Senior Product Specialist

Based in St. Louis, Core & Main is a leader in advancing reliable infrastructure™ with local service, nationwide®. As a specialty distributor with a focus on water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection products and related services, Core & Main provides solutions to municipalities, private water companies and professional contractors across municipal, non-residential and residential end markets, nationwide. With over 370 locations across the U.S., the company provides its customers local expertise backed by a national supply chain. Core & Main’s 5,700 associates are committed to helping their communities thrive with safe and reliable infrastructure. Visit coreandmain.com to learn more.

Job Summary

Responsible for partnering with sales to provide specialist expertise and answer questions regarding products and services. Demonstrate how product/services can solve customer issues and create sales opportunities. This position requires operation of a Company Vehicle or a Personal Vehicle and such operation is done consistently more than 20% of the average work week. If selected for this position, Core & Main will run a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report. A requirement of this position is an acceptable MVR report.  

Major Tasks, Responsibilities and Key Accountabilities

• Provides technical expertise as a specialist for product solutions to existing vertical customers and Outside Sales Representatives (design build/service contractors and industrial).
• Conducts detailed product demonstrations and supports pre-sale activities.
• Targets new retrofit customers and projects utilizing product solutions benefits and contractor/turnkey partnerships.
• Specifies products to meet customer requirements and needs, recommends inventory of products, and provides quotations working through existing branch representatives.
• Partners with Purchasing and Regional Management to suggest inventory and manage price levels for all retrofit projects based on category objectives and supplier preference.
• Develops and maintains relationships with vendors and customers, focusing on key agents and serving as liaison from category management to the field. Negotiates pricing with local representatives and suppliers.
• Analyzes market conditions and relationships to develop counter merchandising program that supports category initiatives.
• Trains and assists sales staff with product familiarity, new product development, related product technology, and sales skills.

Nature and Scope

• Identifies key barriers/core problems and applies problem solving skills in order to deal creatively with complex situations. Troubleshoots and resolves complex problems. Makes decisions under conditions of uncertainty, sometimes with incomplete information, that produce effective end results.
• Independently performs assignments with instruction limited to results expected. Determines and develops approach to solutions. Receives technical guidance only on unusual or complex problems or issues.
• May oversee the completion of projects and assignments, including planning, assigning, monitoring and reviewing progress and accuracy of work, evaluating results, etc. Contributes to employee's professional development but does not have hiring or firing authority.

Work Environment

• Requires intermittent periods during which continuous physical exertion is required, such as walking, standing, stooping, climbing, lifting and maneuvering material or equipment, some of which may be heavy or awkward.
• Typically in a comfortable environment but with regular exposure to factors such as temperature extremes, moving machinery, loud noise, and fumes, which may cause noticeable discomfort.
• Typically requires overnight travel more than 50% of the time.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age or older
• Must pass pre-employment assessment(s) if applicable

Education and Experience

• Typically requires BS/BA in related discipline. Generally 5-8 years of experience in related field; certification is required in some areas OR MS/MA and generally 3-5 years of experience in related field. Certification is required in some areas.   

Preferred Qualifications

• 2-5 years of experience in contract negotiations.

Core & Main is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment at Core & Main is based solely on a person’s merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence.  Core & Main does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship, or any other basis protected by law.

None of the questions in this application are intended to elicit information regarding any protected characteristics, nor imply any limitation, illegal preferences or discrimination based upon non-job-related information or protected characteristics.

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