Job Description

Position: Market Manager, Refractory & Ceramics

Washington Mills is an international company that specializes in the manufacture of abrasives and fused mineral products for use in refractory, industrial, ceramic and abrasive applications.  The company has manufacturing plants throughout North America and Europe and has been in business since 1868.

Job Description: This position is in charge of sales to the domestic and international refractory, investment cast and technical ceramic markets. The job covers the four general areas of responsibility outlined below. The ideal candidate will have proven sales success in both managing current customers and bringing in new customers. The candidate should have strong technical knowledge of refractory or ceramic materials and use that knowledge to solve customer questions and problems. The ideal candidate would be a ceramic or materials engineer who possesses the technical know-how but wants to apply it to a commercial sales job. He/she should thrive on direct interaction with customers and different prospect companies to solve problems or help companies better utilize our products in their processes.  

Job Requirements: Undergraduate or graduate degree in ceramic engineering or materials science, proven success in sales or account management, willingness to travel, strong business reporting and market analysis skills, excellent personality, positive and enthusiastic attitude, strong listening skills and a curious mind. MBA or business degree is a plus.

Sales Skills & Requirements

• In charge of domestic and international sales to refractory, investment cast and technical ceramic markets. Makes calls and solicits sales from designated accounts.
• Excellent account management skills. Ability to successfully manage and nurture a portfolio of key customer accounts.
• Negotiation skills. Experience with price, volume and contract negotiations.
• Attendance at trade shows and other industry meetings.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to connect with customers.
• Ability to be both a hunter of new accounts and a farmer of existing accounts. Cold calling and prospecting required for new account development.

Business Skills & Requirements

• Plan and implement the business strategy for the assigned markets.
• Continually analyze the market and evaluate products, price, competition, and to develop and recommend strategies to maximize the company’s position.
• Coordinate with V.P Sales in preparation of annual sales forecast, market objectives, and assuring competitive advantage in each market.
• Monitor competitive activity and recommends strategies required to offset any competitive disadvantage that may be indicated.
• Run and analyze sales reports on a weekly basis.
• Coordinate with the R&D department on new product possibilities and market opportunities. Work with R&D director and finance department to assemble and analyze data for product development opportunities.

Technical Skills

• Sound understanding of refractory and ceramic technical information.
• Works well with engineers to solve product problems.
• Comfortable in the manufacturing industry.
• Enjoys answering technical product questions from our customers and can work with our manufacturing plants to solve problems that may arise.
• Creative technical mind to work on product development ideas with customers.

*Please send a resume and cover letter to: awilliams@washingtonmills.com