CNC Machinist Turned Sales & Applications Engineer (Field)

Kennametal, Inc.; Wichita (KS); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle provided

Job summary

Kennametal is seeking talented machinists and programmers looking to transition their career into a professional sales role. This position drives metal-cutting tool sales growth with new and established customers, managing relationships, providing technical direction, and increasing productivity for customers.

The role blends technical knowledge with sales skills and is based from a home office within the territory, with 80%+ field activity.

Qualifications

• Technical degree or Degree in Business, Manufacturing and/or Engineering preferred.
• 3+ years of related cnc machining industry experience, 1-2 years of technical sales and/or application experience preferred.
• Proficient in product knowledge, including applications and troubleshooting; can tailor solutions to meet customer needs.
• Solid grasp of industry dynamics; effectively aligns product solutions with customer needs and industry trends.
• Competent in a range of sales techniques, including advanced objection handling and closing strategies; adapts approach to various customer types.
• Independently executes strategic sales plans; contributes to the development of strategies and meets targets through insightful planning.
• Possess solid critical thinking, presentation, and administrative skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Customer-focused mindset with a passion for problem-solving and delivering exceptional service.
• Detail-oriented to manage contract review and discuss project specifications.
• Creative and persuasive with the ability to think at both tactical and strategic levels.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively across all departments.

Responsibilities

• Meet or exceed revenue targets by effectively providing metal cutting solutions to meet customers' needs and objectives in a professional manner.
• Generate, qualify, and manage all sales leads, prospects, and new customer accounts.
• Proactively manage the complete sales process, including prospecting, qualification, consultative sales meetings, product demos, pricing, terms negotiations, and sourcing.
• Develop and execute strategic territory plans to deliver revenue goals with a focus on new product sales.
• Provide timely answers to pre-sales technical and commercial queries from customers.
• Maintain up-to-date customer and project records in CRM to ensure a clean and healthy pipeline.
• Actively collaborate with internal sales and support professionals to provide value and a positive end-to-end customer experience.
• Perform online and/or onsite demonstrations of metal cutting products tailored to customers’ needs.
• Conduct pre-sales workshops, webinars, and other online/onsite events within the territory.
• Representing and promoting Kennametal at tradeshows, conferences, and other events within the territory.
• Deliver cost savings through analysis of complex application needs and providing recommendations to support customer business need through tooling and application testing.
• Preparing and presenting progress, status, and forecasting reports.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

CNC machining experience

CNC programming experience

Territory sales experience

Customer relationship management

Technical sales aptitude

Education

Technical degree or Engineering/Business degree preferred

Job description

Kennametal is seeking talented machinists and programmers looking to transition their career into a professional sales role. This position drives metal-cutting tool sales growth with new and established customers, managing relationships, providing technical direction, and increasing productivity for customers.

The role blends technical knowledge with sales skills and is based from a home office within the territory, with 80%+ field activity.