Application Sales Specialist - Food Processing

The Application Sales Specialist will serve as subject matter expert for portioning and slicing solutions.  They will assist with the development of product line strategies, market research and competitor differentiation. The position will coordinate regularly with sales administration, engineering and manufacturing functions on design and product specification changes as needed. The Application Sales Specialist will provide portioning and slicing application support to the sales team and customers to further the sales process to ensure timely and effective achievement of product line sales budgets. 

Time Utilization:  This position will travel up to 80% of the time.  Schedule needs to be flexible to accommodate internal and external customers’ schedules. Must be willing to work outside normal business hours including some weekends as required.  Provide after-hours support as needed.  Must be able to travel with little notice as customer demands require.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.  Other duties may be assigned:

1. Assist in the development of short and long term strategies for assigned product line(s) in line with annual sales budget
2. Proactively research product line dynamics (competition, pricing, regulations, customer needs, business trends, etc.); develop detailed knowledge and insight about each market segment; and apply this knowledge to drive short and long term strategies for product success
3. Develop and execute tools and programs to assist sales in effective selling of product line(s) to reach new customers and differentiate from competition
4. Frequently travel with the Sales organization and assist by providing expert technical guidance, application expertise, and help facilitate customer opportunity development.
5. Identify and recommend equipment and associated design changes to suit customer application needs
6. Plan, organize and perform equipment demonstrations and testing within MUUS and at client sites as required.
7. Develop close working relationships and collaboration across the organization, both domestic and international, with key functional groups, demonstrating product line leadership
8. Partner with global headquarters on product line to resolve issues, share market intelligence, and champion improvements/innovation needed for the U.S. market demands
9. Participate in new product launch plan(s) including, technical specs, training guidelines, sales communication and assist with presentation and selling materials.
10. Attend trade shows and events as required to support the Sales organization.
11. Perform other tasks as needed in support of internal and external customers

Education/Experience: 

Bachelor’s degree in related meat science or technical discipline and four years’ experience in food packaging, processing, portioning, slicing or related technology; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Language Ability:
Ability to read and interpret documents such as technical documentation, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to interpret and communicate mechanical, electrical, and physics concepts and principles to a variety of audiences.

Math Ability:
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability:
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret general technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with abstract and concrete variables.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel; and should have working knowledge of ERP systems, database applications, contact management software, manufacturing software, and project management software.

Certificates and Licenses:
Current valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain a passport for travel as required by position.