Sales Associate - University of IL - Thomas Scientific : Job Details

The Sales Associate is responsible for the overall account management and sales growth in their assigned account(s). The portfolio is comprised of scientific laboratory supplies, equipment, chemicals and safety items that are used throughout the university in research labs, teaching labs, stockrooms core labs, student health clinics, facilities departments, and police departments. The Sales Associate will be expected to perform the following duties: ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES including the following. Other duties may be assigned. To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • Communicate daily with customers primarily via face-to-face to solicit orders, win accounts, and grow business; phone and email will also be required modes of communication. • Compile lists of prospective customers for use as sales leads, based on information from the company, trade shows, Internet Web sites, manufacturing representatives, and other sources. • Manage review and completion of RFP / RFQ bid opportunities. • Study data describing new products to develop sales approach. • Identify customers' goals / problems and provide solutions offered by company. • Compile and analyze data on supplies, equipment and chemicals preferred by customers. • Advise customers of products for given need, based on technical knowledge of product. • Display or demonstrate products, using samples or catalog, and emphasize salable features. • Quote prices and credit terms and prepare sales contracts for orders/PO's obtained. • Estimate date of delivery to customer, based on knowledge of manufacturers lead times and firm's delivery schedule. • Investigate and resolve customer problems with deliveries. • Prepare reports of business transactions and maintain expense accounts. • Use ERP system on a daily basis for data entry of customer and sales information. • Prepare and provide weekly reports on status of accounts. • Meet weekly minimum of in person meetings and stays on top of email with goal to respond within one business day. • Write business plans and updates as needed. • Perform quarterly presentation on results and activities. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED • Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) from a four-year college or university preferred • 1-3 years of sales experience preferred • Prior experience with the life science market and/or university sales helpful • Proficient use of computer hardware, business software, and other common office equipment required • Ability to work accurately, efficiently and independently • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations. • Good human relation skills SUPERVISOR REQUIREMENTS: • This job has no supervisory requirements PHYSICAL DEMANDS: the physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee will also be required to drive a car to meet with clients. MENTAL DEMANDS: • Must be able to manage multiple projects and tasks • Must pay close attention to detail • This position has a predictable work schedule • This position has frequent deadlines • This position has a high level of decision-making ability • This position works closely with others • There is a lot of record-keeping and routine paperwork This position is a full-time role working a minimum of 40 hours per week, working remotely from a home office, and is eligible for the following benefits: health, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, 401k and ER Match, voluntary critical illness, health indemnity, accidental injury, identity theft, Pet insurance; and life, accidental death & dismemberment and disability insurances. Time off includes accrued Paid Time Off, Sick Leave and Holiday Pay.