Surfacing Product Specialist - Chicago

Company Overview

Richelieu is a leading North American distributor, importer, and manufacturer of specialty hardware and complementary products. Our products are targeted to an extensive customer base of kitchen and bathroom cabinet, storage and closet, home furnishing and office furniture manufacturers, door and window, residential and commercial woodworkers, and hardware retailers including renovation superstores. Richelieu offers customers a broad mix of high-end products sourced from manufacturers worldwide. With over 130,000 product offerings, 106 distribution centers, 2 manufacturing plants, and a state-of-the-art field force that passionately serves over 100,000 customers, Richelieu continues to stand in the forefront of a dynamic and ever-changing industry.

Since 1968, Richelieu understands the significance and impact of a strong set of Core Values.  Richelieu stands behind these Five Core Values that serve as the guiding principles of everything we do: Customer Focus, Innovation, Performance, Respect/Integrity/Ethics, and Ownership.

These values are what allow us to achieve our Mission: to enable our customers to profitably grow their businesses through the design and creation of exceptional kitchens, closets, and storage spaces.

Our Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Surfacing Product Specialist (outside sales) to take responsibility for growing our Chicago business region.

Being a member of the Richelieu team means that you are part of something bigger than just yourself. As a growing and winning international organization that places emphasis on its people and culture, its career development opportunities, and the realization that healthy living is in part achieved by the proper balance of work and home, we are excited to be a company that our employees are passionate about! More can be found out about us at Richelieu.com as well as Richelieu YouTube.

Key Responsibilities

The Surfacing Product Specialist is responsible for the overall relationship and management of day-to-day sales activities towards architectural millwork companies and fabricators in his/her territory. You will successfully manage the sales of a variety of Richelieu product solutions, with an emphasis on surfacing solutions - solid surface, laminates, and premium panels.   You will drive sales through structured consultative discussions, ultimately serving as a business advisor towards your customers. By positioning yourself as an indispensable resource, you will enable your customers to solve problems and increase business results. In turn, you will be building a thriving business of your own. 

• Work in tandem with Richelieu's Outside Sales Representatives and Architectural Specification Representatives to schedule and hold face-to-face consultations with existing as well as potential new customers, learning about their business and how Richelieu surfacing product solutions can enhance their results
• Maintain accountability for the growth of your provided territory, both through new client acquisition as well as the development of existing relationships
• Identify and analyze past buying patterns of current accounts, and brainstorm ways to become their stronger, more inclusive supplier
• Provide a state of the art customer service experience, positioning yourself as their desired one-stop-shop
• Educate yourself on, and continuously stay up to date with, Richelieu’s surfacing product offerings as well as ever-changing market conditions and competitive analysis
• Hold responsibility for system information and reporting in CRM application 

What We Are Looking For

• Seeking prior outside sales experience, optimally 2 or more years
• Ideally, has some knowledge or experience of building products, interior surfaces, fabrication, solid surfacing, wood and specialty panels, or laminates (helpful to have this background, but not required) 
• Passionate, proactive, coachable, strong work ethic
• Ability to schedule and manage your own time, delivering on the activities that produce results
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Developed analytical, planning, organizing, and monitoring abilities
• Experience in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software
• University degree preferred, but not required
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; must be able to effectively use Excel, Word, Outlook for daily responsibilities and tasks

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive market-based salary plus monthly, quarterly, and annual commissions
• Monthly car allowance and covered fuel
• Business expense reimbursement
• Group insurance program (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, etc.)
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with employer matching
• 401(K) with employer matching
• Company cell phone
• Paid vacation, sick days, and nine paid holidays per year