Product Support Specialist, Hydraulics

The Product Support Specialist for Hydraulics is responsible for creating and executing a strategic growth plan for our Hydraulic Aftermarket Parts business in alignment with our Services Growth Agendas. By identifying opportunities within Western States' sales territory, this individual will assign a prescriptive approach to coverage while focusing on top opportunity clients. This position will also be responsible for delivering specialized training to sales representatives, educating them on the features and benefits of Hose and Couplers, Pumps and Motors, Cylinders and any other specialized hydraulic components and systems. Excellent communication and reporting capabilities will be critical as responsibilities include updates to the executive leadership team, interfacing with clients, and serving as the primary point of contact to Caterpillar for our Hydraulic growth strategy.

SUCCESS AT WESTERN STATES: Western State's culture is based on passion for our Vision, Mission, and VALUES. We are fiercely committed to SAFETY and sending every employee, safely home, every day. We strive for EXCELLENCE in all we do and are proud to be a "play to win" organization. We act with INTEGRITY in each and every decision we make. Our People and TEAMWORK drive a fun and engaging culture. We are ACCOUNTABLE as individuals and as an organization.

JOB SUMMARY: The Product Support Specialist for Hydraulics is responsible for creating and executing a strategic growth plan for our Hydraulic Aftermarket Parts business in alignment with our Services Growth Agendas. By identifying opportunities within Western States' sales territory, this individual will assign a prescriptive approach to coverage while focusing on top opportunity clients. This position will also be responsible for delivering specialized training to sales representatives, educating them on the features and benefits of Hose and Couplers, Pumps and Motors, Cylinders and any other specialized hydraulic components and systems. Excellent communication and reporting capabilities will be critical as responsibilities include updates to the executive leadership team, interfacing with clients, and serving as the primary point of contact to Caterpillar for our Hydraulic growth strategy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Safety

• Actively cares, promotes, manages, and advocates safety at Western States. As a leader and team member in the organization, it is critical to ensure all employees, vendors, and clients have a safe work environment while adhering to all applicable safety policies, procedures and standards.
• Maintains clean/clutter free company vehicle and work areas to ensure safe environment for all WSECO employees.
• Adhering to required personal protective equipment (PPE) as identified in safety policy.

Sales Analysis and Training

• Researches and analyzes hydraulic opportunities for both Caterpillar and Non-Caterpillar machines in order to present solutions that best meet client needs.
• Identifies and targets new industries outside of CAT network.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops and establishing personal networks.
• Successfully leads webinar and instructor lead hydraulic focused trainings to build and maintain strong, long-lasting client relationships, internal and external.
• Understands hydraulic competitors and provides analysis in order to recommend competitive sales strategies.
• Develops skill sets to address all inquiries in a prompt and friendly manner in an effort to meet or exceed internal/external client expectations.
• Serves as Western States resource and Caterpillar liaison for all Hydraulic sales and service to include developing non-traditional OEM relationships

Strategic Planning and Sales Execution

• Works with business leaders to establish annual budgets in order to control expenses to meet established goals.
• Uses the strategic account growth planning process to develop and execute a business plan to align our business with our customers.
• Creates and presents business reports and metrics on Hydraulic sales, strategies, goals, and projections.
• Utilizes company provided software programs to manage all aspects of workload internally and externally, including communicating with customers, managing leads and accounts, scheduling daily appointments, and managing territory.
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with both internal employees and clients.
• Conducts field follow and field tests on Hydraulic components.
• Works within and promotes Western States' vision, mission, and values.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to develop a strategy to meet POPS (percentage of opportunity parts sold) growth expectations.
• Ability to develop and maintain product expertise of Caterpillar parts and products.
• Ability to analyze data and report findings.
• Proven skills in written and verbal communications, planning, organizing, negotiation, listening, leadership and interpersonal relationship building.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to travel overnight, territory wide. Minimum of 50%
• Consistent attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Proof of high school diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• Minimum of five years practical experience in related field required, Caterpillar experience preferred.
• Minimum three years' in account management experience required, OEM experience preferred.
• Must be able to communicate (speak, read, comprehend, write in English).
• Proof of driver's license and acceptable driving record required.

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Ability to stand for long periods of time along with walking, sitting, repetitive climbing stairs, reaching (including but not limited to above-shoulder reaching), repetitive bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, leaning and twisting.
• Ability to lift up to 60 lbs. in accordance with Western States' Lifting Policy to include amount and approach.
• Must be able to meet all safety requirements for applicable safety policies.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. It is not intended be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this classification.

This role is designated as safety-sensitive.