Applications Engineer

Technical Support – Collision Repair – North East
Ideal location – Sheffield upto Newcastle
The Ideal Candidate will:
* Ideally have hands on experience of aftermarket automotive body repair processes and methods, however strong surface finishing experience from other sectors will be considered.
* Have strong communications skills, being able to speak comfortably in both a technical and sales environment
* Will be able and comfortable leading product trials in customers
* Will be computer literate, able to use Microsoft Office packages to manage data and present relevant information to both our Client and their Customer and Colleagues.
The role
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a world leader in surface finishing products, being the technical lead in an established territory of Industrial customers, supporting the sales team in predominantly Automotive Aftermarket applications. In this role, you will be visiting customers, and working with the sales team and channel partners to:
* High-Quality Technical Support, Training and Product Expertise to Collision Repair Customers
* Actively Contribute to Sales Growth
* Support the Sales Strategy for the Sector
* Help to Secure and Expand Sales Across Regional and National Accounts
Our Client
Our Client is a world leader in surface finishing technology. They offer a wide range of solutions for surface finishing and precision sanding. They specialise in total solutions in which the abrasives are supplemented by innovatively designed machines and polishing compounds.
Main Duties:
Technical Support
* Deliver technical support for national accounts, distributors and end-users as required.
* Provide product training for new and existing groups, including demonstrations, best-practice guidance and process improvement.
* Conduct on-site trials, audits and KPI measurements (Process, Products & Tooling).
* Complete product testing and develop bespoke core product lists aligned to customer needs.
* Build strong working relationships with our clients Field Sales Teams and Sales Support
* Maintain strong relationships with key influencers and decision-makers within distributor networks and national end-user groups.
* Provide technical input to support tender opportunities, trials and onboarding of new bodyshop groups.
Sales
* Work closely with colleagues across Technical, Sales, and Support functions to ensure alignment and coordinated customer service.
* Contribute to business development by helping to “farm” existing accounts and support the growth of new opportunities.
* Conduct joint customer visits with Sales Managers and Regional Field Sales Teams to support product adoption and expand our clients market position.
* Up-sell and cross-sell relevant our clients products where appropriate, ensuring technical justification and value-based recommendations.
Ideal Qualifications and Experience
* A solid technical background in the surface finishing sector
* Knowledge of AOEM sectors
* Existing B2B sales experience within a technical environment
* Ability to demonstrate abrasives and finishing technologies
* Ability to speak with Business Owners, Procurement Teams, Channel Partners and Shop Floor Operatives, whilst build trust and long term relationships at same time
* Proficient experience in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Powerpoint & Teams
The role requires the employee to be physically capable of:
Driving between 30-40,000 miles p.a., Lifting heavy items in and out of company vehicles, Manning trade and exhibition stands for consecutive days, Handling and demonstrating power tools, abrasives and polishes, Walking around customer / end-user premises and sites, You will be required to spend up to approximately 4-8 days a month away from home