Automation and Software Product Specialist

Job Description

Job DescriptionDescription:

Summary:

The Automation and Software Product Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting our purpose of creating lasting value to those we serve by serving as a key interface and essential resource for both our internal and external customers. The Automation and Software Product Specialist is primarily responsible for collaborating with the Automation Product Manager within their specialty area to provide value to our customers by providing them with the best solutions. The other key responsibility is to grow the business within the specialty area to achieve our company’s net income goals. This individual displays behaviors that support our culture, our 5 P’s and our purpose to create lasting value to those we serve.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions:

• Build and maintain customer relationships
• Reactive engagement: Collaborate with Account Managers and members of the opportunity pursuit team as required to fulfill customer requests
• Proactive engagement: Work closely with customers to understand their operations to effectively recommend solutions leading them to better outcomes
• Assist in product selection/recommendations and developing complete bill of material
• Provide “take offs” of customer prints to provide correct bill of material
• Assist Industrial Account Manager in identifying strategic and target customers within specialty area
• Assist in strategic product placement
• Provide competitive solution for both the customer and application
• Sell The Entire Solution by offering related products that will support the success of the application
• Assist in identifying market relevant pricing
• Assist in Special Pricing Agreements
• Work with Automation Suppliers to quote special projects for customers
• Keep abreast of the competitive landscape of product area and negotiate applicable pricing with supplier
• Work with Account Managers and the rest of the sales team to maximize profitability on orders.
• Lead modernization and conversion opportunities in product specialty area
• Work with Account Managers to communicate latest product offerings to customers who have purchased legacy products
• Create cross references for customers that have competitive products
• Develop modernization plans for customers as products move to End of Life
• Assist with Inside sales training
• Assist Account Managers with product launches
• Assist in assuring we have proper inventory levels at all locations
• Assist in initial stocking orders
• Provide all customers with accurate stock and delivery information
• Proactively assist with the sales process, goals, and profitability of the Automation segment specialty
• Review and analyze reports of business transactions to understand progress to goal and target identification

Requirements:

Critical Success Factors:

• Excellent internal and external customer service
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task
• Ability to identify and analyze issues and follow up to resolve discrepancies
• Self-motivated and energetic
• Ability to influence effectively at a high level and build strong relationships with customers and suppliers
• Strong team orientation yet able to work independently
• Willingness to learn, grow, and adapt to change
• Ability to work collaboratively with all departments
• Ability to analyze work load and establish priorities with time sensitive deadlines
• Strong troubleshooting and problem solving skills
• Willingness to give and receive constructive feedback
• Ability to stay on task and work efficiently
• Ability to make sound decisions with minimal guidance
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and solid work ethic
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong communication skills, including written and oral communication
• Drive for continuous improvement
• Strong attention to detail
• Dependable
• Expertise with the following Rockwell Automation offerings and technologies:
• PLC Platforms and Control Architectures
• Human Machine Interface Solutions
• I/O Platforms
• Automation Design Software
• Stratix/basic networking layouts at the machine level
• FTView SE
• Thinmanager
• AssetCentre
• Historian
• FT Hub
• FT Optix
• Plant PAx

Job Requirements/Specifications:

• Minimum two year degree or equivalent experience required
• Extensive working knowledge of Rockwell Automation Control and Visualization solutions
• Strong commercial skills and business acumen
• Microsoft 365 Skills required
• Experience working in a Customer Relationship Management system, MS Dynamics preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills via phone, email and in person are required
• Industry experience a plus

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Consistent work indoors, in the office
• Frequent sitting, working with hands, working with fingers, talking, hearing, works with others
• Some standing, walking, works alone, customer contact
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, bending @ the waist, twisting upper body, kneeling, crouching, reaching, driving, non-standard shift work, extended day

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.

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.

Van Meter offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, pet insurance, company paid life and disability insurance, paid time off including holidays, 401(k) with company match and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.