Product Specialist - Welding (Hobart)

Company Description

Hobart Welding Products wholly owned by Illinois Tool Works (NYSE: ITW), has spent decades (since 1917, to be exact) designing, testing and manufacturing a full line of welding and cutting products that are industrial quality and easy to use and all carry. Whether you're in production, farming, maintenance, auto repair, or a do-it-yourselfer, we have a product that fits your needs. And with our dedicated commitment to customer service, you'll find that we're easy to contact, easy to work with and easy to get information from — we're here to help you.

In 2000 we added a full line of welding accessories, from auto-darkening helmets with state-of-the-art graphics, to rod and wire, to hardware, tools and more. We wanted you to be able to purchase everything you needed at one location. Once again, we've made it easy for you.

In this role, you will cover a territory that supports the mid-south region of the United States. The position can be based in the Dallas - Fort Worth Texas market.

Job Description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and driven PRODUCT SPECIALIST to join our retail sales team at Hobart.  We are a leading provider of welding equipment, supplies, and services. Our commitment to delivering top-quality products and exceptional customer service to welding professionals and enthusiasts.

As a Welding Product Specialist within our team, your responsibilities include performing product demonstrations for customers and end-users, conducting thorough market research in the field, gathering valuable feedback, and offering insightful recommendations to our engineering team. To excel as a product specialist here, you should possess a genuine passion for the products you work with, continuously expand your product knowledge, and have a sharp eye for spotting market trends. We value individuals who inspire our clients and can collaborate effectively both independently and within a team.

You will play a pivotal role in ensuring our retail customers are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge, and sales techniques to sell Hobart welding products. The responsibilities will include developing and implementing training programs, conducting engaging training sessions, and assessing the performance of our partners.

Join us in our commitment to customer satisfaction and be part of a team that values professional growth and excellence.

Qualifications

What You’ll Do and Impact:

Product Knowledge Enhancement:

• Stay updated on the latest welding equipment, supplies, and tech trends.
• Equip sales associates with product expertise, enabling them to assist customers effectively.
• Perform product demos for customers, staff, and stakeholders.

Training Program Development and Delivery:

• Partner with management to pinpoint training needs.
• Craft engaging training materials, from presentations to guides.
• Tailor training plans for diverse skill levels and roles within the sales team.
• Deliver captivating training sessions for sales associates in various settings.
• Employ a range of training methods, such as workshops, role-play, and hands-on demos.
• Ensure training content aligns with industry standards and product knowledge.

Sales Techniques and Customer Service:

• Training and educating our retail partner sales associates in effective techniques, including upselling and cross-selling.
• Highlight the significance of exceptional customer service and issue resolution.

Performance Assessment:

• Offer constructive feedback and coaching for skill enhancement.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of training sessions, attendance, and individual progress.
• Prepare reports detailing training outcomes and recommend improvements as needed.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Conduct product training at customer locations.
• Perform occasional market research, including surveys, research, emails, calls, and attending product launches.
• Respond to product-related inquiries politely and promptly.
• Collaborate and strategize with business and engineering teams.
• Attend workshops and refresher courses in sales and marketing.
• Schedule training sessions and attend meetings as required.
• Identify fresh market opportunities and share findings with relevant stakeholders.
• Provide valuable product recommendations to boost revenue.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Technical degree or bachelor’s degree in r