What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Sales Account Manager position at Kowa American Corporation?
About the Job:
We are looking for a Technical Sales Account Manager in the Charlotte, NC or Atlanta, GA area to grow sales and increase company profits by cultivating current customers and recruiting new customers. The Technical Sales Manager will increase profitability by promoting products, providing technical support, and conducting sales calls on new and repeat customers in the Southeast territory.
Your Role:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required. Work location is Southeast with travel to customers approximately 40% of work week. Sales territories would include accounts in VA, TN, NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS.
Key Responsibilities:
- Participate with management in updating territory plan and set sales goals
- Determine sales potential for new and existing customers through inquiry, observation, or periodical research
- Prepare and conduct sales presentations of products to new and existing customers
- Determine customer requirements and expectations in order to recommend specific products
- Understanding of EPA and EU/Reach Regulatory Requirements
- Discuss for improving sales activities and performance with counter parts in Japan office and subsidiaries all over the world
- Increase business and account base by finding and qualifying new business accounts using sales techniques to cross sell and up-sell
- Maintain and improve customer relationships and satisfaction
- Learn and apply new product knowledge to enhance sales and personal professionalism
- Assist clients with special requests and problems (supply information, resolve complaints, etc.)
- Gather competitive information and other market information regularly while interacting cooperatively with other members of the distribution team
- Negotiate and establish pricing and terms according to company’s requirements for customer and transaction profitability
- Prepare and present quotations
- Communicate to our purchasing department unexpected increases or decreases in demand for products
- Remain current with changes in local codes and consumer preferences
- Follow company policies and procedures
- Remain current on product and industry knowledge by attending sales meetings, vendor training, trade shows, or reading trade journals
- Practice honesty and integrity in customer and vendor relations
- Utilize any kind of digital tools for marketing and sales activities
- Maintain technical and computer capability to effectively use contact management, distribution, and office software
- Always present a professional image to customers and vendors
- Participate in trade association functions
- Participate and be active in local industry organizations
- Perform other duties as assigned
Competencies:
- Demonstrated success meeting sales goals and growing sales
- Demonstrated understanding and application of effective selling strategies and techniques to a wide range of companies (from Fortune 500 to smaller clients)
- Delivers superior customer service
- Effective listening, communication (verbal and written), and negotiation skills
- Motivated self-starter, comfortable in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrated integrity and ethical standards
- Experience monitoring the marketplace to identify business opportunities
- Problem-solving and analytical ability
- Professional demeanor
- Team player who works productively with a wide range of people
- Strong project management and multi-tasking skills
- Technical expertise to understand and sell company products
- Manages time effectively and adapts quickly to changing priorities
- Able to perform business math (basic algebra, compute rate, ratio, etc.)
- Superior organizational skills
- Superior presentation/public speaking skills
- Knowledge of digital skills, tools, and software, including Microsoft Office Suite and other distribution software
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree, preferably in chemical engineering, chemistry, or polymer science from a four-year college or university.
- At least 5–10 years of experience as a chemist/formulator/polymer chemist/technical application in CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants, and/or inks).
- At least 5 years of experience in sales and/or marketing positions in packaging, polymer, plastic, coatings, or chemical industries.
- Proven track record of success in leading teams and growth initiatives.
- Experience working in a global team and matrix organization is a plus.
- Experience and success in “pull-through” sales is a plus.
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
Benefits:
KOWA is committed to investing in our employees—the driving force behind our mission and success—by offering a comprehensive suite of competitive compensation and benefits. We prioritize work-life balance, ensuring you not only thrive in your career but also have the support, time, and resources to lead a happy, healthy life.
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Insurance options for Employee Assistance Programs, Basic Life Insurance, Short/Long Term Disability, and more.
- 401(k) with a company match
- Vacation, Sick Leave, and Paid Holidays
- Education Assistance