What are the responsibilities and job description for the Retrofit Solutions Specialist position at Marlen International?
Marlen, headquartered in Riverside, MO is recognized as a global designer and manufacturer of highly engineered and innovative food processing equipment and systems. Our premium products have long set the standard for quality and performance in vacuum stuffing and pumping, portioning, size reduction, thermal processing, and food handling. Marlen has been trusted by the world’s leading food brands for 70 years. Our world-class Solution Centers strategically located across the globe allow processors to lean on our highly experienced food processing technologists to develop and test unique solutions for your products. Marlen is part of the Duravant family of Companies. Lifecycle Services is Duravant’s brand for parts and service support.
POSITION SUMMARY:
As part of the Lifecycle Services team, the Retrofit Solutions Specialist is responsible for oversight of all aspects of retrofits. The Retrofit Solutions Specialist is accountable for the overall success of the retrofits business revenue growth. The Retrofit Solutions Specialist is responsible for gathering and generating new machine retrofit ideas, while technically supporting existing retrofits. The Retrofit Solutions Specialist is the hub for retrofit communications with engineering, sales, service, training, technical support and customers.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Retrofit Portfolio Growth
- Identify opportunities, products, and programs to expand the retrofit business.
- Prioritize the development of retrofit offerings across the Marlen portfolio.
- Collaborate with engineering to evaluate ideas, concepts, and models.
- Work with Technical Services to understand installation, commissioning, and customer requirements.
- Assess and prioritize retrofit solutions based on supply chain feasibility, market size, and business potential.
Retrofit Sales Expansion
- Achieve or exceed revenue and profit targets outlined in Marlen’s strategic plan.
- Identify and prioritize revenue-generating opportunities through design enhancements and component upgrades.
- Manage customer opportunities and data using CRM and Entytle software.
- Ensure timely entry of new opportunities.
- Oversee sales pipeline management.
- Improve discovery methods and reduce quote turnaround times.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date customer and retrofit data.
Marketing & Promotion
- Partner with Customer Service to drive retrofit sales.
- Work with Marketing to develop promotional materials that highlight retrofit value propositions.
- Support the sales team in presenting retrofit solutions during customer visits and Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs).
- Develop and maintain an updated retrofit catalog for customer and internal sales use.
- Promote additional aftermarket services, including:
- Installation and technical support
- Spare and replacement parts
- Machine audit programs
- Training programs
Customer Engagement & Support
- Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, including site visits for quoting, closing sales, and providing assistance.
- Engage with customers to understand their needs and ensure expectations are met.
- Support the sales team with all pre-order activities related to retrofits.
Retrofit Project Management
- Coordinate project kick-off meetings with all departments involved in retrofit execution.
- Develop installation timelines and cost estimates for retrofit projects.
- Serve as the internal technical point of contact for retrofit-related questions, installation support, and project implementation.
- Work with the Documentation team to update operation manuals with retrofit modifications.
- Utilize financial reporting and key metrics to measure project performance and overall retrofit business success.
- Implement quality improvement initiatives to reduce manufacturing overruns and installation challenges.
- Continuously enhance technical and customer service skills to stay up to date with industry best practices.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
- Experience in sales, engineering discipline, assembly, or related fields.
- Knowledge of automation machines and machine components.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Critical thinker with innovative problem-solving skills and creative mindset.
- Highly computer literate with proficiency in MS Office and related business/communication tools.
- High degree of self-organizational and time management skills
- Travel up to 25%
WHY YOU SHOULD APPLY:
As a Duravant Family Company, Marlen participates in global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, as well as Doing Good initiatives to support our communities. In addition to a culture that promotes long term career satisfaction, with opportunities for personal and professional growth, Marlen offers an excellent total rewards package that includes:
- Compensation: We offer competitive compensation
- Benefits: We have comprehensive benefit packages designed to support our employees' health, well-being, and financial security
- Development: We have education and training programs which include an educational assistance program
- Time Off: We offer paid holidays and paid time off
- Driven Team Members: We have a cross-functional, collaborative environment, focused on delivering results
- Core Values: Our core values are Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Winning Spirit, and Sense of Urgency
- Culture: We are driven by our number one asset - our employees, and their successes
- Doing Good: We love to be active members of our community! We have several volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
