Sr. Technical Sales Development Specialist
Northbrook, IL, US, 60062
Job Description
The Senior Technical Sales Development Specialist (STSD) is primarily responsible for more advanced technical recommendations and special assignments and has more time than the TSD allocated to lead follow-up and qualification to help accelerate new business opportunity identification and sales growth. The Senior TSD supports all three business divisions and serves as a consultant to other global technical service employees. Emphasis will be placed on ensuring a positive and seamless experience between Stepan and our North America Tier 2/3 customers. Strong collaboration with research and development, customer care and sales will be required. The STSD will serve as a mentor to the TSDs and play a more active role in onboarding and engagement with senior-level employees.
Lead Qualification and Nurturing
• Initiate contact with inbound leads to identify business need and qualify their interest in Stepan products in order accelerate new business growth.
• Nurture and advance leads through Stepan’s lead funnel by following up at recommended timeframes with relevant information. Demonstrate responsiveness to lead inquiries through phone, email, web and chat. Identify high quality leads and transition to sales, as appropriate.
• Act as a subject matter expert on Stepan’s product portfolio and present potential solutions.
• Stay abreast of marketing promotions specific to Stepan key growth initiatives and incorporate up-sell/cross-sell recommendations in lead engagements. Assist the TSDs in positioning and advanced technical recommendations.
• Acquire industry, market, customer and competitive insights and ensure they are properly documented and available to report on through the appropriate Stepan system(s).
• Demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively with Stepan research and development, customer care and sales teams to ensure a seamless customer experience and drive for results.
• Leverage data to help prioritize time, improve processes and provide value to the customer.
Technical Support
• Demonstrate an expert understanding of Stepan product portfolio and the use of our products in end-customer applications.
• Provide the appropriate technical information and support in response to customer inquiries. Understand customer need and respond in a succinct, accurate and timely manner. Utilize technical service data systems to ensure a complete response.
• Process sample requests in support of ongoing or new business. Ensure all business rules associated with sample approval and fulfilment are followed.
• Complete customer surveys in support of ongoing or new business.
• Demonstrate an advanced proficiency in the use of Stepan’s service case management system and Stepan website live chat.
• If requested, support the development of technical training content and agree to train new hires, current employees, distributors and customers. Agree to manage incoming interns or business/school cooperative programs.
• Adhere to Stepan’s product management strategy and ensure product data is accurate in all department systems and third-party portal systems.
• Assume the technical lead on organizational initiatives in which template creation needs to be developed, a single point of contact is needed for response and sensitive information needs to be managed effectively.
• Lead special projects for the department that help reduce cost, add value or improve our ability to deliver value to our customers.
Qualifications
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A minimum of 5 years experience in a technical support function is required
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Demonstrated ability to build strong customer relationships and value creation
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Experience in the chemical industry and relevant Stepan markets we serve are preferred
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SAP, Salesforce.com Service Cloud and Microsoft 365 experience preferred
Education
- Bachelors Degree of Science required, Chemistry degree preferred
Pay Range: $75,000 - $98,000
The salary range for this position is determined by considering a variety of factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and the location of the position.
At Stepan Company our comprehensive benefits package includes:
- Discretionary Bonus
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401K with Match
- Profit Sharing
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD / LTD)
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Adoption Assistance
- Reactions – Recognition Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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Stepan Company does not accept or retain unsolicited resumes or phone calls and/or respond to them or to any third party representing job seekers.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as specialty ingredients that go into consumer, household, and institutional products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, and surface cleaners. Stepan Company currently has 22 global manufacturing locations and over 2,500 employees. We have a strong record of growth. Our growth allows us to provide meaningful career opportunities and stability to our team members. We have big goals at Stepan and know every team member will be crucial to achieving our objectives. Regardless of function, we are looking for team members who bring with them a growth mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to thrive in an evolving environment.
We celebrate diversity at Stepan and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago