The Lighting Technical lead plays a crucial role at supporting our purpose to create lasting value for those we serve by being the liaison between our key supplier partners and the lighting team. The Lighting Technical Lead serves as a key interface and essential resource for our lighting customers. In addition to providing estimates, blueprint takeoffs, and design layouts with our lighting products, this individual will also work on key inventory strategies, rep agent alignment, and process implementation on behalf of the lighting team. The successful candidate will work closely with the sales team to ensure high customer satisfaction through the identification and quotation of best offering of our lighting products. The Lighting Technical Lead is seen as a champion for the company culture, our 5 P’s and our purpose to create lasting value for those we serve.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions:

• Foster a culture of excellence, ownership, appreciation, leadership, engagement, and enjoyment on the team
• Using extensive experience (design knowledge, systems, processes, business, and products) provide guidance, direction, and leadership on day-to-day business issues within the team
• Service the commercial and industrial establishment customer as well as contractors by providing projects or information on products or services
• Lead team members in efforts to take on more responsibility, drive improvement and help grow business
• Assist team members with resolving complicated issues, while fostering team member growth with an eye towards overall company and customer impact
• Lead documenting of issues and possible improvement opportunities
• Identify opportunities for team improvements
• Lead technical resolution of system issues
• Lead training of existing and new team members
• Manage both inbound and outbound sales communication both internally and externally
• Assist customers with lighting product selection and application
• Offer training for lighting software
• Emphasize salable features, quote prices and credit terms, prepare sales orders for orders obtained
• Provide customers with accurate stock and delivery information
• Provide feedback on adequate stock levels
• Build and maintain customer relationships
• Review and analyze reports of business transactions
• Provide sales data for new and existing customers for database entry
• Work closely with Outside Sales Representatives to keep account activities and literature up to date
• Responsible for oversight of sales of products to include purchasing from vendors, resolve customer problems, ensure delivery of order, etc. 

Critical Success Factors:

• Customer Focused
• Ability to proactively analyze, identify & then follow up to resolve discrepancies  
• Detailed-Oriented
• Strong troubleshooting and problem solving skills 
• Self motivated 
• Drive for continuous improvement 
• Ability to multi-task and juggle multiple priorities with strict deadlines
• Strong work ethic with a positive attitude
• Drives for continuous improvement

Job Requirements/Specifications:

• College degree preferred
• Demonstrated leadership experience
• Demonstrated performance excellence 
• Customer-facing relationship experience
• Minimum 3 years experience preferred
• Microsoft Excel skills are essential
• Knowledge of Eclipse preferred
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills via phone, email and in person are required 
• Knowledge and experience with lighting products and distribution is preferred
• Travel may be required (approximately 15%) for training and support of customer needs

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Consistent sitting, working with hands and fingers, talking, hearing, near vision, work with others, contact with customers, work indoors
• Frequent far vision, depth perception, field of vision 
• Some standing, walking, reaching, color vision, driving
• Occasional lifting, carrying, bending, twisting, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, crawling, work alone, work in temperature changes, work in noise and vibration, work in confined area and high places, mechanical and electrical hazards, explosive materials, fumes, odors, dusts, mists, and gases

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an incumbent. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of activities, duties or responsibilities. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

EOE/M/W/Vet/Disability

Several factors are considered in making compensation decisions at Van Meter; including but not limited to education, skill sets, work experience and training, and other business and organizational needs. Please note that compensation may be below the lower end of the range when the minimum requirements of the role are not met and the higher end is reserved for candidates with extensive experience and qualifications that exceed the requirements of the role.

Van Meter offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, pet insurance, company paid life and disability insurance, paid time off including holidays, 401(k) with company match and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan.