Outside Sales Rep - Industrial & Commercial Paint at Cogent Analytics – Grand Rapids, Michigan

Business Development & Sales Growth
• Prospect, research, and identify new customer opportunities; plan and execute strategies to convert
leads into business.
• Conduct market research to understand industry trends, competitor activity, and client needs within the
territory.
• Maximize penetration of existing accounts by introducing additional services, solutions, and upgrade
opportunities.
• Advance accounts to higher-value categories through consultative selling and value-based solutions.
• Attend trade shows, conferences, and training events to generate leads and expand professional
networks.
• Develop and execute a business plan and professional portfolio to track and measure progress toward
territory goals.

Customer Relationship Management
• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with multiple contacts at each account to preserve and
expand business.
• Act as a technical consultant, educating customers on specifications, applications, and process
improvements.
• Conduct on-site visits to measure, document, and assess project requirements for accurate quoting.
• Provide timely responses to customer inquiries, support requests, and service needs.
• Negotiate sales, pricing, and terms to reflect customer value while ensuring profitability.
• Follow up regularly with clients to ensure satisfaction and repeat business.

Operational & Technical Support
• Collaborate with internal teams to deliver complete and accurate quotes, orders, and project execution.
• Provide technical insight on industrial and commercial applications and solutions.
• Submit accurate documentation, specifications, and field information for customer solutions.
• Develop pricing strategies based on scope, quantity, purchasing patterns, and customer history.

• Support operations with accurate field measurements and project documentation.
• Assist in training and supporting team members with product knowledge and sales processes.

Reporting & Administrative Duties
• Prepare regular sales reports, including pipeline forecasts and goal tracking.
• Maintain and update CRM systems to track customer activity, opportunities, and performance metrics.
• Submit expense reports, travel plans, and updates in a timely manner.
• Manage territory-related expenses responsibly, including travel and client-related costs.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams to align customer needs with company resources and
processes.

Team Collaboration & Leadership
• Serve as a collaborative and supportive team member, offering and accepting help as needed.
• Partner with vendors and teammates to strengthen client presentations and territory support.
• Share best practices, creative solutions, and market intelligence to drive team success.
• Demonstrate leadership by achieving sales goals and mentoring others in consultative selling
techniques.

Qualifications
• Proven experience in industrial or commercial sales, account management, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of industrial and commercial processes with the ability to develop technical
expertise.
• Demonstrated success in business development, customer relationship management, and territory
growth.
• Proficiency in CRM systems, forecasting, and expense management.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Good competency with Excel

Core Competencies
• Business Acumen: Understanding of sales strategies, pricing models, and profitability drivers.
• Technical Expertise: Ability to quickly learn, apply, and explain industrial and commercial solutions.
• Consultative Selling: Skilled at identifying customer needs and positioning value-based solutions.
• Relationship Building: Establishes trust and long-term partnerships with stakeholders.
• Communication Skills: Clear, professional written and verbal communication.
• Time & Territory Management: Effectively prioritizes tasks and manages a defined territory.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong problem-solving and solution development skills.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Works across teams to achieve shared goals.
• Adaptability & Resilience: Thrives in changing environments and customer-driven schedules.
• Leadership: Demonstrates accountability and supports team success.

Special Position Requirements
• Based within assigned territory with regular travel to customer sites and industry events.
• Ability to travel as required to support customers, partners, and team initiatives.
• Flexibility to manage shifting priorities and customer-driven schedules.

Work Environment
• Combination of field-based customer visits, travel, and administrative work.
• Collaborative team environment with support from leadership and operations.
• Growth-focused, entrepreneurial culture centered on customer success and market leadership.