Product Manager - Automation

Job Summary

Supports the day‑to‑day operations of Account Managers, Customer Service Reps, and customers by providing product, application, and technical support and service. Regularly supports automation customers and makes joint sales calls with Account Managers to secure orders and perform other sales support functions for technical products and services. Consults with customers on product and system applications in your area of responsibility.

This position utilizes skills commonly associated with Control Engineers and Instrumentation & Electrical Technicians.

Responsibilities

• Supports the day‑to‑day operations of Account Managers, Customer Service Reps, and customers by providing product, application, and technical support and service
• Works closely with Border States' sales and marketing staff to meet and exceed sales and gross profit objectives.
• Regularly supports automation customers and makes joint sales calls with Account Managers to secure orders and perform other sales support functions for technical products and services which includes but is not limited to providing customers field support by phone or other means, application support, repair service, training, and other services as required.
• Consults with customers on product and system applications.
• Provides customers with timely follow‑up on quotations, technical inquiries and other requests.
• Inputs TCCM cost savings documentation that is relevant to the assigned customer base.
• Provides continuous contact and interaction with customers’ engineering staff, contractors and consultants.
• Provides specific or specialized product support for branches and customers.
• Actively participates in the marketing, planning, and sale of Border States' technical products and services, including Schneider Electric Automation Products.
• Participates in and advises management on the implementation and success of marketing plans and strategies.
• Provides input to other sales and marketing staff on customer needs and concerns regarding pricing, products, competition, procedures, and market potential.
• Evaluates new products and makes recommendations on stock levels for new and existing products.
• Leads customer and BSE employee training on new and existing automation product lines and applications in specified product areas.
• Designs, develops and/or maintains database and documentation files such as engineering and technical records, TCCM savings, customer parts database by SKU including technical reference information (guides, specifications and standards), product and vendor files, technical reference library, and customer information file.
• Evaluates and manages regions demo equipment and makes suggestions for new products in specified product areas.

• Provides input to the pricing and purchasing departments on product evaluations and code descriptions, inventory management, pricing developments, and other related functions.
• Ensures existing demos are in functional condition.
• Performs product updates and new product launches for branches and customers as required.
• Attends and assists with sales meetings, trade shows and training programs as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor or designate.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a four‑year technical or engineering degree preferred or the equivalent in work experience.
• Prefer the knowledge and technical competence in understanding electrical and hi‑tech industrial products and applications including industrial automation software and hardware.
• Minimum of three years of prior electrical distribution and quotations experience preferred with a comprehensive knowledge of BSE product lines and applications, alternate product substitutes, and supplier pricing policies.
• Ability to read, write and speak in English preferred.
• Prefer strong working knowledge of PC for Windows, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Access and PowerPoint), Internet, Email and SAP software.

Skills and Abilities

• Consistently provides responsive, quality service to meet and exceed customer expectations.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication and customer service skills are preferred with the ability to effectively plan and organize.
• Excellent customer service skills include being competent, accurate, responsive and engaged.

Physical Requirements

Frequency at which you would carry/lift in a typical day:

• Occasionally 0 - 33%
• Frequently 34 - 66%
• Continuously 67 - 100%

• Lift from Waist:
  • < 10 lbs. – Not at all
  • 10 to 25 lbs. – Not at all
  • 26 to 50 lbs. – Not at all
  • 51 to 75 lbs. – Not at all
  • 75 to 100 lbs. – Not at all
  • 100+ lbs. – Not at all
• Lift from Floor:
  • < 10 lbs. – Frequently
  • 10 to 25 lbs. – Frequently
  • 26 to 50 lbs. – Frequently
  • 51 to 75 lbs. – Not at all
  • 75 to 100 lbs. – Not at all
  • 100+ lbs. – Not at all
• Carried for Distance:
  • < 10 lbs. – Not at all
  • 10 to 25 lbs. – Not at all
  • 26 to 50 lbs. – Not at all
  • 51 to 75 lbs. – Not at all
  • 75 to 100 lbs. – Not at all
  • 100+ lbs. – Not at all

Physical Activity

• Sitting – Continuously
• Standing – Frequently
• Walking – Frequently
• Bending/stooping – Frequently
• Crawling – Not at all
• Climbing/Walking Stairs – Frequently
• Reaching – Frequently
• Crouching/squatting – Occasionally
• Kneeling – Occasionally
• Balancing – Occasionally

Additional Information

This job description is a summary of the job duties and responsibilities and is not intended to cover all possible job duties and is subject to change at the employer's discretion. Employees must be able to perform the essential job duties and satisfy job requirements either with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

• Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity
• FSA & HSA
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Disability Benefits
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Volunteer Time
• Personal Leave time and more!
• Bonuses upon achievement of branch and company goals.

Equal Opportunity For All

It’s not just the law. It’s something we've believed in since our founding. We value the diversity of all of our employee‑owners and will always be an equal opportunity employer.

Drug Free/Smoke Free workplace

Employment may be contingent on the offered candidate successfully passing one or more of the following pre‑employment screenings:

• Criminal background check (required for all positions)
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check (required for positions involving driving)
• Drug testing

The MVR check and drug testing vary by role and will be communicated to the offered candidate during the onboarding process and as applicable.