Strategic Product Manager - Pipe, Vales and Fittings (PVF)

at  Border States

Be 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: West Columbia , SC or any location in North Carolina or South Carolina.

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 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of a four-year technical or engineering degree or the equivalent in work experience.
• Knowledge and technical competence in understanding mechanical piping systems, PVF products and applications including valve automation and instrumentation preferred.
• Minimum of five-years of prior customer service, marketing, quotation or sales experience preferred.
• Minimum of five-years of prior PVF
• distribution and quotations experience preferred with a comprehensive knowledge of Border States product lines and applications, alternate product substitutes, and supplier pricing policies.
• Strong working knowledge of PC for Windows, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Access and PowerPoint), Internet, Email and SAP software preferred.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Consistently provides responsive, quality service to meet and exceed customer expectations.
• Ability to think and plan strategically
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to effectively plan and organize
• Excellent customer service skills include being competent, accurate, responsive and engaged.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This job description is a summary of the job duties and responsibilities and is not intended to cover all possible job duties and is subject to change at the employer’s discretion. Employees must be able to perform the essential job duties and satisfy job requirements either with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Essential Functions

• Provides Pipe, Valves and Fitting (PVF) product support for branches and customers.
• Performs a strategic analysis of assigned market and develops annual sales strategy to achieve annual sales quotas. Quarterly reviews conducted to ensure strategy is on pace to meet sales goals.
• Supports the day-to-day operations of Account Managers, Customer Service Reps, Product Managers 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 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.
• Actively participates in the marketing, planning, and sale of Border States’ technical products and services.
• 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 Border States employee training on new and existing 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 Area’s 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.