Product Manager

Product Manager - AutomationBe part of a growing, successful company in an exciting and challenging field. Border States is 100% employee-owned, which means you're empowered to make decisions, find solutions and receive rewards for your hard work. This position will be located in Nashville, TN Knoxville, TN, or Chattanooga, TN, or Murfreesboro, TN, or Cookeville, TN.Job Summary Supports the day-to-day operations of Account Managers, Customer Service Reps, and customers by providing product, application, and technical support and service. Regularly supports automation customers and makes joint sales calls with Account Managers to secure orders and perform other sales support functions for technical products and services. Consults with customers on product and system applications in your area of responsibility. This position utilizes skills commonly associated with Control Engineers and Instrumentation & Electrical Technicians.Responsibilities Essential Functions Supports the day-to-day operations of Account Managers, Customer Service Reps, and customers by providing product, application, and technical support and service Works closely with Border States' sales and marketing staff to meet and exceed sales and gross profit objectives. Regularly supports automation customers and makes joint sales calls with Account Managers to secure orders and perform other sales support functions for technical products and services which includes but is not limited to providing customers field support by phone or other means, application support, repair service, training, and other services as required. Consults with customers on product and system applications. Provides customers with timely follow-up on quotations, technical inquiries and other requests. Inputs TCCM cost savings documentation that is relevant to the assigned customer base. Provides continuous contact and interaction with customer's engineering staff, contractors and consultants. Provides specific or specialized product support for branches and customers. Actively participates in the marketing, planning, and sale of Border States' technical products and services, including Schneider Electric Automation Products. Participates in and advises management on the implementation and success of marketing plans and strategies. Provides input to other sales and marketing staff on customer needs and concerns regarding pricing, products, competition, procedures, and market potential. Evaluates new products and makes recommendations on stock levels for new and existing products. Leads customer and BSE employee training on new and existing automation product lines and applications in specified product areas. Designs, develops and/or maintains database and documentation files such as engineering and technical records, TCCM savings, customer parts database by SKU including technical reference information (guides, specifications and standards), product and vendor files, technical reference library, and customer information file. Evaluates and manages regions demo equipment and makes suggestions for new products in specified product areas.Non-essential Functions Provides input to the pricing and purchasing departments on product evaluations and code descriptions, inventory management, pricing developments, and other related functions. Ensures existing demos are in functional condition. Performs product updates and new product launches for branches and customers as required. Attends and assists with sales meetings, trade shows and training programs as needed. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor or designate.Qualifications Minimum of a four-year technical or engineering degree preferred or the equivalent in work experience. Prefer the knowledge and technical competence in understanding electrical and hi-tech industrial products and applications including industrial automation software and hardware. Minimum of three-years of prior electrical distribution and quotations experience preferred with a comprehensive knowledge of BSE product lines and applications, alternate product substitutes, and supplier pricing policies. Ability to read, write and speak in English preferred. Prefer strong working knowledge of PC for Windows, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Access and PowerPoint), Internet, Email and SAP software.Skills and Abilities Consistently provides responsive, quality service to meet and exceed customer expectations. Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication and customer service skills are preferred with the ability to effectively plan and organize. Excellent customer service skills include being competent, accurate, responsive and engaged.Physical Requirements Frequency at which you would carry/lift in a typical day: Occasionally 0 – 33% Frequently 34 – 66% Continuously: 67 – 100% Lift from Waist: < than 10 lbs. - Not at all 10 to 25 lbs. - Not at all 26 to 50 lbs. - Not at all 51 to 75 lbs. - Not at all 75 to 100 lbs. - Not at all 100+ lbs. - Not at all Lift from Floor: < than 10 lbs. - Frequently 10 to 25 lbs. - Frequently 26 to 50 lbs. - Frequently 51 to 75 lbs. - Not at all 75 to 100 lbs. - Not at all 100+ lbs. - Not at all Carried for Distance: < than 10 lbs. - Not at all 10 to 25 lbs. - Not at all 26 to 50 lbs. - Not at all 51 to 75 lbs. - Not at all 75 to 100 lbs. - Not at all 100+ lbs. - Not at all Physical Activity Frequency at which you would do the following in a typical day: Sitting (a continuous period of being seated) - Continuously Standing (for sustained periods of time) - Frequently Walking (moving about on foot to accomplish tasks) - Frequently Bending/stooping (downward and forward) - Frequently Crawling (moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet) - Not at all Climbing/Walking Stairs (ascending or descending) - Frequently Reaching (extending arms in any direction) - Frequently Crouching/squatting (bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine) - Occasionally Kneeling (bending legs at knee to come to rest on knee(s)) - Occasionally Balancing (maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling) - Occasionally Repetitive motion (substantial movement (motions) or the wrists, hands, and/or fingers) - Frequently Pivoting (movement in any direction with one foot, keeping the other in contact with the floor) - Occasionally Pushing/Pulling (using upper extremities to press against or draw or tug) - Occasionally Grasping (Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm) - Frequently Fingering (picking, pinching, typing; working with primarily fingers and not whole hand) - Frequently Talking (expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word) - Continuously Driving (the control and operation of a motor vehicle) - Frequently Desk work (work usually performed at a desk) - Frequently Use of a computer - Frequently Use of a telephone - Continuously Hearing (Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels) - Continuously Exposure (to adverse weather & temperature conditions) - Occasionally Travel (travel needed to perform job duties) - Frequently