Product Specialist - Panel Dividing/Solid Wood

Stiles Machinery; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Stiles Machinery is looking for a Product Specialist in Allentown, PA, to drive the success of the product line. The role involves providing sales and technical support, collaborating with the sales team, and performing market research. Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree and experience in technical sales or product management. Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently are essential. This position is critical for managing product knowledge and contributing to sales strategies.

Qualifications

• Experience in the industrial equipment sector or related manufacturing experience.
• Technical sales or product management experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop a deep understanding of product features and benefits.
• Provide sales and technical assistance to the sales team.
• Travel regularly with the sales team to foster sales activity.
• Provide sales forecast and strategy for the assigned product line.
• Report product improvements and innovation ideas.

Skills

Self-motivated

Proficiency in MS Office

Strong attention to detail

Strong communication skills

Ability to work independently

Excellent problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Position Summary

The Product Specialist is the driver of the product line’s success within the region and will act as the product’s regional intelligence center, providing sales, pricing, market, and technical expertise. The Specialist must understand the product application and technical details to support acquisition of the product.

Essential Functions

• Product Knowledge – Develop a deep understanding of the features, functionalities, and benefits of the company’s products and services.
• Stay up-to-date on products and changes to the product line.
• Understand the customer’s process to provide sales and technical assistance to the sales team.
• Sales Support – Travel regularly with the sales team to foster sales activity and impart product knowledge.
• Help drive sales opportunities, pricing, open proposals, and manage projected close dates.
• Help review customers’ processes, current goals and future needs.
• As required, perform cost studies to determine ROI for discussions with potential customers.
• Work with the sales team to set strategy after local trade shows and events to ensure follow up.
• Manage sales progress with the sales team and develop next steps to close orders.
• Ensure all orders and internal sales notes are complete and have the appropriate options and solutions provided, assisting Install Coordinator (as needed) to confirm delivery and install commitments are kept.
• Act as liaison between Admin, LCS team, Sales, Install Coordinator, and customers to ensure fulfillment of equipment, parts, or service requirements for orders.
• Attend Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) as required.
• Strategic Sales Analysis – Provide the Regional Director with sales forecast and strategy for the assigned product line.
• Collaborate with Product Management and other Regional Product Specialists regarding national product performance.
• Collaborate with Product Group to recommend, demonstrate, and propose appropriate product solutions.
• Review lost order reports, analyze trends, and work with the Regional Director, Sales Manager, and Product Manager to develop proactive action plans.
• Product Development / Market Research – Report product improvements and innovation ideas to Product Manager based on feedback from regional customers, sales, and service.
• Identify and report market availability for products and project true volumes.
• Track competitor activities and report new product offerings, pricing, and competitive features.
• Assist in the development of promotional materials, samples, case studies, and competitive comparisons.
• Training and Education – Keep regional sales, field service, and technical support abreast of new features and developments.
• Provide the sales team with product sales training sessions and track progress.
• Assist sales team and Stiles University to develop/execute regional learning and open house events.
• Provide technical expertise and support for regional demonstrations and/or trade shows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Experience in the industrial equipment sector or related manufacturing experience.
• Technical sales or product management experience.

Skills & Abilities

• Self‑motivated.
• Proficiency in MS Office.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work independently, exercising judgment and initiative.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills.