Technical Sales Representative

Position Summary

Talon Products is hiring a Sales Representative to grow revenue for our structural composite lamination process. You will find, win and grow OEM and industrial accounts that need strong, lightweight, corrosion-resistant panels and parts in place of steel, aluminum or wood.

We are looking for a proven hunter and relationship builder. You will be Talon's face to the customer, backed by our engineering, production and quoting teams, who handle the technical details.

Key Responsibilities

Business development

• Prospect and open new OEM and industrial accounts in target markets
• Build and manage a qualified pipeline with accurate forescasts
• Attend trade shows, customer visits and industry events to generate leads
• Find customers who could switch from steel, aluminum or wood to composite panels

Consultative selling

• Learn each customer's application, volumes, timing, budget and buying process
• Present Talon's composite panel capabilities clearly to buyers, engineers and owners
• Bring in Talon engineering for technical reviews, samples and customer approvals
• Work with estimating to deliver competitive, profitable quotes and follow up to close

Account Management

• Own key accounts from first order through repeat production programs
• Lead price, lead-time and annual-volume negotiations
• Relay customer feedback, quality concerns and forecasts to operations
• Respond to internal and external requests in a timely fashion
• Track competitor products, material pricing trends and market shifts

Required qualifications

• 5+ years of outside sales, ideally of manufactured or industrial products
• Proven record of opening new accounts and meeting or exceeding annual quota
• Strong prospecting, negotiating and closing skills across long sales cycles
• Experience selling to OEM purchasing, engineering and management teams
• Willing to learn a technical product and explain it in plain terms
• Strong written, verbal and presentation skills
• Experience with Microsoft Office
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, engineering or a related field
• Experience selling composites, FRP, fiberglass, panels or other fabricated products
• Track record of growing a territory's revenue year over year
• Ability to read basic engineering drawings and product specifications
• Existing relationships with OEMs in transportation, marine, RV or building products

Target markets and products

The role focuses on buyers who need structural laminated panels and parts at production volume.

Market - Typical applications

• Bus and specialty vehicle - Sidewalls, roofs, floors, interior panels
• Truck body and trailer - Walls, doors, liners, refrigerated panels
• RV and marine - Walls, decks, hatches, bulkheads
• Building and infrastructure - Wall panels, enclosures, platforms, access covers
• Industrial equipment - Guards, housings, corrosion-resistant panels

How success is measured

• New-account revenue and total sales
• Number of qualified opportunities and quote-to-order conversion rate
• Growth and retention of key production programs

Compensation and benefits

• Base salary plus commission
• Mileage reimbursement and laptop
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Short-term disability
• Paid time off and holidays

Work environment

Time is split between the office and customer sites. Plant visits require PPE, including safety glasses and steel-toe footwear.

Reports to

Director of Operations

Location: Bristol, Indiana, with regional travel

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person