Account Specialist

Account Specialist

The Account Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting our purpose of being our customers' competitive advantage by servicing our customers' needs. The position is responsible for the sale of our products and services to business and construction and contractor establishments or individuals over the telephone, in the office and occasionally at the customer location. This position is seen as a leader among our insides sales role at Van Meter and assists with our business growth strategy. The successful candidate will work closely with our account managers and sales leaders to develop and deliver customer services that promote and support our products. The Account Specialist promotes our culture, our 5 P's and our purpose to be our customer's competitive advantage.
Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions:

Service the construction/contractor establishment and/or the original equipment manufacturer customers by providing projects or information on products or services
Manage both inbound and outbound sales communication both internally and externally and resolves customer problems and issues
Assist customers with product selection and application
Emphasize salable features, quote prices and credit terms, prepare sales orders for orders obtained
Possess significant and specific industry knowledge and is a subject matter expert
Participates in interviewing, selection, and training of employees new to the inside sales role
Empowered to recommend and make decisions in the best interest of the overall business relationship
Plays an integral part of business strategy including but not limited to account strategy, support practices, and assignment of key account deliverables
Empowered to make significant business and commercial decisions on behalf of the company
Provides specific market intelligence and expert advice to management
Proactively drive sales growth within account responsibility
Establishes and maintains customer specific pricing. Control pricing strategy on large competitive quote opportunities
Owns and manages relationship with customer to foster growth within account
Proactively participates in margin improvement activities and works with Account Manager and suppliers to maximize the profitability of the sell.
Develops a partnership with vendors that provides opportunity for consideration for major customers on product, availability, delivery, etc.
Drives specifications at end user and customer level to position Van Meter on large projects
Develops local and centralized inventory strategy to support customer
Identifies and closes large opportunities in designated market area
Provides mentorship, guidance and coaching to others on team
Assists in scheduling of operations, delivery, and other support resources
Involvement in short, medium and long term business strategy for assigned accounts and given market place
Requirements

Critical Success Factors:
Ability to independently make sound business decisions on matters that have significant financial impact
Ability to independently make timely decisions without consultation to service customer in a timely manner
Excellent customer orientation
Ability to negotiate effectively at a high level and build strong relationships with customers, vendors and suppliers
Drive for continuous improvement
Strong troubleshooting and problem solving skills
Ability to understand the technical aspects of our products and uses that knowledge to enhance value-added selling skills
Self motivated
Ability to multi-task and juggle multiple priorities with strict deadlines
Ability to analyze, identify & then follow up to resolve discrepancies
Detailed-Oriented
Strong work ethic with a positive attitude
Job Requirements/Specifications:
Minimum 2 years degree and 4-6 years of industry experience required
Previous experience in customer service required
Microsoft Excel skills are essential
Knowledge of Eclipse preferred
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills via phone, email and in person are required
Maximizes the used of our system capabilities
Knowledge and experience with Allen Bradley/Rockwell Automation part and distribution is required
Proven negotiation skills required
Work Environment & Physical Demands:
Consistent: Sitting, working with hands, working with fingers, talking, hearing, vision acuity-near, works alone, customer contact, works indoors
Frequent: Vision acuity-far, field of vision, color vision
Some: standing, works with others, depth perception, vision adjustment
Occasional: walking. lifting, carrying, reaching
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an incumbent. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of activities, duties or responsibilities. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities
Several factors are considered in making compensation decisions at Van Meter; including but not limited to education, skill sets, work experience and training, and other business and organizational needs. Please note that compensation may be below the lower end of the range when the minimum requirements of the role are not met and the higher end is reserved for candidates with extensive experience and qualifications that exceed the requirements of the role.