Sales Professional

Job Title

This position is responsible for researching the North American market demand for new and existing products and services that Meiden Group produces/sells. Responsible for marketing activities such as preparing for expositions, creating and printing marketing materials and assisting with media advertising. Position coordinates efforts and collaborates with engineers, sales personnel, and other associates throughout the Meiden group. Position is responsible for sales and marketing activities for both Meiden America, Inc. and Meiden Technical Center North America, LLC.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify prospective customers by using business directories, following leads from existing clients, participating in relevant organizations and clubs and attending trade shows and conferences, making a constant effort to explore all sources of potential sales revenue.
• Contact new and existing customers to identify opportunities to introduce and sell Meidens products and services and to explain how their needs can be met by specific products and services.
• Answer customer questions about products, prices, availability, product uses and payment terms.
• Respond to RFQs, quote prices, payment terms and other bid specifications.
• Emphasize product features based on analyses of customer needs and on technical capabilities and limitations of product(s).
• Achieve company financial goals and targets by effectively negotiating prices and terms of sale as well as service agreements.
• Maintain accurate, up to date customer records using current Meiden automated systems and/or processes.
• Prepare documentation containing information such as confidential descriptions and specifications of proprietary hardware and software, product development and introduction schedules, product costs and information about product weaknesses.
• Prepare sales contracts for orders obtained and submit orders for processing.
• Collaborate with the engineering department to select appropriate products and assist customer in making product selections based on their needs, product specifications and applicable regulations.
• Collaborate with colleagues and exchange information such as selling strategies, current market information and issues that may affect Meidens business.
• Prepare sales presentations and proposals that describe product specifications and applications and their unique benefit to the customer.
• Demonstrate/explain the benefits, operation and use of products to stakeholders as appropriate.
• Provide customers with effective and timely ongoing technical support.
• Keep customer informed of estimated delivery schedules, service contracts, warranties and other information pertaining to purchased products.
• Attend sales and trade meetings and read related publications in order to obtain information about market conditions, business trends and industry developments.
• Visit establishments in person to evaluate customer needs and promote products and services.
• Initiate sales campaigns and follow marketing plan guidelines in order to meet sales and production goals and expectations.
• Plan and submit monthly and annual sales activities plan and target amount for orders and review on a monthly basis.
• Complete product and development training as required and/or requested.
• Complete expense reports, sales reports and other required paperwork.
• Other assignments and projects as requested.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively and fluently in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to persuade others to change their mind or behavior.
• Demonstrated customer service acumen.
• Ability to achieve desired outcomes using effective negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage work demands by utilizing excellent time management skills.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Ability to solve complex problems and utilize critical thinking skills.
• Ability and willingness to be flexible and help out in other areas as necessary.
• Ability to achieve and maintain a high level of productivity in a culturally diverse and often demanding environment.
• Ability to foster and promote an atmosphere of mutual respect and teamwork among co-workers and associates.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree from a four year college or university in a relevant field. Mechanical or electrical engineering degree preferred.
• Experience working in or with a Japanese corporate environment helpful.
• Experience working in auto industry helpful.