Product Specialist

About the Role

The Product Specialist is responsible for assisting Outside Sales to grow sales and promote the company's products to potential customers. This role involves understanding product features and benefits, providing product knowledge, and addressing customer inquiries to build strong relationships and recommend suitable products.

Responsibilities

• Develop and demonstrate a deep understanding of the company's products, including their features, benefits, and competitive advantages.
• Stay updated on industry trends and market dynamics related to the products.
• Proactively identify and pursue sales opportunities through phone calls, emails, and in-person meetings.
• Conduct product demonstrations and presentations to showcase the value proposition of the products.
• Lead and support sales efforts with key targets, customers, and opportunities in assigned product and/or region.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers by providing exceptional service and support.
• Understand customer needs and recommend appropriate products to meet those needs.
• Address customer inquiries, concerns, and objections in a timely and professional manner.
• Present proposals to all levels of leadership and technical audiences.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers.
• Participate in product meetings, seminars, and training schools to enhance and maintain personal and product knowledge.
• Assist branches and customers with product, technical support, and training.
• Analyze market potential, develop an annual business plan based on market conditions, and lead execution with local technical, sales, and management teams.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 4+ years of sales experience.
• Electrical distribution industry or related experience required.
• High School diploma or GED required.

Skills

• Product and application knowledge.
• Ability to effectively communicate with outside sales staff, customers, and co-workers.
• Ability to prioritize and organize job tasks.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations required to accurately complete assigned tasks.
• Ability and willingness to work in a team-based environment and assist others.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Excellent negotiation, interpersonal, and decision-driving skills with influence.
• Customer-oriented with strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Intermediate/advanced computer skills, specifically with Excel, Outlook, and Word.

Physical Demands

• Sit: Constantly – at least 51% (must be able to remain in a stationary position).
• Walk: Frequently – 21% to 50% (must be able to move about inside/outside office or work location).
• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel: Constantly – at least 51% (operates a computer and other office machinery).
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl: Occasionally – up to 20% (e.g., stock shelves, pick up boxes, maintain computers).
• Climb or balance: Occasionally – up to 20% (e.g., ascend/descend ladders, forklifts, pallet jacks).
• Talk, hear, taste, smell: Constantly – at least 51% (must effectively communicate and detect hazardous conditions).
• Lift up to 10 pounds: Occasionally – up to 20%.

Working Environment

• Exposed to unpleasant or disagreeable physical environments such as high noise levels and/or exposure to heat and cold: Occasionally – up to 20%.
• Travels to offsite locations: Occasionally – up to 20%.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• Life Insurance.
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• 401K with Employer Match.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Paid company holidays plus flexible personal days per year.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Health & Wellness Programs.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and HSA Accounts.
• Commuter Transit Benefits.
• Additional Optional Insurance (e.g., Pet Insurance, Legal Assistance, Critical Illness, Home and Auto Insurance).
• Employee Discount Programs.
• Professional Training & Development Programs.
• Career Advancement Opportunities (promotion from within).