Application Specialist - Western Michigan

Western Michigan Territory • Exempt • Travel required (up to 50%)

About the role

We are seeking an Applications Specialist focused on Solid Round and Insert Cutting Tools. In this role, you will manage accounts and generate new opportunities by understanding customers’ metalworking needs, educating customers, prospects, and distributors on GWS Tool Group’s products and capabilities, and communicating customer requirements back to the GWS team.

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.
• Generate and develop prospect accounts to increase revenue by partnering with the distribution chain.
• Keep customers updated on 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, diplomatically, and tactfully.
• Attend conferences and trade shows.
• 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, and maintain expense accounts.
• Update and maintain customer accounts, including contact details for future sales.
• Provide product quotes to customers with the help of inside sales support.
• Ensure follow-up on leads by providing complete customer profiles, calls-to-action, sources, and dates to managers.

Requirements

• 1–3 years of strong manufacturing background with a focus on Milling, Turning, and Grooving.
• Knowledgeable in tooling and manufacturing processes, including assisting customers with part processing and correct tool application.
• Job shop experience is highly valued.
• Ability to assist customers with proper speeds and feeds for materials used.
• Experience designing special tools is highly regarded.
• Experience processing customer parts from drawing to finished product.
• Account management experience for current customers.
• Proven ability to develop new customers is ideal.
• A degree in sales, marketing, or a related field is highly regarded.

Skills

• Ability to preserve confidential or sensitive information.
• Strong time management, organization, and multitasking skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an outgoing personality for customer interactions.
• Ability to prospect new accounts.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong team player who works well under pressure.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Knowledge and experience in the field through education and hands-on practice.
• Familiarity with business aspects while continuing to gain further knowledge and experience.
• Uses existing procedures to solve standard problems and analyze information to make judgments.
• Exchanges simple information, asks questions, and checks for understanding.
• Applies assigned methods, tools, and processes; supports sharing of best practices.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to travel up to 50% of the time.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.