Sales Engineer
Plano, TX
Reports to: Sr. Account Manager
Talento has partnered with a premiere full-service manufacturer’s representative organization in the automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) market in search of a Sales Engineer. Their customers include Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, KIA Motors, Subaru, BMW, GM, Ford and other global brands.
For nearly 35 years, we have built exceptional supplier and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) relationships resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in annual sales. We pride ourselves on exceptional new product development, large account management, marketing, program management, customer development and building long-term strategic relations within the auto industry.
Sales Engineer
The primary responsibility of the Sales Engineer is to provide technical sales support to Account Managers at assigned accounts. This role requires the individual to have both technical knowledge and the ability to apply strategic sales tactics. The sale of OEM accessories involves many different customer departments, most of which have a different focus or need. It is critical that the Sales Engineer be well rounded in his or her ability to collaborate and influence each decision maker in the customer’s organization.
To effectively support the sales process and communicate with our customers, the Sales Engineer must maintain a high-level understanding of our supplier’s products and capabilities. This starts with building strong relationships with key contacts at each supplier to ensure that there is constant communication and sharing of information. To accomplish this, the Sales Engineer must consistently show his or her value, gain trust, and ultimately achieve results which meet or exceed our supplier’s expectations. Sharing this knowledge with both customers and colleagues will be an ongoing activity, that will require compiling and presenting information and samples in an easy to understand but detailed manner.
In addition to supporting sales activities at various accounts, the Sales Engineer will also support our suppliers during the product development process. An understanding of each assigned customer’s product development process will be required to provide valuable insight into our suppliers, which will enable them to successfully navigate through the process. During development the Sales Engineer must be capable of providing valuable advice to a technical audience to steer them towards the best possible product solution and one that fits with our supplier’s capabilities and Sales Engineer goals. Furthermore, the Sales Engineer must be proactive, anticipate potential issues, and develop intelligent solutions with our supplier partners.
All efforts must align with the business unit objectives, and a team approach should be taken to ensure all goals are met. This role requires exceptional communication, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to his or her audience.
Job Duties:
• Aid in presenting suppliers and products to assigned customers
• Build and maintain relationships with key influencers and decision makers at each assigned account
• Maintain a high-level understanding of all supplier products and capabilities. Must be able to describe production process, product features, and competitive advantage.
• Build and maintain relationships with key contacts at each of our suppliers
• Support the Account Manager during the strategic selling process, and aid in achieving targeted goals.
• Review RFQs and quotations with Account Managers at assigned accounts. Provide feedback on cost history and confirm quotation accuracy.
• Maintain a high-level understanding of each of your assigned customers and their vehicle and accessory offerings. Must be able to review target marketing data and provide valuable feedback regarding vehicle lifecycle and product positioning.
• Have a basic understanding of our competitors’ products and their business presence at each assigned account.
• Aid our suppliers during the product development process. This will include but it is not limited to the following responsibilities:
* Communicate back and forth between the supplier and the customer
* Create program timelines
* Review and submit PPAP documents, including engineering drawings
* Providing valuable advice and direction on product concepts and ensure that the supplier understands the customer’s needs.
* Help introduce and validate new products at assigned accounts.
* Conduct fit checks with customers
* Lead team meetings
* Provide program updates for each team meeting
* Train new suppliers on customer requirements and documents used during the product development process
• Attend supplier audits and other customer visits as needed
• Support management during the new supplier onboarding process
• Travel to local customers on a regular basis
• Author weekly and monthly reports to management
• Submit monthly expense reports and other administrative duties as assigned by Manager.
• Must be able to work under time and budgetary pressures.
Business Values, Skills and Abilities
• Integrity – Operates with transparency, honesty, and consistently builds trust with others. Is reliable and well respected for doing the right thing.
• Excellence – A demonstrated track record of consistently exceeding performance expectations, while continually improving skills and abilities over time. Shows a clear desire to be the best.
• Innovation – Develops innovative approaches and ideas. Displays original thinking and creativity. Generates suggestions for improving work. Meets challenges with resourcefulness.
• Communication – Exhibits good listening and comprehension. Expresses ideas and thoughts in written form. Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally. Keeps others adequately informed. Selects and uses appropriate communication methods.
• Project Management – Communicates changes and progress. Completes projects on time and budget. Coordinates projects. Develops project plans. Manages project team activities.
• Problem Solving – Develops alternative solutions. Gathers and analyzes information skillfully. Identifies problems in a timely manner. Resolves problems in early stages. Works well in group problem solving situations.
• Strategic Thinking – Demonstrated ability to understand both supplier and OEM strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Has a comprehensive knowledge of the competition and how to overcome challenges to achieve goals. Deep experience developing and implementing broad business plans.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, or other technical discipline is Preferred. Extensive experience in the auto industry may substitute.
• 3-5 years related work experience in the automotive industry. Software: Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, CAD software experience preferred.
• Valid drivers license and access to personal vehicle required
• Must be able to read, write and speak English fluently.
Compensation:
• A competitive base salary, bonus and full benefits
About Talento Human Capital (TalentoHC):
TalentoHC is a leading talent acquisition, executive search, and human capital consulting partner, dedicated to helping our clients build their best teams yet. Our success is driven by our unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce, embracing individuals from various backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Talento Human Capital is an equal opportunity employer.
People + Passion + Perseverance = Progress
