Sales Representative

Sales Manager In Training - Technical Sales Representative

Compensation: $70-85k, depending on experience

Hours of Work: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with flexibility required for travel and customer needs.

Are you ready to commit to a multi-year path to a Sales Manager role? A smaller manufacturing company in the Asheville area, with about 50 US employees, is seeking a highly motivated individual for a Technical Sales Representative position, which is designed as a Sales Manager in Training role.

This is a unique opportunity to sell a highly technical product to a base of committed and knowledgeable customers. We are recruiting for the person who will take over as Sales Manager in approximately three years. Your first year is dedicated to intensive learning.

The Path to Sales Manager (3-Year Plan)

• Months 1-3: Deep Technical Immersion : Work side-by-side with the current Sales Manager to master our highly technical product line. Since our customers are experts, you must become one, too.
• Months 4-10: Shadowing & Mentorship : Continue to shadow the Sales Manager on all customer interactions, learning the sales process and company operations.
• Month 11 Onward: Independent Sales & Growth : Begin making independent sales calls and managing your territory while gradually taking on leadership responsibilities to prepare for the transition.

Key Responsibilities

• Master the Product: Learn, understand, and explain the functions and utility of a highly technical product, requiring the ability to discuss complex chemical concepts with customers.
• Manage Relationships: Maintain strong, long-term relationships with existing customers; ensure satisfaction and resolve any post-sale issues.
• Drive Sales Process: Own the entire sales cycle, from lead identification and quotation to project monitoring and product delivery.
• Forecasting & Reporting: Maintain detailed sales activity reports and provide periodic territory sales forecasts.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Bachelor's degree in a business, engineering or technical field +2 years' experience OR at least five (5) years of technical sales experience.
• Technical Foundation: Must have a working understanding of chemical compounds and how they work to effectively learn and sell our product line, food or agriculture compounds preferred.
• Aptitude: Proven ability and desire to grasp and sell highly technical products.
• Core Skills: Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and customer service skills.
• Travel: Must be willing to travel to manage the sales territory.

Relocation costs are not covered for this position; however, the client is willing to work the person and timing for their own relocation to the Asheville or surrounding area.

If you are looking for a career commitment and a clear trajectory to a Sales Manager role within a smaller, established company, apply today.