Global Retrofit and Aftermarket Manager

As the Global Retrofit and Aftermarket Manager at Zeeco, your responsibilities will encompass managing a team of application engineers dedicated to aftermarket services, interpreting customer inquiries and specifications, and designing suitable equipment for various applications. You will also be involved in proposal management, including site visits for technical reviews, cooking up cost estimates, setting product pricing, and nurturing customer relations post-proposal issuance.

To qualify for the Global Retrofit and Aftermarket Manager role at Zeeco, candidates should possess a B.S. in chemical or mechanical engineering coupled with strong commercial and technical abilities to close deals. Strong organizational skills to manage multiple customer priorities, autonomy in the technical marketplace, and the motivation to cultivate relationships are also essential.

In the Global Retrofit and Aftermarket Manager role at Zeeco, you should expect to travel abroad approximately 35-40% of the time. This travel is essential for customer site visits that involve support, technical reviews, and proposal discussions, allowing you to forge strong relationships and understand customer needs effectively.

Success as the Global Retrofit and Aftermarket Manager at Zeeco requires a blend of good technical acumen and excellent commercial skills. Additionally, strong organizational skills will help you manage customer priorities seamlessly. The ability to foster relationships, carry out risk assessments, and work collaboratively with various teams is crucial to drive the success of your proposals.

The work culture at Zeeco for the Global Retrofit and Aftermarket Manager role is both people-centric and dynamic. We encourage mutual respect, professional integrity, and personal encouragement, along with providing opportunities for professional growth and innovation. You will be part of a collaborative team that values everyone's contributions and fosters a supportive environment.

To manage multiple customer inquiries effectively, I would prioritize tasks based on urgency and impact, establish clear communication channels to keep stakeholders informed, and utilize project management tools to track progress. I believe in delegating tasks to my team where appropriate to ensure that every client receives the attention they deserve.

My approach to proposal management for complex projects involves thorough analysis of customer specifications and requirements, collaborating with cross-functional teams to gather insights, and ensuring that our proposals highlight the unique value we offer. I also focus on maintaining clear communication with all stakeholders throughout the process to facilitate alignment and expedite decision-making.

In a previous role, I managed a challenging customer relationship by setting up regular check-ins to address concerns proactively and understand their evolving needs. By demonstrating empathy and providing tailored solutions, we were able to strengthen the relationship and ultimately turn a dissatisfied customer into a valued partner.

I have extensive experience in conducting technical risk assessments by closely reviewing customer inquiries and specifications, collaborating with engineering teams to evaluate potential risks, and assessing the implications of those risks on project timelines and outcomes. This process ensures we provide well-informed proposals that appropriately address customer expectations.

In my previous roles, I developed pricing strategies by analyzing market trends and competitor pricing while ensuring our proposals remained competitive yet profitable. I collaborated closely with financial teams to establish markup and commission schedules, allowing for transparency and alignment with overall business objectives.

I stay current with industry trends and technologies by following relevant publications, attending trade shows, and participating in professional networks. Continuous learning is vital in this role, and I often enroll in workshops and training sessions to enhance my technical and industry knowledge.

Teamwork plays an essential role in achieving success as a Global Retrofit and Aftermarket Manager. Effective collaboration among teams ensures that proposals are comprehensive and expertly tailored to customer needs. Sharing insights and blending expertise fosters innovation and enhances the overall performance of our solutions.

If a proposal is not progressing as expected, I would conduct a thorough review of the client’s feedback and the proposal details to identify gaps. Additionally, I would engage with the customer to gather more insights and clarify any misunderstandings. Utilizing this information, I would work with my team to adjust our proposal accordingly and re-approach the client with tailored solutions.

I measure my team's performance through a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics. This includes tracking proposal success rates, customer satisfaction scores, and individual contributions to team objectives. Regular performance reviews and feedback sessions also help identify areas for improvement and highlight strengths.

I prioritize tasks as the Global Retrofit and Aftermarket Manager by assessing the urgency and importance of each item on my to-do list. I often ask myself how each task aligns with our overall objectives and deadlines. Using project management tools also helps me maintain clarity and focus on high-impact activities that drive results.