Summit Electric is seeking an experienced Solutions Specialist in New Business Development to drive growth through new account acquisition, solution selling, and expanding relationships across diverse markets. This remote role requires a solid track record in B2B sales within the electrical supply space, a high school diploma or equivalent, and the ability to travel to client sites while coordinating with multiple internal teams to tailor Summit’s offerings to customer needs.
Role Summary
The position centers on gaining a thorough understanding of Summit’s service capabilities, calling on accounts to promote Summit products and services, and regularly visiting customer locations. The specialist responds promptly to quotes and information requests, partners with customer service to monitor orders and resolve challenges, and works to strengthen loyalty by delivering efficient, effective solutions. Collaboration with marketing, sales, and operations teams helps shape market analyses, promotions, and the overall value proposition for Summit’s portfolio. The role also involves identifying opportunities to broaden service offerings, deepen existing relationships, expand market share, and enter new verticals, while deploying sales tools and events to showcase Summit’s capabilities.
Responsibilities
- Develop a deep understanding of Summit’s service offerings and how they benefit customers.
- Call on customer accounts to promote and sell Summit products and services.
- Travel regularly to customer sites and other relevant locations.
- Provide timely, accurate quotes and promptly respond to customer requirements and information requests.
- Collaborate with customer service to proactively follow up on orders, challenges, and needs.
- Resolve customer concerns to foster loyalty and maintain high service standards.
- Coordinate with marketing, advertising, and sales teams on presentations, promotions, and market analyses.
- Assess evolving customer needs and adjust sales strategies to stay ahead of the competition.
- Identify and pursue opportunities to promote Summit’s solutions portfolio to maximize revenue.
- Leverage the existing solutions portfolio to deepen relationships, expand market share, and penetrate new verticals.
- Evaluate opportunities to deploy new service offerings and sales tools.
- Plan and coordinate customer events and facility tours to demonstrate Summit’s capabilities and values.
- Manage relationships with internal and external customers and industry associations to capture best practices for improving offerings.
- Negotiate profitable pricing with customers and suppliers.
- Exercise discretionary authority to set customer pricing and manage materials for orders while upholding service standards.
- Assist in collecting funds from accounts payable when necessary.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to empower the sales team to communicate the value of Summit’s solutions.
- Oversee the successful deployment and ROI of existing sales solutions such as AMPS, Snapstock, SOS, Clearspyder, Wire and Cable Management, the AMPS portal, and C4C configuration and training.
Requirements
- 5+ years of sales and negotiation experience with an electrical supply distributor, manufacturer, or rep agency.
- 5+ years in the commercial or industrial B2B market with significant exposure to Summit’s customers, suppliers, and markets.
- Proficiency with ERP systems (preferably SAP) and BI tools.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to engage diverse audiences and resolve complex issues.
- Knowledge of standard customer and supplier service offerings, pricing, rebates, incentives, and terms and conditions.
- Ability to build and leverage a robust personal network across the industry to drive results.
- Willingness to travel approximately 50% of the time to field locations, industry events, and vendor or customer offices.
- Solid knowledge of the local market and opportunities.
- Experience in analysis and strategic planning.
- Strong customer service orientation.
- Excellent time management and multi-priority organization skills.
- Ability to resolve complex business issues with firmness and diplomacy to achieve win-win outcomes.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Clean driving record and current insurance.
- Minimum education: high school diploma or equivalent.
Technologies
- SAP
- BI tools
- AMPS
- Snapstock
- SOS
- Clearspyder
- Wire and Cable Management
- AMPS customer portal
- C4C
Physical Challenges
- Ability to travel to customer sites and other locations.
- Ability to perform the same physical tasks as customer service representatives and counter sales associates.
- Consistent use of keyboard and mouse.
FLSA Status
Exempt
What We Offer You
- Healthcare plans
- Dental and vision coverage
- Paid time off
- Paid parental leave
- 401(k) retirement savings with company match
- Professional and personal development programs
- Opportunity to become a shareholder
- Employer-paid short- and long-term disability
- Employer-paid life insurance for spouse and dependents
- Robust wellness program
- Gym reimbursement
- Employee Referral Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Earned wage access
Equal Employment Opportunity
Sonepar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or any other category.
