Technical Service Trainee

The Sherwin-Williams Company; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sherwin-Williams Company is seeking a Technical Services professional to provide external customer and sales team support, troubleshooting, training, and guidance on product usage. The role emphasizes building SME knowledge, diagnosing needs, and collaborating across Sales, Marketing, Operations, and R&D to execute strategy.

Candidates should be prepared to relocate for rotations and must be eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Qualifications

• Must have a High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must have knowledge of basic math skills, computer knowledge for inputting and data analysis.
• Preferred: bilingual in Spanish.
• Preferred: trade school degree of various kinds including paint application; military mechanical repair or refurbishment education; associates or bachelor's degree in science curriculums.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical services to customers and sales reps, including troubleshooting and product use guidance.
• Attend customer and prospect calls to deliver service and technical support.
• Support product trials and act as SME for product demonstrations and training.
• Work with Sales to identify customer needs and assist in account management and lead generation.
• Develop plans and Diagnostic methods to address customer needs and improve quality and efficiency.
• Build relationships with customers to gain trust and ensure satisfaction.

Skills

Math skills

Customer service

Spanish language

Computer skills

Education

High School diploma or GED

Trade school or STEM degree

Job description

This individual will provide technical services to external customers and sales representatives, including troubleshooting, offering fundamental technical direction and assistance to customers on product(s) use, training, and support. Responsibilities may include responding to common questions and concerns, applying basic application technologies, and providing general assistance to customers on improving operational quality and efficiency.

The program will include the following experiences:

• Build acumen around the SW business, segments, customers, and go-to-market strategy
• Gain a thorough understanding of Sherwin-Williams technical service and sales processes
• Build technical service skills and aptitude
• Develop plans and diagnostic methods to effectively understand and address customer needs
• Execute product application and troubleshoot product issues
• Support the sales organization achieve financial goals and gain an understanding of P& L management
• Build cross-functional partnerships with and understand the interaction of Sales, Marketing, Operations, & R&D to execute the business strategy
• Gain a basic understanding of the assigned division's product offerings and technical applications

Customer Service and Support

• Attend customer and prospects calls to deliver customer service and technical support to customers in territory, region, etc.
• Work with internal groups/departments to ensure product quality, service, and delivery meet or exceed customer expectations
• Support resolution of customer complaints in accordance with company policies and procedures
• Respond to basic questions and concerns from the customer regarding product line(s) and general operations; generally involves task orientated situations, limited problem solving, and direct supervision.
• Support product trials to ensure customer's knowledge and understanding
• Work to become a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to ensure customer understands products, applications, and solutions via product demonstrations, presentations, etc.
• Works to become a basic operational advisor to customers by applying routine quality tools and analytical concepts to assist with improving product quality and efficiency; receives direction or guidance on most issues
• Build and maintain relationships with customers to gain trust and create positive view of the organization
• Evaluate and redirect concerns or issues to appropriate source if unable to assist customer

Maintain and Utilize Product Knowledge & Technical Expertise

• Obtain up-to-date knowledge on current and new products, including application
• Implement and share best practices regarding new products and customer training with team members, partnering closely with the R&D function
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to current products, systems, and processes
• Provides technical direction and assistance to customers on the use of the product line(s); typically includes single locations and technologies, and basic application methods

Provide Sales Support

• Support and communicate with internal Sales teams on current and new customer needs, issues, and products
• Serves as a liaison with sales by interacting with line personnel, developing a greater understanding of needs and operations, and providing observations and leads to sales; receives direction from other personnel.
• Assists with performing account management activities by facilitating new or recurring orders, developing relationships with customer contacts, and facilitating communications with sales personnel.
• Assist in collecting market information on customers and competitors, and estimating customer potential and the facility/branch's market share
• Partner with marketing and sales to identify competitor strengths and weaknesses and S-W's competitive advantages

Manage Time Effectively

• Schedule meetings, calls, visits, etc. with external customers
• Develop and document strategies to troubleshoot customer issues

Minimum Requirements:

• Must have a High School diploma or GED equivalent
• Must have knowledge of basic math skills, computer knowledge for inputting and data analysis

Preferred Requirements:

• Bilingual in Spanish
• Have a trade school degree of various kinds including paint application; military mechanical repair and/or refurbishment education; associates of bachelor's degree in science curriculums
• Have a familiarity with metal substrates and industrial paint/coatings application
• Have diagnostic troubleshooting experience and mechanical inclinations
• Have previous experience servicing industrial B2B customers

Candidate must be willing to relocate for assignments and career advancement either as part of the rotation program or for the final third rotation when assigned a territory.

Candidate must be eligible to work in the US on a full-time basis without restrictions or need for visa sponsorship.