Technical Sales Manager - job 1 of 2

As a Technical Sales Manager at SGS, you will be responsible for managing the development of existing and new customers to ensure the laboratory generates significant revenue. Key responsibilities include executing new business development strategies, achieving yearly sales targets, researching organizations for new leads, and building lasting relationships with clients. You will also create and review proposals for new services, ensuring that margins are maintained.

To succeed as a Technical Sales Manager at SGS, candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and possess a minimum of 5 years of engineering testing experience coupled with at least 3 years in sales. Previous laboratory experience is a plus, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and excellent communication skills. Additionally, the ability to learn technical terminology and manage multiple tasks simultaneously is essential.

SGS is committed to the professional growth of its employees, including Technical Sales Managers. You will have access to various resources for professional development, including training programs and industry events. By promoting continuous learning and providing opportunities to network, SGS ensures that you can enhance your sales strategies and expand your industry knowledge.

SGS offers a comprehensive benefits package for its Technical Sales Managers, providing options that cater to both health and financial well-being. This includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as company-paid life insurance and matching 401(k) plans with immediate vesting. Additionally, there's a generous employee referral program to encourage a collaborative workplace culture.

The workplace culture at SGS is one where collaboration, integrity, and innovation thrive. As a Technical Sales Manager, you'll find a supportive environment that encourages relationship-building and teamwork. SGS values diversity and inclusion, promoting equal opportunities for all employees, which fosters a sense of belonging and mutual respect.

When answering this question, consider detailing specific experiences where you've successfully sold technical services or products. Highlight how your background and understanding of laboratory processes contributed to your sales strategies. Use examples to illustrate how you identified customer needs and developed tailored solutions.

In your response, emphasize your relationship-building techniques such as regular communications, understanding client needs, and offering valuable insights. Discuss how you keep clients engaged through follow-ups and by ensuring they are satisfied with services. Providing specific examples will demonstrate your effectiveness in this area.

Discuss various methods you've found effective for prospecting, such as online research, networking at industry events, and leveraging existing connections. Highlight specific tools or technologies you use for lead generation and how you assess whether a prospect aligns with your business's objectives.

When answering, focus on your ability to listen actively to the client's concerns and empathize with their position. Describe specific techniques you use to address objections, such as providing data-driven responses or demonstrating the benefits of your services quantitatively.

This question tests your organization skills. Explain your method for prioritizing tasks, which might involve categorizing leads by potential revenue impact or urgency. Illustrating a system or tool you use could provide a concrete example of how you stay on track and meet sales goals.

Highlight how collaboration across departments—like marketing, product development, and customer service—enhances your sales efforts. Discuss past experiences where teamwork resulted in successful projects or client satisfaction, underscoring the importance of collective effort.

Your response should reflect a commitment to continuous learning. Discuss the sources you utilize, such as industry newsletters, conferences, webinars, or professional associations. Mention any specific publications or networks that contribute to your knowledge in the technical sales arena.

Use this opportunity to narrate a specific campaign by outlining the objectives, your strategies, and the results achieved. Emphasize what made the campaign successful and what lessons you learned that could apply to future endeavors, showcasing your analytical thinking.

On this topic, identify key performance indicators (KPIs) that you consider essential, such as sales growth, conversion rates, or client retention rates. Explain how you analyze these metrics to adjust your strategies, demonstrating your goal-oriented approach.

This is your chance to align your goals with the SGS mission. Discuss your admiration for SGS's reputation and commitment to quality. Mention your enthusiasm for the challenges of the role and how your background makes you a great fit, emphasizing your passion for technical sales.