Technical Sales Specialist - Technology and Communications

Your Next Career Opportunity

As one of the largest utility distribution organizations in America, we constantly strive to bring our best to our customers, suppliers, and fellow associates. Irby Utilities is uniquely positioned to provide dynamic solutions to essential utility services impacting our local and broader communities.

Job Summary

Responsible for supporting Communications and Technology products and services and market opportunities by performing the following duties.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Responds to requests from customers and salespeople on matters pertaining to the application and operation of all Communications and Technology materials and services.
2. Assists with the planning and presentation of training programs and other professional growth opportunities for customers and salespersons in the planning, installation, and operations of Communications and Technology related products.

• Practices good interpersonal relations, using tact, courtesy, a positive attitude toward customers and co-workers, pleasant telephone etiquette, team player and a general attitude as a representative of goodwill on behalf of the company at work or during company travel.
• Acquires, uses and continuously develops personal technical knowledge of general and specialty merchandise items to assist customers and other company personnel.

• Determines make, type, and quality of merchandise desired by being familiar with products sold in the department by use, vendor, location in warehouse, catalog and catalog number, other reference materials, and special selling points.
• Identifies and uses appropriate company and/or customer pricing systems.

• Establishes or improves relationships with customers to better understand sales territory, schedule and customer needs by phone and customer visits.
• Talks with customers by phone or in person to receive orders for products.

• Calls on regular and prospective customers to solicit orders.
• Describes or demonstrates product, using samples or catalog, and emphasizes salable features.

• Solicits sale of new or additional products and/or business segments.

• Compiles lists of prospective customers for use as sales leads using various sources for sales leads.
• Provides oral and written quotations or estimates of prices, terms and delivery for standard, complex or non-standard merchandise.

• Estimates date of delivery to customer, based on knowledge of own firm's delivery schedules.

• Assists in customer credit issues as directed.

• Reviews complaints concerning billing or products sold, referring complaints to designated departments for investigation and resolution.
• Prepares correspondence and reports necessary for business transactions.
• Keeps a careful, accurate and daily record of expenses to be reimbursed and submitted timely.
• Formulates, develops and executes account development and sales by account.  Submit reports as required.
• Works with Purchasing Department to resolve any potential inventory obsolesce problems as directed.
• Sells and promotes branch and company-wide promotions.
• Reports to managers daily/weekly on progress of Communications and Technology growth initiatives.

Basic Qualifications

• 5 years of communications product and services sales or other telecom related field experience.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, blueprints, or governmental regulations. 
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. 
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from small groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

• Ability to develop and present specialized instruction concerning the specific high-tech equipment in the assigned area of responsibility.

• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to present and grow the OSP market in respective territory.
• Proficiency within the Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Teams, and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications

• Database background and experience.
• 7 years industry or distributor sales experience.
• Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year College or university; or three to five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Why work for Irby?

Irby Utilities is a crucial link in the distribution chain, connecting manufacturers to their customers in electrical power, natural gas, and broadband services. Our team delivers end-to-end solutions through logistical and operational support, sales and account management, project services, data analysis, and more. We firmly attribute our success to our people in each of these fields, and we are constantly advancing our skills and abilities.

Our Competitive Benefits?

401K Plan, Competitive Medical Plans (medical, dental, and vision), Paid Time Off, Paid Company Holidays, Floating Holiday, On Demand Pay, Flexible Spending Accounts (Health and Dependent Care), Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Discounts, Long-term and Short-term Disability, and Life Insurance.

About Irby

Irby Utilities is one of the three largest electrical utility distribution companies in the United States, with over $1.5 Billion in annual sales and 700 employees across more than 45 branches in 27 states.  We have experienced incredible growth over the past five years, presenting many outstanding career & development opportunities throughout the country in various locations such as:  Dallas/Ft. Worth, Orlando, Atlanta, Nashville, Denver, Salt Lake City, Portland and Minneapolis.

Irby was a pioneer in the early days of the electrical business, founded in 1926, and continues to be an industry leader in philanthropic involvement and community activity.   Irby is also part of the Sonepar family of operating companies, consisting of the finest locally managed electrical and industrial distributors throughout the United States.  Sonepar is the world leader in electrical distribution.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Sonepar is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other categories protected by federal, state or local law.

EEO is the Law

Applicants and employees are protected under Federal law from discrimination. To learn more, Click here.

Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision

Sonepar follows Executive Order 11246, including the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision. To learn more, Click here.