Senior Industrial Automation Specialist - Software & Controls

Rexel USA is a leading distributor of electrical products, data communication, and related supplies in the United States, operating through eight regions under various banner names. This role is based in Tampa, Florida, and focuses on growing our automation capabilities as a technical and commercial expert for Rockwell Automation (Allen Bradley) software and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary product expert for software and control systems, including PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, industrial networks, motion control, and related software tools.
• Support sales teams with technical pre-sales activities: solution design, product selection, BOMs, quotations, and value-based proposals.
• Deliver product demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and proof-of-concept builds for customers and internal teams.
• Provide application support and troubleshooting through project implementation stages and handover to service teams.
• Build and maintain strong vendor relationships, stay current on product roadmaps, and feed market insights into supplier and internal product strategies.
• Create and deliver technical training materials, product collateral, and enablement sessions for sales and service teams.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and field teams to ensure solutions meet performance, safety, and compliance requirements.
• Track market trends, competitor offerings, and customer needs to identify new opportunities and product gaps.
• Meet or exceed sales goals of assigned technology offerings.
• Develop sales strategies, promotions, programs, and plans for sales growth.
• Develop annual performance goals, objectives, and sales action plans.
• Prepare periodic sales funnel reports, weekly sales reports, and other related documentation.
• Provide technical support for internal and external customers via on-site visits, phone, and email, including troubleshooting, product selection, and documentation.
• Establish relationships with sales teams and customers to better understand sales potential.
• Ascertain customer needs through visits, phone calls, and other research methods.
• Work with sales to establish joint strategies and activities.
• Provide expert knowledge to Inside Sales to facilitate quoting, order entry, and order expediting.
• Create and present technical and commercial training for internal and external customers.
• Follow up on all business leads assigned by management, marketing, technical departments, or supplier partners.
• Acquire, use, and continuously develop personal technical knowledge.
• Provide oral and/or written quotations, proposals, or estimates of prices, scope of work, terms, and delivery.
• Work with prospective customers to move projects through the sales cycle to conclusion.
• Properly prepare for sales calls, customer events, etc.
• Work with Purchasing on proper inventory of high-tech products and identify potential obsolescence problems.
• Actively participate in appropriate industry groups.
• Mentor, train, and coach other Automation specialists. May act as a Team Lead.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 10+ years of equivalent experience.
• Electrical distribution industry or related experience required.
• Valid Driver's License.
• High School or GED - Required.
• 4 Year / Bachelor's Degree - Preferred.

Skills

• Intermediate/advanced computer skills, specifically with Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, blueprints, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from small groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to practice good interpersonal relations, using tact, courtesy, a positive attitude toward customers and co-workers, and pleasant communication etiquette.
• Ability to develop and present specialized instruction concerning high-tech equipment in the assigned area of responsibility.
• Ability to mentor, train, and coach peers.

Physical Demands

• Sit: Frequently – 21% to 50% of the time.
• Walk: Frequently – 21% to 50% of the time.
• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel: Constantly – at least 51% of the time.
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl: Occasionally – up to 20% of the time.
• Climb or balance: Occasionally – up to 20% of the time.
• Talk, hear, taste, smell: Constantly – at least 51% of the time.
• Lift up to 10 pounds: Occasionally – up to 20% of the time.

Working Environment

• Exposed to unpleasant or disagreeable physical environments such as high noise levels and/or exposure to heat and cold: Frequently – 21% to 50% of the time.
• Exposed to electrical hazards; risk of electrical shock: Occasionally – up to 20% of the time.
• Travels to offsite locations: Frequently – 21% to 50% of the time.

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.
• 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 – We like to promote from within.