Account Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Account Specialist

🔹 Company: Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc.

🔹 Location: Long Beach, California

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Industrial Distribution

🔹 Date Posted: April 23, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Planning, implementing, and executing target industry marketing programs
• Consultative selling approach to learn about customers' applications and needs
• Collaborating with engineers, maintenance, purchasing, and other departments
• Working with service centers to collect information, expedite orders, and resolve issues

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic planning, customer interaction, and operational support. Successful candidates will have strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with various teams.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Perform a day-to-day review and processing of requisitions as assigned

✅ Perform data order entry into AIT’s and customers’ systems to obtain quotes, issue purchase orders, and maintain blanket purchase orders

✅ Evaluate and resolve changes in part numbers, and work with customers to obtain approval of changes

✅ Identify duplicate stock codes or products and maintain lead times for those items on the look-ahead

✅ Work with service centers to collect information on weekly backlog and past due reports, and work with service centers and customers to expedite orders

✅ Provide product sourcing assistance and continually pursue products within the scope of supply

✅ Address specific problems as they relate to notifications and work directly with warehouse personnel and service centers to resolve receiving issues

✅ Resolve, monitor, and track all product warranty issues with the service center

✅ Track cost savings achieved by Applied and document value-add to customers

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of administrative tasks, customer interaction, and problem-solving. Attention to detail and strong organizational skills are essential for success.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; associate's degree or bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field preferred

Experience: 2-5 years of relevant experience in account management, customer service, or a related field

Required Skills:

• Proven consultative selling skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively with various teams and departments
• Familiarity with industrial products and services

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
• Knowledge of the industrial distribution industry
• Bilingual or multilingual skills

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in industrial distribution or related fields will have a strong foundation for success in this role. Familiarity with ERP systems and the ability to speak multiple languages can provide a competitive advantage.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000 per year (base salary: $60,000 - $70,000) plus uncapped monthly commission and potential bonus opportunities

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401K plan
• Life insurance
• Paid time off and employee assistance programs

Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with a 1-hour lunch break)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the typical compensation for similar roles in the industrial distribution industry. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, performance, and company-specific policies.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Applied Industrial Technologies operates in the wholesale industry, focusing on industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies. The company serves MRO and OEM end users across various industrial markets.

Company Size: Applied Industrial Technologies is a mid-sized company with approximately 3,757 employees globally. This size allows for a structured work environment with opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: 1923, in Cleveland, Ohio

Company Description:

• Leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider
• Specializes in industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies
• Serves MRO and OEM end users in virtually all industrial markets through multi-channel capabilities

Company Specialties:

• Bearings
• Power transmission
• Fluid power
• Industrial distribution
• Industrial supply
• Flow control
• Automation technologies

Company Website: www.applied.com

ASSUMPTION: Applied Industrial Technologies is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the industrial distribution industry. The company's size and history provide stability and opportunities for career growth.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level career, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the company

Reporting Structure: The Account Specialist will report directly to the Account Manager or Sales Manager

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with standard business hours

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Senior Account Specialist or Account Manager roles
• Transition to other departments or functions within the company
• Professional development and training opportunities

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the company. Successful candidates will have a strong desire to learn and advance their careers in the industrial distribution industry.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office environment with a mix of individual and collaborative workspaces

Office Location(s): 1 Applied Plaza, 3600 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115, US

Geographic Context:

• Long Beach, California, is a coastal city with a population of approximately 462,257 (as of 2021)
• The city offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, attractions, and recreational opportunities
• Long Beach has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with a 1-hour lunch break)

ASSUMPTION: The Long Beach office provides a professional work environment with easy access to various amenities and recreational opportunities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screening to assess communication skills and cultural fit
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager or a panel of interviewers
• Background check and reference checks for final candidates
• Job offer and onboarding for the selected candidate

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and ability to work effectively with various teams
• Problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Understanding of industrial products and services
• Customer service orientation and consultative selling skills

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience in account management, customer service, or related fields
• Demonstrate strong communication skills and a customer-focused mindset
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your fit for the role and the company
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on problem-solving, customer service, and teamwork

ATS Keywords: Account management, customer service, consultative selling, industrial products, order processing, problem-solving, teamwork

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role will focus on assessing communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills through specific examples and anecdotes.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
• Customer relationship management (CRM) software
• Order processing and inventory management systems
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with ERP systems and order processing software will be beneficial for success in this role. Candidates should be comfortable using Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant tools for communication and collaboration.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Customer focus
• Expertise
• Innovation
• Performance

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Customer-focused and results-driven
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Continuously learning and improving

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you demonstrate integrity in your daily work?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you went above and beyond to meet a customer's needs?
• How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and new products?

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong fit with the company's values and work style. They will be customer-focused, results-driven, and committed to continuous learning and improvement.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Handling a high volume of orders and requisitions, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Working with diverse teams and departments, necessitating strong communication and collaboration skills
• Adapting to changes in part numbers, product availability, and customer needs, requiring flexibility and problem-solving skills
• Meeting sales targets and performance metrics, demanding a customer-focused and results-driven mindset

ASSUMPTION: This role presents various challenges that require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a customer-focused mindset. Successful candidates will be able to manage their workload effectively and contribute to the company's overall success.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike other account management roles, this position focuses on order processing and customer service, rather than new business development
• This role requires a strong understanding of industrial products and services, as well as familiarity with order processing and inventory management systems
• Career progression in this role may involve transitioning to account management or other sales-related positions within the company

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of account management, customer service, and operational support. Candidates should be aware of the specific requirements and focus areas of this position compared to other account management roles.

📝 Sample Projects

• Implementing a new order processing system and training team members on its use
• Developing and executing a customer retention strategy to reduce churn and increase customer satisfaction
• Collaborating with the marketing department to create targeted campaigns for specific industries or customer segments

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse responsibilities and initiatives that an Account Specialist may undertake in this role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and how it applies to these types of projects.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
• How does this role collaborate with other departments, such as marketing, sales, and operations?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I prepare to succeed in them?
• How does this company support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how are they measured?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into the day-to-day responsibilities, team dynamics, and performance expectations of the Account Specialist role. Candidates should prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the position and the company.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Customize your resume to highlight your relevant experience in account management, customer service, or related fields
• Tailor your cover letter to emphasize your fit for the role and the company
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on problem-solving, customer service, and teamwork
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.