Automation Support Specialist

At Springfield Electric, we take great pride in our associates’ passion, knowledge and experience. As a company with local roots and global reach, we thrive on the diversity of our associates and the different ways each of us contributes to our success. Whether you’re just starting your career or have built up your expertise over the years, we trust our people’s skills and give them the tools they need to reach their full potential.

Since 1929, Springfield Electric has focused on providing value to each customer throughout the electrical supply chain. The company has strategically expanded to include distribution centers throughout the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri, to better serve all customers locally and internationally. Today, Springfield Electric strives to continue the legacy of delivering exceptional customer service and value to the markets we serve.

As a part of Sonepar, a worldwide leader in electrical distribution, we have a global reach that allows us to offer excellent benefits and develop innovative solutions, while maintaining our strong local roots and close-knit culture. 

Primary Function

The Automation Support Specialist is to provide solutions and services in their area of expertise for the customer.  The Automation Support Associate must develop an excellent knowledge of SESCO’s products offering and be able to fully integrate solutions utilizing these tools.  The Automation Support Associate will be cross-trained in all product areas in the Technology Group in order to provide general support to all customers.  The Automation Support Associate also works closely with inside and outside sales staff, supporting them on technology products.

Essential Functions

Sales Support & Tracking

• Supports General and Technical outside sales associates on technical product selection and application.
• Stimulates an interest in customers for additional available technology products and services.
• Cooperates with core suppliers to secure mutual business through using their products when applicable.
• Develops an effective and productive working relationship with insides sales associates, outside sales associates, and managers.
• Provides material lists to the branch sales associates for handling the quotations process for the proposed solution.
• Follows-up on all generated quotations to assure that customers are being serviced and documents the outcome of the proposed solution.
• Provides customer with appropriate product and substation information to assure customer is equipped with the knowledge needed to make an informed purchase.

Customer Service

• Quickly finds common ground and solves problems for the good of all.
• Easily gains trust and support of others.
• Maintains an accurate follow-up system for actively tracking promises made to customers.
• Provides customer with appropriate product and substation information to assure customer is equipped with the knowledge needed to make an informed purchase.
• Resolves customer concerns.
• Encourages collaboration and is viewed as a team player.

Products & Services

• Develops and maintains the database of technology vendor contacts, including names, titles, and email addresses, to assure a constant flow of information is available to all SESCO associates.
• Attends product training classes to develop superior product knowledge to handle customer applications.
• Completes design work and/or drawings necessary to integrate the components supplied and/or recommended.
• Provides technical assistance and training to aid in a seamless integration of recommended solutions.
• Assists in start-up and debugging of the customer’s system as required.
• Provides technical support by telephone, e-mail or on-site as required.
• Provides billable services to customers in the areas of but not limited to VFD Start-up, Thermography, Vibration, Machine Safety Assessments, and others as developed or required.

Other Responsibilities

• Attends product-training classes to develop superior product knowledge to handle customer applications.
• Attends sales meetings and specified manufacturer’s schools as requested.
• Performs other duties as instructed or required to successfully complete the job.

Necessary Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Technology or closely related field; or Associate’s degree in closely related field or equivalent academic training from a technical school with two years of sales support experience; or equivalent on the job experience as determined by Springfield Electric.
• Commitment to and demonstration of high ethical standards governing professional behavior and interactions.
• Proven proficiency in the use of a personal computer accompanied by a strong aptitude for technical applications.
• Demonstrated knowledge of technical products and applications.
• Ability to maintain flexible working hours to meet department needs.
• Ability to work well alone and in a team environment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documents.
• Demonstrated time management and organizational skills, including an ability to plan and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proven attentiveness to detail coupled with problem analysis and resolution skills.
• Proven proficiency in the use of Microsoft’s suite of software.
• Ability to navigate and utilize the Internet in performing job functions.
• Ability to work well alone and in a team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, conveying a message clearly and concisely, in written, verbal and presentation methods.
• Strong customer service orientation to provide an exceptional customer experience.
• A valid driver’s license and proven safe driving record.
• Demonstrated ability to present a professional appearance and maintain a clean and uncluttered vehicle.

Physical Ability Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, kneel, bend, crouch and walk for prolonged periods of time, including as a driver or passenger in an automobile.
• Ability to utilize a computer keyboard, computer monitor, and telephone.
• Ability to bend, climb, push, and pull, including the ability to maneuver at heights and in tight or small places.
• Ability to safely negotiate walking through construction sites while carrying or otherwise transporting work-related materials.
• Ability to occasionally climb a ladder and step stool.
• Ability to lift, carry, and otherwise transport work-related materials that frequently weigh up to 50 lbs. and that may occasionally weigh in excess of 50 lbs.

Why work for Springfield Electric?

At Springfield Electric, we take great pride in being Powered by Difference. As a company with local roots and global reach, we thrive on the diversity of our associates and the different ways each of us contributes to our success. Whether you’re just starting your career or have built up your expertise over the years, we can provide opportunities to expand your industry experience and help take our business to another level.  

Our Competitive Benefits?

401K Plan, Competitive Medical Plans (medical, dental, and vision), Paid Vacation, Paid Sick, Paid Personal, Paid Holidays, Flexible Spending Accounts (Health and Dependent Care), Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Discounts, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Life Insurance and a Definitive Career Path.

About Springfield Electric

Since 1929, Springfield Electric has focused on providing value to each customer throughout the electrical supply chain. The company has strategically expanded to include distribution centers throughout the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri, to better serve all customers locally and internationally. Today, Springfield Electric strives to continue the legacy of delivering exceptional customer service and value to the markets we serve. As a part of Sonepar, a worldwide leader in electrical distribution, we have a global reach that allows us to offer excellent benefits and develop innovative solutions, while maintaining our strong local roots and close-knit culture. 

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 
Sonepar is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law. 
 
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