Outside Sales Representative

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

Our manufacturing client is seeking an experienced Sales / Business Development professional to grow its centerless grinding business. This person will develop new customers, manage existing accounts, and identify opportunities for precision grinding services and ground bar products.

The ideal candidate understands industrial sales and can confidently communicate with purchasing, engineering, quality, and plant leadership. Experience in centerless grinding, steel supply or distribution, precision machining, or related manufacturing industries is strongly preferred.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop new business through prospecting, networking, referrals, and customer visits.
• Target manufacturers, steel service centers, machine shops, and companies using precision ground components or bar stock.
• Build relationships with purchasing managers, engineers, and other manufacturing decision-makers.
• Manage existing accounts and identify opportunities to expand business.
• Generate requests for quotation (RFQs) and coordinate with internal teams to prepare competitive quotes.
• Follow up on quotations and convert opportunities into purchase orders.
• Work with production and quality teams to align customer requirements with manufacturing capabilities.
• Maintain accurate records of customer activity, quotes, opportunities, and follow-ups.
• Develop a technical understanding of the company’s grinding capabilities to recommend appropriate solutions.

Preferred Background

• Proven industrial sales or business development experience; ideally 10–15 years in a related industry.
• Background in centerless grinding, precision grinding, steel bar products, steel distribution, precision machining, fasteners, screw-machine products, or cold-headed components.
• Established manufacturing industry relationships and a track record of winning new business.
• Ability to manage accounts and guide opportunities from initial contact through quoting and closing.
• Strong communication, organization, and follow-through.