This position needs a high degree of self-motivation,initiative, sales acumen, analytical/technical ability, and decisive judgment.A working knowledge of chemistry and microbiology is necessary to manage thecustomer journey. A general knowledge of the business disciplines of finance,budgeting, sales, and marketing practices are necessary to gain new businessand maintain current customers successfully. A strong knowledge of personalcomputers is necessary to track laboratory information and produce documents tosupport the management functions. A very strong understanding of CRMs and otheranalytics software to track sales and forecast is a must. General knowledge ofthe Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is needed to reviewanalysis results and provide general customer support. Analytical skills areneeded to problem solve and fulfill customer's analysis needs. Strong oral andwritten communication skills are essential to this position for effectivecustomer contact. Customer relation skills are needed to obtain and provideinformation to the customer. Strong portfolio management skills, obtained fromprevious sales experience, are necessary to ensure that the laboratory exceedsits growth expectations. Planning skills are essential to maintain efficientlaboratory operations.

Job Complexity

This position requires individual analysis of each problemto determine the optimal solution. Problems can occur when the customerrequests a test not currently used in the laboratory or when a new productrequires a modification of current methods. The incumbent uses previousexperience, federal (FDA, USDA, and APHA) publications, field texts, andcurrent journal articles as resources to provide necessary information to solvea problem. Solutions may require innovative alternatives to modify current analysismethods to improve productivity or for solving unique employee relationdifficulties. Customer problems are often unique and require the incumbent toselect among several different alternatives to maintain customer business. Theincumbent is responsible for financial and operational activities of themicrobiology and chemistry laboratories. This position uses previousexperience, guidance from other laboratory leaders and relevant literature toobtain a solution to the problem. The incumbent must prioritize thedifficulties with little factual information to maintain profitability.