Product Specialist

A. M. Castle & Co. has over 135 years of experience as a leader in the metals service center industry. We provide exceptional benefits, including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, 401K match, paid time off, paid parental leave, employee recognition, disability benefits, and tuition reimbursement.

Compensation: $70 - $80k + incentive eligible

PURPOSE:

This position is responsible for providing market and technical expertise to A. M. Castle & Co. employees in order to increase A. M. Castle's market share in specifically designated product lines, while developing the image of A. M. Castle & Co. as a leader in that product line. Coordinates activities directly with sales personnel, key suppliers and select customers when requested or deemed appropriate by assigned business unit.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (performs other duties as assigned):

• • Provides processing, market and technical expertise to inside and outside sales personnel for designated products and communicates appropriate information about products, capabilities, applications and specifications.
  • Selects best sourcing options to secure new business based on market intelligence and product knowledge based on inquiries received from sales personnel. Coaches sales teams to turn inquiries into orders, including direct contact with select customers when appropriate.
  • Identifies opportunities, disseminates information and develops implementation plans designed to secure new business in concert with appropriate sales personnel.
  • Communicates all sizeable inquiries to the appropriate management and sales personnel as received.
  • Collaborates with commercial team on contracts and blanket order opportunities.
  • Creates new Inventory Access Code and develop internal material specifications.
  • Identifies and communicates competitive information to the commercial and pricing teams in reaction to dynamic market conditions.
  • Tracks and analyzes lost orders and develop possible solutions to capitalize on future opportunities.
  • Develops/maintains working relationship with strategic suppliers.
  • Communicates product-related market changes, replacements, and/or price variations to sales and key management for assigned product and commodity.
  • Assists with developing and maintaining sourcing strategy plan for assigned products and commodities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Two years of progressive experience in supply chain, buying and/or sourcing with a full-line metals distributor
• Knowledge of raw materials (i.e., ferrous and non-ferrous material) and/or some exposure to the metals industry required
• Computer literacy required with experience in an ERP
• Good problem-solving skills with ability to develop new ideas in order to provide innovative solutions/approaches to sales opportunities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to initiate and sustain productive business relationships
• Ability to effectively work across a broad spectrum of functions within Castle business units
• Solid business acumen with demonstrated knowledge of customer relationship management
• Good organizational skills, with demonstrated project management abilities
• Ability to travel

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS:

• General office environment (keyboard, mouse, telephone use)
• Manual dexterity (grasp, hand/wrist movement)

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP

Company Overview: Founded in 1890, A. M. Castle & Co. is a global distributor of specialty metal and plastic products and supply chain services, principally serving the producer durable equipment, oil and gas, commercial aircraft, heavy equipment, industrial goods, construction equipment, retail, marine and automotive sectors of the global economy. Its customer base includes many Fortune 500 companies as well as thousands of medium and smaller-sized firms spread across a variety of industries. Within its metals business, it specializes in the distribution of alloy and stainless steels; nickel alloys; aluminum and carbon. Together, Castle operates service centers located throughout North America, Europe and Asia.