Account Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Account Specialist

🔹 Company: Applied Industrial Technologies

🔹 Location: Manchester, NH, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Wholesale

🔹 Date Posted: June 12, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Intermediate (2-5 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Planning, implementing, and executing target industry marketing programs
• Engaging with customers (engineers, maintenance, purchasing) using a consultative selling approach
• Processing requisitions, data order entry, and resolving part number changes
• Expediting orders and providing product sourcing assistance
• Working with service centers and customers to resolve receiving issues and track warranty issues

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic marketing, customer interaction, and operational tasks. Success depends on strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

📋 Key Responsibilities

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

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

✅ Evaluate and resolve changes in part numbers through MSSR function, manufacturers, or changes to fit, form, and function

✅ Continually identify duplicate stock codes or products

✅ Maintain lead times for those items on the look-ahead

✅ Work with service centers to collect information on weekly backlog and past due reports

✅ 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

✅ 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. Strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills are crucial for success.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in business, sales, or marketing-related fields

Experience: 3 to 5 years of industry-related work experience

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in developing new business, building repeat business, and managing a sales territory
• Relationship-building skills at all levels with customers and prospect organizations
• Hands-on product demonstrations for customers and prospects; mechanical aptitude
• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a related field of Applied product – bearings, power transmission components, fluid power, general industrial supplies, etc.

Self-Described Traits:

• Self-starter, self-motivated, and willing to take on tasks of all types to get the job done

ASSUMPTION: Given the diverse nature of the role, candidates should possess a broad skill set, including strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 - $75,000 per year (based on industry standards for a role of this level and location)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee discounts on products
• Tuition reimbursement

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday, with some flexibility for customer needs

ASSUMPTION: Salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a role of this level and location. Benefits are based on typical industry offerings for a company of this size.

📌 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.

Company Size: Applied Industrial Technologies has 5,001-10,000 employees, providing ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: 1923, with a rich history and established reputation in the industry.

Company Description:

• Leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider
• Serves MRO and OEM end users in virtually all industrial markets
• Offers multi-channel capabilities, providing choice, convenience, and expertise

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 industry. Its size and history provide stability and opportunities for career growth.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)

Reporting Structure: This role may report to the Sales Manager or a similar position, depending on the specific business unit.

Work Arrangement: On-site, with some flexibility for customer visits and travel as needed.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to senior sales roles or management positions
• Expansion into other business units or product lines
• Professional development through training and mentorship programs

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth within the sales and marketing functions, as well as the potential to expand into other areas of the business.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office environment with a focus on collaboration and teamwork.

Office Location(s): Manchester, NH, United States

Geographic Context:

• Manchester is located in New Hampshire, offering a mix of urban and rural environments
• The area provides easy access to major cities like Boston and Concord
• Manchester is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as outdoor recreational opportunities

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with some flexibility for customer needs

ASSUMPTION: The Manchester office provides a collaborative work environment, with easy access to cultural and recreational opportunities in the surrounding area.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen to assess communication skills and cultural fit
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager to discuss the role and company in more detail
• Final interview with key stakeholders to evaluate fit and answer any remaining questions

Key Assessment Areas:

• Problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Customer focus and relationship-building abilities
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Industry knowledge and understanding of Applied's product offerings

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and company, and explains why you are a strong fit
• Be ready to discuss specific examples of your problem-solving skills, customer focus, and ability to manage multiple priorities

ATS Keywords: Account Specialist, Sales, Marketing, Customer Relationship, Consultative Selling, Data Order Entry, Product Sourcing, Problem Solving, Requisition Processing, Customer Service

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's fit with the company culture, as well as their ability to manage multiple priorities and build strong customer relationships.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics 365)
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
• Product data management (PDM) software (e.g., PTC Windchill, Siemens Teamcenter)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the business unit and the candidate's role within the organization.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer focus
• Integrity
• Teamwork
• Innovation
• Accountability

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Results-driven and focused on continuous improvement
• Adaptable and able to manage multiple priorities

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you demonstrate customer focus in your daily work?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage multiple priorities and how you handled it?
• How do you approach building and maintaining strong customer relationships?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with Applied Industrial Technologies' values and work style will be most successful in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a diverse workload with a mix of strategic, operational, and customer-facing tasks
• Adapting to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
• Balancing the need for strong customer focus with the requirement to maintain internal processes and procedures
• Working with a wide range of customers, each with their own unique needs and expectations

ASSUMPTION: Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike some sales roles, this position requires a mix of strategic marketing, operational tasks, and customer interaction
• In the wholesale industry, this role may have more exposure to internal processes and systems than roles in other industries
• Career progression in this role could lead to sales management or other leadership positions within the company

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of responsibilities and growth opportunities within the wholesale industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a targeted marketing campaign for a specific industry or customer segment
• Conducting a comprehensive review of a customer's inventory and making recommendations for cost savings and efficiency improvements
• Resolving a complex receiving issue by working with multiple internal teams and the customer to identify the root cause and implement a solution

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse nature of the role and the opportunity to make a significant impact on the business.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the overall sales and marketing strategy for the company?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the business unit, and how can this role help address them?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What is the typical career path for someone in this role, and what opportunities exist for advancement?
• How does the company measure success for this role, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) will I be expected to track?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the company and the position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and company, and explains why you are a strong fit
• Be ready to discuss specific examples of your problem-solving skills, customer focus, and ability to manage multiple priorities during the interview process
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of 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.