Automation Specialist - SICK

About The Kendall Group

Great Lakes Automation Supply, a division of The Kendall Group, seeks a talented, creative, self-motivated individual for our Automation Specialist - SICK position. The Kendall Group is comprised of seven divisions with 75 locations in eleven states. Combined, we serve the Electrical, Automation, Pipe, Valve, and Fittings products, Steam, Lighting, Industrial Controls, and Instrumentation Industries. The Kendall Group is a 100% employee-owned company. Kendall offers a great opportunity for a rewarding career.

Why The Kendall Group?

Our employee ownership model is the core of who we are. You will not only own part of the company, but you will own your future. At Kendall, you’ll have opportunities to learn and grow while being coached and mentored along the way. We’re that company where people stay! We’re proud to say that more than 60% of our associates have more than 5 years of tenure, and more than 40% have greater than 10 years. At Kendall, you will be valued and supported, your ideas will be heard, your voice will matter, and you’ll work alongside incredible people who care about your success.

Role Summary:

Reporting to the Sales Manager, the Automation Specialist - SICK is a key member of the Sales team. The primary responsibility of this role is to be a technical sales resource for the SICK Inc. product offering. This role includes territory business development, pre-sales, and post-sales support for the above-mentioned portfolio. The person in this role will support in the training and development of our sales team in the SICK product offering.

Exciting work you will do:

The essential duties and responsibilities of an Automation Specialist - SICK will consist of, but are not limited to, the following:

• Engage with customers on SICK Inc, specific applications, projects, and other pre-sales activities
• Support customers on post-sale SICK Inc. technical questions, issues, and/or commercial situations
• Collaborate with Great Lakes Account Managers and Account Representatives to further develop their business by developing target opportunities and assisting them with closing sales
• Work with Great Lakes Sales Team in quoting, processing orders, and servicing customers
• Understand the technical needs of the customer and suggest appropriate products and services
• Explain complex technical information to customers in a way that is easily understandable
• Engage in product training and development of new and existing team members
• Stay current on new and evolving product offerings; utilize knowledge in selling activities
• Product line champion for SICK products
• Maintain a database of current and potential customers
• Upsell products and services
• Close sales and achieving sales targets
• Create, own, and execute a business plan that includes:
• Commercial Plan with activities driving new business and conversion opportunities
• Competency Plan that includes self, inside, and outside sales
• Target Accounts for self and outside sales
• Other duties and projects as assigned
  
  

Competencies you possess:

• Service Excellence
• Results, Action Oriented
• Accountability and Responsibility
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Priority Setting
• Planning and organizing
• Time Management
  
  

What you’ll need:

• Work Experience: 1 year sales experience
• Education: High School diploma or GED
• Analytics/Computer Skills: Knowledge and experience with Automation Portfolio
• Organization Skills: Highly organized and detail-oriented; ability to multi-task and shift priorities as needed; ability to work in fast-paced, continuously evolving, and at times ambiguous environment
• Cross-functional skills: Ability to work well cross-functionally; provides excellent internal and external customer service; Enjoys working with others to design controls systems, equipment, and to solve problems; interest or experience working in a sales environment; self-motivated to learn new technologies and accomplish tasks when due
• Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal communications; effective presentation skills in both small and large group settings; analytical and problem solving, organizational and written/verbal communication skills
• Physical, Mental and Visual Skills: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to see, talk and hear
• Ability to sit for 8 hours a day
• Physical Environment: Normal office environment, fabrication environment, exposure to moving equipment in manufacturing facilities
• Travel requirements: Must be able to travel up to 60% primarily local, occasionally overnight
• Driver’s License: Posses and maintain a valid driver's license
  
  

Qualifications we prefer but don’t require:

• Work Experience: 3 years of automation or electrical distribution sales experience, hands-on electrical/mechanical knowledge and experience; previous experience as a manufactures’ representative; previous experience with SICK Inc products sales or installation
• Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Analytics/Computer Skills: Current knowledge of PLCs, HMIs, Networks, Industrial Control, Sensing, Safety, Motion Control, Variable Speed Drives, Motor Controls, Motors, and Mechanical Products
  
  

The Kendall Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law.