customers, prospects, and distributors about GWS Tool Group’s products and capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Schedule appointments and meet with existing customers to review applications, product requirements, and identify opportunities.
• Conduct daily in-person sales presentations to customers.
• Liaise between the company and customers to provide updates on pricing, service, and new product launches.
• Develop and grow prospect accounts to increase revenue by partnering with the distribution chain.
• Keep customers informed about product modifications, changes, and enhancements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of new products, procedures, and tools through training and departmental meetings.
• Represent the company professionally, demonstrating diplomacy, sensitivity, and tact.
• Attend conferences and trade shows to promote products and network.
• Use marketing data and sales management tools to maximize sales effectiveness.
• Organize and attend joint sales calls with distributors.
• Prepare reports for sales and marketing teams and manage expense accounts.
• Maintain and update customer accounts, including contact details for future sales.
• Provide product quotes to customers with the support of inside sales.
• Follow up on leads by providing complete customer profiles, calls-to-action, sources, and dates to managers.

Requirements

• 5–8 years of experience in tooling and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to assist customers with part processing and correct tool application.
• Strong manufacturing background with a focus on Milling, Turning, and Grooving (minimum 5 years).
• Job shop experience is highly valued.
• Experience assisting customers with proper speeds and feeds for materials.
• Experience designing special tools is a plus.
• Experience processing customer parts from drawing to finished product.
• Proven account management skills for current customers.
• Ability to develop new customers is ideal.
• A degree in sales, marketing, or a related field is highly regarded.

Skills

• In-depth knowledge and experience in tooling and manufacturing disciplines, with basic knowledge of related areas.
• Understanding of best practices and how your role integrates with other departments.
• Awareness of competitors and market differentiators.
• Ability to support colleagues in growing their capabilities and delivering results.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze multiple sources of information and propose new solutions.
• Ability to explain complex or sensitive information and build consensus.
• Experience reviewing and improving methods, tools, and processes.
• Ability to share best practices within your function.
• Excellent time management, organization, and multitasking skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an outgoing personality for customer interactions.
• Ability to prospect and develop new accounts.

Physical Requirements

• Must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel 50% of the time.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.