Sales Application Engineer

About the Role

The Sales Application Engineer (SAE) will refine the scope of work for ETO products and serve as a subject-matter expert, ensuring technical products and solutions are tailored to meet customer needs. This role bridges the sales team and the Cart Segment, driving sales and customer satisfaction through technical expertise and customer feedback.

The position is located at Wanzl North America’s manufacturing plant in Newton, NC.

About the Company

Wanzl North America (WNA) is a leading solution provider in the retail and distribution market, serving marquee customers like Walmart, Target, and major grocers. With ~500 employees and ~$200M in sales, WNA focuses on shopping carts, Access Systems (customer guidance and loss prevention), Shelving & Fixtures, and Material Handling products. The company also offers digital solutions, including smart exit gate technology and innovations for autonomous retail stores.

WNA is part of the Wanzl Group, a global leader with 12 plants in 8 countries, providing comprehensive, solutions-driven service worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support and guidance to the sales team, enabling effective communication of product capabilities and benefits.
• Support the sales team throughout the sales process, from lead generation to closing deals.
• Serve as the technical subject-matter expert during customer interactions, including technical demonstrations and presentations.
• Develop and present technical proposals and solutions, ensuring alignment with customer needs and company capabilities.
• Act as a liaison between Sales, Product Managers, D&D, and Manufacturing to facilitate collaboration.
• Participate in customer meetings, site visits, pre-install site surveys, and presentations to gather requirements.
• Assist in developing and reviewing technical documentation, including product specifications, drawings, and proposals.
• Create CAD drawings for project proposals, permit submissions, and internal project pricing.
• Review on-site products and provide design validation.
• Demonstrate technologies integrated with relevant products.
• Stay updated on market needs, industry trends, and competitor products; attend trade shows and conferences.
• Provide technical training and support to the sales team.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of related industry experience, preferably in a Sales Application Engineering role within retail solutions.
• Strong technical background with the ability to explain complex engineering concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or related software, and the Microsoft software suite.
• Demonstrated project management, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to capture customer requirements and translate them into recommendations.
• Strong technical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and proactive approach to customer needs.
• Self-motivated, high initiative, and self-directed.
• Willingness to travel up to 35%, including occasional international travel.