Sales Specialist - Shipbuilding & Military

PFERD North America; Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

PFERD North America is seeking a Sales Specialist for Shipbuilding & Military to support customers in the shipbuilding and defense sectors. Travel up to 75% is required, with duties including product demonstrations, account management, and strategy development.

You will build relationships with End Users and Partner Distributors, analyzing markets, forecasting sales, and coordinating with internal teams to meet growth targets in a dynamic industrial tools environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, engineering, or a related field.
• Strong analytical, networking, and customer service skills.
• Ability to travel extensively (up to 75%).
• Residency near key shipbuilding or military hubs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver product demonstrations to End Users and Distributors.
• Engage with shipbuilding and defense customers to grow market share.
• Create territory-specific sales strategies and objectives.
• Provide accurate forecasts and coordinate with product management.
• Stay informed on defense procurement trends and industry developments.

Skills

Analytical skills

Networking

Customer service

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, engineering, or related field

Job description

PFERD North America is a global leader in manufacturing and distributing high-quality abrasives, brushes, and power tools designed for metal cutting, grinding, and finishing applications. As a subsidiary of August Rüggeberg GmbH & Co. based in Germany, PFERD operates in over 30 countries worldwide, focusing on delivering optimized solutions for customers' unique applications. With over 200 years of innovation, PFERD is dedicated to increasing productivity, achieving cost efficiencies, and enhancing operator health and safety. Customers around the world trust PFERD’s commitment to excellence and its industry-renowned “TRUST BLUE” brand.

Candidates should be located to the Primary Locations

• New England Area
• Norfolk, VA

Role Description

The Sales Specialist: Shipbuilding & Military is a professional sales role focused on supporting customers in the shipbuilding and defense sectors. This individual should have direct experience or strong familiarity with military and commercial shipbuilding applications. The Sales Specialist will represent PFERD’s product portfolio to both End Users and Partner Distributors, focusing on growing market share in this strategically important segment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Product Expertise:

• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of PFERD products applicable to shipbuilding and military applications.
• Provide technical product demonstrations to End Users, Partner Distributors, and internal staff.

Customer Interaction:

• Engage with existing and potential customers in the shipbuilding and defense sectors.
• Create value at the End User level through select partner distributors by building and executing effective strategies.
• Resolve customer challenges promptly while fostering long-term relationships built on trust.
• Promote PFERD’s mission and value proposition by aligning with the unique needs of military and shipbuilding customers.

Sales Strategy and Performance:

• Conduct targeted market research specific to shipyards, naval bases, and defense contractors.
• Analyze sales performance and coordinate training as needed.
• Meet sales targets and support growth initiatives.
• Provide accurate sales forecasts and resource plans.

Collaboration and Leadership:

• Work independently and within a team to develop assigned territory.
• Share market insights with broader sales and product management teams.
• Stay informed on defense procurement trends, shipbuilding programs, and industry advancements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting product demonstrations and building long-term customer relationships.
• Developing territory-specific sales strategies.
• Staying informed on defense procurement trends and industry developments.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, engineering, or a related field.

• 4+ years of relevant experience, ideally with exposure to shipyards, naval supply chains, or military contracts.
• Strong analytical, networking, and customer service skills.
• Ability to travel extensively (up to 75%).
• Valid driver's license.
• Background in military procurement, shipyard operations, or marine/defense-related industrial tools. Residency in proximity to key shipbuilding or military hubs.