Account Manager/Outside Sales

Applied Industrial Technologies - Crystal, MN

Full-time - Entry Level

Crystal, MN

501-1,000 employees

Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing

About the position

As an outside sales Account Manager at Applied Industrial Technologies, you will play a crucial role in driving sales and building strong relationships with a diverse customer base. This position is based in Minneapolis, MN, and is designed for a creative, results-oriented individual who thrives in a competitive yet friendly environment. Our company culture emphasizes integrity, inclusion, and career advancement, making it an ideal place for those looking to grow their careers in sales. You will be part of a leading industrial distributor recognized as one of the World's Best Employers by Forbes in 2021, and you will have the opportunity to work with a team that values long-lasting careers and professional development. In this role, you will be responsible for managing an existing territory while also seeking to open new accounts. Your customer base will include various industries such as food and beverage, light manufacturing, construction, aerospace, and more. The position offers uncapped earnings potential, meaning your income is directly tied to your ability to network, prospect, and grow your accounts. You will help customers find solutions to their needs, engaging with individuals in maintenance, engineering, and purchasing departments. This position reports directly to the General Manager and is integral to achieving sales and profit goals by developing and retaining existing customers and opening new business opportunities. Your daily activities will include conducting sales and service activities, developing strong ongoing relationships, preparing quotations and proposals, and following up to negotiate terms and close transactions. You will also organize and conduct training sessions for customers, survey market conditions, and complete reports regarding itineraries, expenses, and sales calls. Monitoring customer complaints and following up on outstanding orders will be part of your responsibilities, ensuring that customer satisfaction is maintained at all times.

Responsibilities

• Build repeat business relationships and open new accounts in an existing territory.
• Achieve sales and profit goals by developing and retaining existing customers and opening new business.
• Conduct sales and service activities to develop strong ongoing relationships with customers.
• Identify product applications and introduce new products and services to customers.
• Prepare quotations and proposals, follow up, negotiate terms, and close transactions.
• Organize and conduct training sessions for customers on product usage and benefits.
• Survey market and competitive conditions to stay informed about industry trends.
• Complete reports regarding itineraries, expenses, sales calls, leads, and other related matters.
• Monitor customer complaints and follow up on outstanding orders, making emergency calls and deliveries as required.

Requirements

• 1+ year outside sales experience or 1+ year strong power transmission or hydraulic background with a sales mentality.
• 2+ years customer service or inside sales experience with a tangible product, or recent graduate with a sales mentality.
• Ability to develop new business and build repeat customer relationships.
• Mechanical aptitude and a self-starter attitude with a strong desire to succeed.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proficiency in English grammar.
• Computer skills and knowledge, including proficiency in Excel.
• Preferred experience with power transmission, hydraulics, and/or bearings products.
• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record (MVR).

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the industrial distribution sector.
• Familiarity with MRO and OEM end users.
• Knowledge of fluid power and automation technologies.

Benefits

• Competitive pay including uncapped commission and bonus opportunities.
• 401K with company match.
• Comprehensive insurance coverage.
• Company vehicle provided for work-related travel.
• Paid time off and employee assistance programs.
• Tuition reimbursement for further education and training.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Team-oriented company culture that promotes fun and collaboration.