Technical Sales Associate

Description

ABOUT HAMPEL CORP.

For 50 years, L.T. Hampel Corp has built a reputation as one of North America's foremost specialists in heavy gauge, large format, deep draw thermoforming. Our precision-engineered solutions serve Original Equipment Manufacturers across demanding industries where dimensional accuracy, structural integrity, and material performance are non-negotiable. We don't just manufacture parts — we solve complex forming challenges that others can't.

As we enter our next half-century, we're seeking a Technical Sales Associate who shares our commitment to craftsmanship, customer partnership, and delivering solutions that work in the real world.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Technical Sales Associate is a pivotal role at the intersection of customer engagement, engineering collaboration, and business performance. You will serve as the primary advocate for OE customers — translating their functional requirements into manufacturable thermoformed solutions — while stewarding those programs through every stage of the product creation process.

This is not a passive order-taking role. You will actively shape outcomes: influencing design decisions, driving timelines, protecting margins, and ensuring every customer interaction reflects the quality and reliability that defines Hampel. This position carries real ownership and real impact from day one.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Customer Engagement & OE Program Management

• Develop and sustain trusted relationships with OE customers by understanding their technical requirements, production timelines, and business objectives
• Serve as the customer's primary point of contact from initial inquiry through product launch and ongoing production support
• Translate customer design intent and performance specifications into actionable requirements for Hampel's engineering and production teams
• Conduct site visits, design reviews, and technical consultations that reinforce Hampel's value as a solutions partner

Product Creation & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Shepherd new part programs through Hampel's structured product creation process — coordinating closely with tooling, engineering, quality, and operations to meet commitments
• Maintain clear and timely communication between customers and internal stakeholders throughout design validation, tooling development, and first-article approval
• Identify and proactively resolve technical, scheduling, or commercial issues before they impact program milestones
• Support quoting activities by compiling customer requirements, understanding cost drivers in deep draw thermoforming, and assisting in the development of competitive, profitable proposals

Customer Service & Order Management

• Manage the day-to-day service experience of an assigned customer portfolio, ensuring order accuracy, on-time delivery, and responsive issue resolution
• Monitor and coordinate order flow activity across active programs, working with production scheduling and logistics to meet customer demand
• Address customer inquiries, escalations, and change requests with urgency and professionalism, always seeking resolution that preserves both customer satisfaction and Hampel's operational efficiency

Product Life-Cycle & Commercial Management

• Track and manage products across their full life cycle — from new program launch through active production to end-of-life or successor program transitions
• Monitor pricing and margin performance for assigned accounts, ensuring adherence to approved structures and escalating variances for review
• Support annual pricing reviews, commercial negotiations, and contract renewals with data-driven analysis and a clear understanding of Hampel's cost position
• Identify organic growth opportunities within existing customer relationships, including new applications, line extensions, or program expansions

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Curious and passionate about what makes things work.
• 1-2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment required.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field — or equivalent experience in a technical or industrial environment required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage credibly with both engineering and procurement contacts.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple programs and priorities simultaneously.
• Analytical mindset with comfort working with pricing data, cost structures, and basic margin analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office required; experience with ERP or CRM systems is a plus.
• Familiarity with plastics, thermoforming, or custom manufacturing environments preferred.
• Experience in a customer-facing technical, inside sales, or program coordination role preferred.
• Exposure to OE or Tier supplier relationships in industries such as transportation, agriculture, construction equipment, or industrial manufacturing preferred.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A defined career path within a growing, privately held company with 50 years of stability and reputation.
• Hands-on training in thermoforming technology, manufacturing processes, and technical sales methodology.
• A collaborative team environment where your contributions are visible and valued.
• Competitive compensation package with performance-based incentive opportunity.
• The opportunity to work on complex, custom programs that go well beyond commodity manufacturing.