Technical Sales Engineer

Job Title: Technical Sales Engineer Based: County Durham Salary: £25,000 - £35,000 basic depending on experience + profit related bonus + company car + private health care plan Travel: USA for training purposes and UK/Europe for business development
Background: Knowledge of electrical/mechanical systems + sales ability/experience
Prospects: Excellent career prospects with a growing successful company

Established in the USA in 1964, Oberlin Filter is a world leader in the design and development of High Pressure Filtration Systems for use within the automotive, aerospace, food, medical, chemical, pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors. Oberlin Filter has an excellent reputation for product performance, project delivery and customer support and the company has just had a record breaking year with fantastic prospects for further growth and success. The Oberlin System has many Unique Selling Points and provides the clients with major commercial and technical benefits over and above alternative filtration systems to improve bottom line profits and streamline production outcomes.

The company is privately owned with approximately 110 employees and a T/O of $30million. The European Division was established in Newton Aycliffe in 1999 and the manufacture of bespoke capital equipment commenced there in 2002. Due to the success of the County Durham plant, the company now wishes to expand its operation into new market sectors and the appointment of the Sales Engineer is a critical appointment to achieve further growth and expansion as part of a an effective and committed team.

Overview of this excellent career opportunity

This is a newly created role that has tremendous scope for technical and personal development as each client's needs differ depending on the application and the Sales Engineer has to apply technical and commercial bespoke solutions to achieve the most effective outcome for the customer. In addition to this, the sectors vary significantly and the sales cycle is quite lengthy and the role is therefore varied and challenging in terms of relationship building, good account management and following through with technical development and project management to the point of sale. Oberlin Filter operate on a strong team based culture and the successful candidate will benefit from the support of a very successful well-established sales department at the parent company and an extremely competent Project Manager and supporting team at the plant in Newton Aycliffe.

We are looking for a professional, credible and unpretentious person with a huge amount of initiative, very strong technical ability and flair and loyalty and commitment to seeing things through to a successful outcome. The successful candidate will need to have a good work ethic and be able to demonstrate a "hands on" capability and a genuine desire to work with the team to develop a long-term career path with Oberlin Filter Limited.

Primary Purpose of the Role

To develop sales of Oberlin Filter Systems into new industry sectors and expand the existing customer base in proven industries.

Key Tasks and Main Duties

   » Developing contacts for business development of the Filtration System
   » Setting up meetings with potential clients for new business development purposes
   » Account Management of existing OEM clients to nurture and develop business
   » Customer liaison, for the purpose of process evaluation and technical data collection for completion of Customer Application Profile.
   » Input all engineering data for the development of customer proposal including specification of plant and equipment selection and filter sizing.
   » Interface with potential and existing customers for all technical enquiries.
   » Liaise with UK and USA for design and manufacture issues as required.
   » Assist the Project Manager in the development of the entire design process
   » Providing input from project conception, design and proposals, through to manufacture and commissioning and customer support on site.
   » Work closely with the Project Manager on continuous improvement and development of mechanical equipment, materials and software in line with customer requirements and new applications
   » Provide hands-on engineering duties to cover equipment assembly, installation and on-going technical troubleshooting with the client
   » Full accountability for compliance with all UK/European Electrical Standards, (BS 60204-1), Quality and Health & Safety procedures to ensure traceability and upkeep of documentation
   » All other duties as required by the nature of the role to achieve targets for business development and customer satisfaction

Training and Development

A general Induction into the company will be followed by full in-depth product training both in the UK and if required, the USA to ensure a full appreciation of the applications and capabilities of the equipment. Training will be given in company specific software packages and internal systems and will be tailored towards the need of the individual.

Oberlin Filter has an excellent reputation for staff retention, largely based on the level of commitment and investment in personnel and training.

Essential Qualities

   » Technical aptitude and adaptability
   » Commercial acumen
   » Team player
   » Flexible, versatile and co-operative
   » Hands-on
   » Planning and organisational skills
   » Strong communicator
   » Articulate with good written skills
   » Attention to detail
   » Reliable, responsible and committed


Essential Skills, Qualifications and Knowledge Required (required)

   » Knowledge of electrical/mechanical systems
   » A technical background with hands-on experience
   » Sales experience or suitable commercial experience gained from a role such as a commercial engineer, applications engineer, proposals engineer or similar
   » Client facing experience
   » The ability to put proposals together
   » The ability to travel for business and a suitable driving license

Desirable Skills, Qualifications and Knowledge (helpful)

   » AutoCad skills
   » PLC Programming skills
   » Sales or commercial training certificates
   » A degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
   » A qualification relevant to the requirements of the role