Job Description

Technical Inside Sales Representative

Hillside, IL | Full-time | On-site

About the Role:

Cognesense is seeking a highly motivated and technically proficient Inside Sales Technical Sales Engineer to join our growing sales team. This role is crucial in supporting our sales efforts by providing in-depth technical expertise, conducting product demonstrations, and assisting customers in understanding how our solutions can address their specific needs. A key focus of this role will be the ability to dissect and respond to complex Requests for Proposals (RFPs) within the oil and gas tank accessories and wastewater sectors. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background, excellent communication skills, and a passion for sales.

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical expertise and support to the sales team and prospective customers throughout the sales cycle, with a particular emphasis on RFP responses.
• Conduct compelling product demonstrations and presentations, both virtually and in-person, tailored to customer requirements, including those outlined in RFPs.
• Answer technical questions and address concerns from potential clients, explaining complex concepts in an understandable manner, especially within the context of detailed RFP specifications.
• Collaborate with the sales team to develop and propose appropriate technical solutions, meticulously aligning with RFP requirements.
• Analyze and interpret complex technical specifications and requirements presented in RFPs.
• Lead the technical content development for RFP responses, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compelling presentation of L&J Engineering solutions.
• Coordinate with engineering, product, and sales teams to gather necessary information and ensure a cohesive and compliant RFP submission.
• Ensure all technical aspects of the proposed solution meet or exceed the requirements of the RFP.
• Engage with customers to understand their business challenges and technical requirements, particularly as they relate to specific project needs and RFP opportunities.
• Act as a trusted technical advisor, building strong relationships with clients in the oil and gas and wastewater sectors.
• Identify opportunities for upselling and cross-selling by understanding customer needs and how L&J Engineering's broader portfolio can provide comprehensive solutions.
• Maintain an in-depth understanding of our product portfolio, features, benefits, and competitive landscape, specifically within oil and gas tank accessories and wastewater applications.
• Stay updated on industry trends, regulations, technologies, and best practices relevant to oil and gas and wastewater.
• Provide valuable feedback to product development and marketing teams based on customer interactions, market insights, and RFP trends.
• Document customer interactions, technical requirements, and solutions provided in the CRM system, including detailed notes on RFP engagements.
• Assist in the creation of technical proposals, presentations, and sales collateral, with a focus on materials for complex bids.
• Generate reports on sales activities and technical support metrics, including success rates on RFP submissions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical), Computer Science, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in a technical sales, sales engineering, or similar customer-facing technical role, with demonstrated experience in responding to complex RFPs.
• Proficiency in understanding and explaining industrial instrumentation, level gauging, overfill prevention, and tank management systems.
• Strong understanding of relevant industry concepts, protocols, or systems within oil and gas (e.g., API standards, custody transfer) and wastewater (e.g., process control, environmental regulations).
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve complex technical problems effectively.
• Proven ability to understand complex customer needs and translate them into robust technical solutions.
• Extensive experience with the sales cycle and supporting sales processes, particularly in competitive bidding scenarios.
• Results-oriented with a track record of meeting or exceeding sales support goals and contributing to successful RFP wins.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a proven ability to craft clear, concise, and compelling technical responses for RFPs.
• Strong presentation and demonstration abilities for highly technical audiences.
• Ability to explain complex technical information clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work independently as well as part of a cross-functional team, especially in managing RFP deadlines.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple complex tasks.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and evolving sales environment, particularly in response to market demands and new technologies

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Salesforce CRM software.
• Knowledge of hazardous area classifications and safety instrumented systems (SIS).
• Certifications in relevant industry certifications (e.g., CompTIA, ISA).

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