Lead Solutions Specialist

Position Summary

The Application Safety Specialist serves as a strategic subject matter expert (SME) dedicated to driving growth, profitability, and value-added solutions within Vallen’s Safety and Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) product categories. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, this role requires exceptional self-management skills to effectively balance territory planning, client consultations, and cross-functional internal collaboration. This position acts as a critical liaison between internal sales teams, manufacturing partners, and clients to identify cost-saving opportunities and implement process improvements. By leveraging deep technical expertise, the Specialist independently prioritizes their schedule to expand market share, secure new business, and deliver high-impact safety solutions across their assigned region.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Territory & Time Optimization: Independently manage and optimize daily schedule, travel routes, and client prioritization to maximize territory coverage and revenue impact.
• Drive Revenue Growth: Accelerate sales of Safety & MRO Core Plus Supplier lines within existing and prospective customer accounts.
• Support Key Accounts: Provide dedicated technical and strategic support to Integrated Supply and Key Industrial Account customers.
• Strategic Alignment: Partner with the national accounts team to align regional growth strategies with targeted national objectives.
• Internal Capability Building: Design and deliver comprehensive product and service training for Vallen sales associates within assigned markets.
• Stakeholder Management: Cultivate robust, influential relationships with key customer stakeholders and decision-makers to expand product vertical penetration.
• Supplier Partnerships: Foster collaborative partnerships with Core Plus Suppliers to co-develop market strategies and maximize mutual growth.
• On-Site Safety Assessments: Lead and execute comprehensive on-site hazard assessments to evaluate client facilities and recommend tailored, compliant safety solutions.
• Value Creation: Identify, present, and execute documented cost-savings initiatives and operational process improvements for clients.
• Performance Autonomy: Maintain proactive communication with Vallen leadership regarding territory pipeline, active projects, and strategic growth goals, driving initiatives forward with minimal day-to-day oversight.

Job Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly applicable industry experience.
• Self-Management Capabilities: Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, meet tight deadlines, and maintain accountability in a remote or field-based environment.
• Sales Expertise: Proven track record in B2B sales or technical consulting specifically within Safety and MRO products and services.
• Industry Acumen: Strong understanding of manufacturing plant floor operations, industrial environments, and key facility stakeholders is highly preferred.
• Project Management: Exceptional project management capabilities with a demonstrated ability to lead initiatives from assessment through implementation.
• Communication Skills: Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to confidently present technical solutions to both internal teams and external executive clients.
• Mobility: Possession of a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Travel & Scheduling: High mobility position requiring regular travel to and from customer sites within the assigned region (expected travel >50%), requiring strong self-directed routing and travel management.
• Field Environment: Work is frequently conducted on-site within heavy manufacturing and industrial environments, with routine exposure to elements such as dirt, smoke, heat, and cold.
• Safety & PPE: Strict adherence to safety protocols is mandatory; must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including hand, foot, and eye protection, while performing field duties.
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs. during facility inspections, operate handheld testing and measuring devices, and maintain the visual acuity necessary to perform detailed site hazard evaluations.