What are the responsibilities and job description for the Specifications Representative-Architects and Design-Outside Sales position at Richelieu Hardware?
Company Overview Richelieu is a leading North American distributor, importer, and manufacturer of specialty hardware and complementary products. Our products are targeted to an extensive customer base of kitchen and bathroom cabinet, storage and closet, home furnishing and office furniture manufacturers, door and window, residential and commercial woodworkers, and hardware retailers including renovation superstores. Richelieu offers customers a broad mix of high-end products sourced from manufacturers worldwide. With over 144,000 product offerings, 112 locations in North America, and a state-of-the-art field force that passionately serves over 110,000 customers, Richelieu continues to stand in the forefront of a dynamic and ever-changing industry.Since 1968, Richelieu has understood the significance and impact of a strong set of Core Values. Richelieu stands behind these Five Core Values that serve as the guiding principles of everything we do : Customer Focus, Innovation, Performance, Respect / Integrity / Ethics, and Ownership.These values are what allow us to achieve Our Mission : to enable our customers to profitably grow their businesses through the design and creation of exceptional kitchens, closets, and storage spaces.Our OpportunityWe are currently seeking an Architecture & Design Specification Representative for our surrounding business region. Must live in sales territory.Being a member of the Richelieu team means that you are part of something bigger than just yourself. As a growing and winning international organization that places emphasis on its people and culture, its career development opportunities, and the realization that healthy living is in part achieved by the proper balance of work and home, we are excited to be a company that our employees are passionate about! More can be found out about us at Richelieu.com as well as Richelieu YouTube.Key ResponsibilitiesThe Architecture & Design Specification Representative is responsible for gathering and securing specifications from architects and designers in order to expand market awareness of the Richelieu brand and increase sales. Working alongside local sales representatives, you will be responsible for the coordination many aspects of a project, from specification phase to the sharing of sales opportunities with sales representatives for closing of the sale. By continuously building and strengthening relationships with both current as well as prospective customers, you are positioning yourself and Richelieu as your clients' all-inclusive provider of specialty hardware and complimentary products. Continuously develop and nurture strong relationships with architects and designersSchedule and hold face-to-face as well as virtual meetings with new and existing clients, learning about current and upcoming projects and how Richelieu solutions can enhance their resultsGather and secure specifications in the product categories including decorative hardware, lighting, sliding door hardware, laminate, solid surface, quartz, and premium panelsIdentify and analyze past specification patterns of current accounts, and brainstorm ways to become their stronger, more inclusive supplierProvide educational training on products and industry developments to the A&D communityProvide a state-of-the-art customer service experience, positioning yourself as their desired one-stop-shopEducate yourself on, and continuously stay up to date with, Richelieu's product offerings as well as ever-changing market conditions and competitive landscapeUtilize available sales support applications and systems, especially with proficient and consistent use of CRMAs this position requires regular automobile travel, you must have your own independent, reliable transportation. This position requires you to work "in the field," making in-person visits to customers three to four days per weekPosition may require frequent lifting / pushing / carrying items up to 50 poundsWhat We Are Looking ForSuccessful experience as a Specification Representative or Designer (may consider recent graduates with a design degree)Ability to schedule and manage your own time, delivering on the activities that produce resultsProactive, high energy, coachable, strong work ethicDeveloped design, communication, and organizational skillsExperience in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) softwareProficiency with Microsoft Office applications; must be able to effectively use Excel, Word, Outlook for daily responsibilities and tasksUniversity degree in Design is an assetCompensation and BenefitsCompetitive market-based annual salary.Monthly car allowance and mileage reimbursementBusiness expense reimbursementGroup insurance program (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, etc.)Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer matching401(K) with employer matchingCompany cell phonePaid vacation, holidays, and sick days