Job Description

The Application Specialist supports commercial activities including product marketing, technical support for product selection and use, and sales activities in achieving prepared plans to maintain, expand and grow business in identified areas.

Job Responsibilities

Responding to customer and sales team requests for technical refractory product information and general inquiries; executing tactical activities that contribute to segment plan initiatives

Supporting segment plan initiatives by tracking sales performance, competitive activity, and market potential for assigned application areas or when requested; preparing reports and participating in meetings regarding commercial and marketing decisions as requested; participating in refractory and industry training events, seminars and meetings

Supporting the selling process and sales calls with the sales and application technology team(s); assisting the customer service and global sourcing center team(s) with information requests and product selection inquiries; collaborating with the project and advanced engineering team(s) on lining layout requests and best practices

Collaborating with the research and development team to learn, develop and improve products for assigned application areas or project initiatives

Qualifications

Requires B.S. degree in Engineering, Ceramics, Metallurgy, Chemical, Materials Science or related field

Requires entry-level knowledge of refractory materials

Requires computer operation skills including, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and advanced excel and PowerPoint expertise

Requires written and verbal communication and presentation skills, including presentation planning and delivery skills; ability to communicate across all levels of the organization

Requires the ability to work effectively in a team environment

Requires analytical, strategic thinking and business problem solving skills

Requires project management skills and the ability to coordinate multi-department projects

Previous experience in sales, marketing or research in ceramic, materials, chemicals or related fields of study helpful.

Physical and Environment Requirements

Physical Activity Requires more than 2/3 of time sitting, talking or hearing; and less than 1/3 of time standing, walking, climbing/balancing, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, reaching and using hands and fingers and tasting/smelling.

Lifting Requires lifting up to 50 pounds less than 1/3 of time.

Vision Requires accurate close and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.

Environment Requires more than 2/3 of time in an office setting; and less than 1/3 of time working near moving mechanical parts, working in high, precarious places, exposed to outdoor weather, wet/humid conditions, extreme heat, fumes or airborne particles, toxic/caustic chemicals, and/or vibration.

Noise Requires exposure to moderate noise; and less 1/3 of time working in loud environments.

Travel requires approximately 35% travel (domestic destinations)