POSITION TITLE: Application Specialist

GROUP: Isolation and Actuation Technologies

REPORTS TO: Isolation and Actuation Technologies Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

Application Specialist is responsible for selecting and sourcing valve and actuation solutions to help customers achieve their plant operational, performance, and financial goals. Provide sales support, technical support, and product sourcing for all valve and actuation products and solutions from the Isolation & Actuation Technologies (I&AT) Business Unit. Focus industries include Power Generation, Pulp & Paper Production, and Chemical Production, including plant sites, OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer), engineering firms, and contractors. Work closely with Valve and Instrument Solutions Account Manager (AM) / Application Engineer (AE) teams and directly with customers to recommend best fit solutions that position Control Southern as "Trusted Advisor" for valves and automation solutions. Communicate competitive challenges and product needs to management to assist with the acquisition of additional synergistic product lines (valves, automation, instrumentation, etc.) to expand the business.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work closely with AM and AE teams to recommend best fit I&AT solutions for specific customer requirements to build Control Southern position as "Trusted Advisor".
• Continue to develop understanding of valves, actuation, controls, accessories, and mounting requirements along with applications knowledge to develop reliable Air Operated Valve (AOV) and Motor Operated Valve (MOV) automation solutions to meet customer needs.
• Grow relationships with I&AT principles and suppliers that provide the products and components required to deliver high quality valves and automation solutions to our customers.
• Interface directly with I&AT suppliers, as required, to resolve performance or delivery issues.
• Continue to expand product and industry applications knowledge through supplier training programs, lunch & learns, individual study, and team discussion.
• Provide quotations directly to customer and/or AE/AM teams via Salesforce CPQ and coordinate with Inside Sales Associates (ISA's) to transition won orders into our business system (IFS).
• Assist with the development of and continuously improve processes for I&AT orders from quote-to-order-to-assembly-to ship.
• Provide assistance to assembly team to clarify requirements and address engineering challenges during product assembly to ensure product delivered to customer will operate as expected.
  • Work closely with I&AT Manager and Team to develop content for Control Southern's Learning Management System (LMS) to support continuing education and leader development..
  • Work with team members to develop standard price lists, quote tools, and process for fast quote turnaround.
  • All other duties as assigned by management.

• TEAM PLAYER AND INTERNAL COMMUNICATION:

  Work closely with the AM and AE teams to expand I&AT product sales. Provide application support and solutions for a diverse range of process requirements. Extensively use e-mail, Salesforce CPQ, and other technology tools to communicate with all team members, other CSI team members, and customers/prospects. Document opportunities and outcomes at major accounts including details of those opportunities lost to the competition.

  EDUCATION & EXPERENCE:

  Bachelor's Degree with Engineering Focus and/or relevant industry experience in the process valve and controls industry. Experience and applications knowledge in the pulp & paper, power, and chemicals industries is preferred.

  TECHNICAL SKILLS/ABILITIES:

  Proficient with Microsoft Windows operating system and Microsoft Office Suite including: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

  ATTRIBUTES:

  Optimistic Explanatory Style: Possesses a positive outlook on individual situations and life situations as a whole.

  Mechanically Inclined: Natural Aptitude at visualizing and understanding the mechanical operation of machines.

  Strong Work Ethic: Commitment to complete tasks in a timely fashion with a high degree of quality.

  Sense of Urgency: Sense that immediate action is required to result in a positive outcome.

  Service Orientated Team Player: Dedicated to provide high-quality customer service to customers both external and internal to Control Southern.

  Logical Thought Process: Coherent thought process that utilizes previously known and presented facts to draw conclusions via clear and valid reasoning.

  Professional Conflict Management Style: Identifies and handles conflicts in a sensible, fair, and efficient manner without involving personal issues or attributes.

  ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE SKILLS:

  Analytical Problem Solving: Solve problems using a systematic approach through analysis of the problem and evaluation of a multitude of solutions. Select the best solution for the specific customer based on their purchasing practices.