Springfield Electric Supply Company has a career opportunity available in our Champaign location for an assertive, customer focused, and results-driven individual with a strong background in sales and electrical products. This position is responsible for establishing and maintaining customer relationships with contractors and industrial partners in the Champaign, Danville, and surrounding areas. New market penetration is a strong focus.
The successful candidate will possess a commitment to delivering quality customer service, a strong work ethic, excellent verbal communication skills, proven sales skills and a valid driver’s license. A Bachelor’s Degree in related field plus a minimum of 3 years sales and electrical industry experience required or equivalent combination of education & experience. A competitive compensation package available.
The Outside Sales Associate is responsible for serving as the primary field representative of Springfield Electric to its customers through the establishment and maintenance of excellent customer relations. The Outside Sales Associate is responsible for maintaining a strong product knowledge that is used to promote and market products to customers and to solicit orders within the guidelines established by Springfield Electric.
DUTIES AND REPSONSIBILITIES
- Makes personal sales calls at customer establishments on a regular basis; seeks new customers and/or opportunities.
- Introduces and demonstrates new products to assigned accounts.
- Assists customers with takeoffs, project layout/design and in pricing bills of material.
- Follows-up on all generated quotations to assure that the customer is being serviced and to document the outcome of the proposed solution.
- Writes sales orders whenever possible.
- Reports competitive conditions and feedback from customers to management.
- Maintains ethical, cooperative manufacturer relationships consistent with company image and company/branch goals in the marketplace.
- Cooperates with qualified suppliers to secure mutual business through joint calls.
- Attends product training classes to develop superior product knowledge to handle customer applications.
- Develops an effective and productive working relationship with Inside Sales Associates, Counter Sales Associates and support personnel; encourages and assists in their training and development when possible.
- Executes sales efforts in an ethical and professional manner, assuring a favorable impression of self and the company; includes the maintenance of a clean and uncluttered vehicle.
- Completes sales call and expense reports on a weekly basis and files monthly auto expense report in accordance with company procedure.
- Fulfills customer needs for current literature, catalogs, product pricing, etc.
- Prepares an annual sales forecast to help analyze market conditions and/or changes in assigned territory for maximum productivity and sales growth.
- Coordinates customer returns and completes proper documentation on a timely basis.
- Informs customers of all relevant company policies. Reports customer comments to management.
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
- Proven proficiency in the use of a personal computer accompanied by a strong aptitude for technical applications.
- Demonstrated time management and organizational skills.
- Developed knowledge of the industrial/commercial/contractor market.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely in written and verbal formats, including sales presentations.
- Demonstrated capability to develop strong interpersonal working relationships and work in a team environment.
- Strong customer service orientation.
- A valid driver’s license and proven safe driving record.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- Bachelor's degree in sales or closely related field with three years of relevant sales and industry experience; or equivalent combined education and on the job experience as determined by Springfield Electric
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time, including as a driver or passenger in an automobile.
- Ability to utilize a computer keyboard, computer monitor, and telephone for prolonged periods of time.
- Ability to visit and move around at construction and other work sites, including the ability to maneuver in tight or small places.
- Ability to lift, carry, and otherwise transport work-related materials that frequently weigh up to 25 lbs. and that may occasionally weigh in excess of 25 lbs.