Sales Associate Houston/Dallas Area

Sales Associate

Type: Full-time
Wage: Negotiable & Commensurate with Experience
Start Date: Immediate
Location: Dallas/Houston

LightRiver specializes in transport solutions for mission-critical network operators.  Our comprehensive expertise helps guide clients from initial market entry strategy, infrastructure design, network installation and integration, program management, network management, maintenance and support.  LightRiver serves as a Client Advocate delivering a high performance suite of products and services, and is the largest North American integrator focused solely on the carrier-grade transport networks markets. LightRiver offers exciting career opportunities and an environment energized by a history of teamwork, innovation and continuous success.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The primary responsibility of a Sales Associate is to acquire the necessary aptitude and knowledge of the Company, the Industry, and LightRiver solutions for future transition into an Outside Sales position.  As a Sales Associate, the employee can expect to work in various departments throughout LightRiver.  This exposure is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding and perspective of the LightRiver business and processes through exposure to the products and services from the “ground floor” and up.

Initial responsibilities of Sales Associate will consist of (but not be limited to):

· Warehousing and Logistics: This entails working as a material handler (receiving, selecting and packing material).

· Field and System Engineering:  Support engineering teams in various activities to develop more complete understanding of products and solutions.

· Customer Service Representative: Receiving and placing customer orders, working collaboratively with the sales staff and interaction with LightRiver suppliers.

· Quotations, Pricing and Projects: This entails developing competencies regarding cost estimating, cost recoveries, supplier discounts, etc.

· Training sessions, vendor certifications (Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco, Fujitsu), trade shows and seminars: These programs may be internet based, locally instructor-led, off-site or out of state and are designed to provide an in-depth understanding of LightRiver products and services.

· Handle customer requests promptly, effectively and professionally.
Carry out sales and marketing programs as directed.
Perform other duties as assigned.


As the Sales Associate develops a deeper understanding of the business and the solutions we sell, the Associate will begin to be provided with a portfolio of customer accounts.  The timeframe is dependent on several factors including the employee’s learning aptitude and drive.  Generally, a Sales Associate should begin the transition within 6 months.  At this time, Associate will:

· Progressively manage and maintain contacts with established customers and source new business through prospecting new customers. 

· Promote and sell LightRiver products in compliance with all company pricing policies and instructions, to achieve maximum gross margin rate.

· Establish, develop and grow technical knowledge base in fiber optic and data transport networks and equipment, terrestrial and wireless carrier infrastructures, and other related fields.

· Manage personal T&E budget to maximize revenue and minimize expenses.


After training in our Lafayette CA and Boston, MA facilities, Sales Associate will be based from a home office located in or near one of the major cities in the assigned territory, with ready access to a major airport. All telephony and IT solutions for the home office will be provided by LightRiver (home office telephone and fax, cell phone, internet access, laptop and multifunction printer).

SKILLS/EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Education: Bachelors degree preferred. 

Experience: Two to four years prior experience in sales or customer service preferred with ability to meet targeted goals

Ability to communicate and present value of products to existing and prospective clients

Position calls for a self-motivated candidate, driven toward success

Knowledge: Strong organizational and interpersonal skills required.

Excellent oral and written communications skills, good presentation skills and the ability to be persuasive are required. 

Candidates must possess a professional image and possess strong Computer knowledge, including proficiency in MS Office and internet technologies. 


Travel:  Up to 50% travel required


Preferred: Additional consideration afforded to those candidates that have;

· Familiarity with CRM software

· Knowledge of telecommunications carrier transport technologies, including optical networking (DWDM, SONET), broadband routing and switching (GigE, MPLS).

· Knowledge of the utility, telecommunications carrier and/or service provider market segments.

· Possess knowledge of telecommunications principles, leading optical network equipment providers and fiber optic network design and construction practices.

BENEFITS:

LightRiver offers a benefits package, which includes access to medical/dental/life insurance and retirement savings plan.

 

LightRiver Technologies is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Compensation includes salary and sales incentive commission.

Principals only, Recruiters should not contact LightRiver.

No phone calls please.

Candidates should forward a copy of your current resume to hr-job-131@lightriver.com