Technical Sales Specialist II - Kalamazoo, MI

Currently seeking a technically minded lighting support resource responsible for helping our marketing and business development efforts. This person must be skilled at understanding lighting requirements or willing to learn and be able to propose solutions and answers to potentia ...

Job description

Currently seeking a technically minded lighting support resource responsible for helping our marketing and business development efforts. This person must be skilled at understanding lighting requirements or willing to learn and be able to propose solutions and answers to potential customers. Successful candidates will be highly motivated servant leaders who can manage projects and effectively communicate with leadership and team members. 

As a subject matter expert, this position plays a key role in supporting the ongoing lighting sales efforts of the Business Development Representatives (BDR) serving the landscape architecture and architectural and design community, as well as the appointed lighting agents within the territory.

Benefits: Landscape Forms takes pride in offering a competitive benefits package including, but not limited to, insurance benefits (available your first day), 401(k), family and parenting leaves, tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, quarterly bonuses, and paid time off.

How You Contribute: 

• Analyze sales activities and trends to inform sales directors of improvement opportunities.
• Support sales goals by delivering product presentations, and providing project assistance, either in-person or virtually.
• Assist sales team with managing their lighting pipelines to help meet their annual goals.
• Provide technical lighting expertise to all stakeholders (BDRs, RSR's, Agencies) throughout the sales process.
• Participate in training team members, lighting agencies and customers on products, lighting concepts, and new product introductions.
• Understand IES recommendations to deliver application-based lighting solutions through photometric analysis (utilizing photometric software AGi32 and/or Visual).
• Provide great customer experiences by conducting showroom tours and presentations during customer visits.
• Represent Landscape Forms and act as a brand ambassador at industry shows.
• Collaborate with various internal teams to ensure we have met design, engineering and pricing solutions for non-standard lighting products.
• Support marketing team to ensure technical data is accurately represented in all marketing material.
• Keep updated on industry trends, competition, and attend classes for continued education.
• Participate with continuous improvement ideas and other duties as assigned.
• Know the competition and target representatives, areas, markets and design firms for increased sales opportunities.

Criteria for Success:

• Must have a history of problem solving and providing great customer service.
• Must have the desire to learn, continuously improve and be willing to accept responsibility.
• Must be able to work individually, or as a member of a team, use common sense and build a network of relationships with a positive attitude.

Education, Experience, and Skills

An undergraduate degree in Business, Design, Engineering or applicable field, with related experience is preferred. Must be able to analyze data from many variables and provide engineering and design solutions. Must be proficient in Microsoft office and reading technical documents. Experience with AutoCAD, AGi32, lighting, electronics, metal fabrication, and/or manufacturing is preferred.

This person must possess a high level of written and verbal communication with a variety of audiences. Must have the ability to give clear instruction regarding technical data to both technical and non-technical disciplines including written reports to Sales representatives, lighting designers, architects, engineers, distributors, contractors and others.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Mostly office, but may be required stand, sit, or walk for up to 5 hours. Some dinner meetings and travel may be required. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and tour a factory. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the principal accountabilities.

Who We Are:  Landscape Forms is the industry leader in integrated solutions of high-design site furniture and advanced LED lighting. For more than 50 years we have produced site furnishings that help designers and other clients achieve beautiful, functional environments that enhance the experience of outdoor space. Our secret is simple. Design, Culture and Craft drive everything we do.