Application Specialist WiTec - Western US - Oxford Instruments Plc

At Oxford Instruments, we enable the world’s leading industrial companies and scientific research communities to image, analyse and manipulate materials down to the atomic and molecular level. With a sixty-year history, and fourteen Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, our world-class products and technologies are helping our customers to address the greatest challenges of the 21st century.

How we work

We’re committed to being the leading provider of high-tech products and services for the world’s most important industrial and scientific research communities. Our people are vital to our success. We strive to offer the opportunities that will attract, motivate and retain the very best talent in our sector. This involves creating an inclusive environment and culture, where difference is valued and people are recognized for what they deliver and bring to the team.

Empowering People to Make a Difference

We don’t wait for change to happen. We enable it. That’s why we aim to create the best working environment and culture for our people to thrive. We share the same goals and value diversity of thought, perspective and experience. With a focus on the ongoing development, engagement and wellbeing of our people, we know we will continue to exceed customer expectations and drive change for the future.

About the Opportunity: 

The Application Specialist (AS) - WITec serves as the expert level Product and Applications knowledge owner for both customer and sales team members while reporting directory to the Applications Manager - MA. For customers, the AS will serve as their source for training and ongoing function/applications support. This individual will collaborate frequently with sales throughout the entire demonstration process (including pre demonstration planning) and provide colleagues valuable  insights and training on a regular basis. As needed, the AS will work closely with Marketing as well as other Oxford  Instruments (OI) Departments and Business Units to aid with strategic planning and projects. 

The AS is required to follow the OI Demonstration Process and participate in ongoing technical and skills trainings. Additionally, the AS will travel as needed, both within and outside of the assigned territory - including internationally, to attend various meetings, trainings, tradeshows, and conventions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain expert level technical and application knowledge for the WITec portfolio of products. 

• Work collaboratively with the WITec salespeople in a  team selling environment.

• Present on workshops and webinars for both  colleagues and customers alike.

• Run instrumentation at an expert level for both  customer and colleague demonstrations and training events.

• Monitor demonstration equipment to ensure peak  performance levels.

• Collaborate with Marketing, Product Management, and Sale Leadership to create collateral. 

• Ongoing relationship management and application support for existing customers.

• Follow the OI demonstration process including the  timely completion of internal demonstration reporting.

• Create and present customer demonstration reports with a sense of urgency.

• Utilize a holistic OI value selling approach when speaking with customer and throughout the demonstration process. 

• Utilize video conferencing, remote demonstrations, etc. whenever possible to advance opportunities.

• Diligently manage expenses and travel planning to minimize operation expenses.

• Collaborate closely with Service by providing applications/technical support as needed and by performing instrument repairs,installations, and customer trainings.

• Maintain a strong familiarity with all OI Business Unit offerings outside WITec to strengthen the company position and create new leads.

• Actively monitor local industry trends and competitor activity to enable proactive development of strategies to exploit opportunities and circumvent threats.

• Attend various trade shows and conventions as well as internal and external sales meeting as required.

• Other responsibilities and duties upon request.

• Expert level Applications and Technical knowledge

• Demonstration to Won Sale ratio

• Demonstration Process Compliance

• Demonstration Report creation and presentation

• Timely completion of Performance and Development objectives

About the Candidate: 
The right candidate for this role will have at least 3-5 years Applications Specialist experience, 3-5 years Sales experience in the scientific space preferred; a Bachelors in the Materials Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, or other relevant area;  In depth experience with relevant technologies, customers, and markets;  Raman experience is required; and the ability to travel approximately 75% time, including occasional international travel.

Additional Qualifications: 
• Possess a strong sense of urgency. 

• Miller Heiman sales training preferred 
• Ability to demonstrate a strong understanding of, and successful track record in, technical sales and/or applications.
• Possess a professional network and toolset enabling immediate results.
• Scientific background and knowledge of the scientific market.
• Ability to give sales presentations and share technical information in an easy to  understand format.
• Ability to communicate and operate as a cross-functional team with sales, service, product marketing, and other departments.
• Highly developed commercial understanding.
• Ability to multi-task in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Desire and capability to work well in a team environment.
• Possess the ability and drive to get things done quickly with high levels of energy 
and resilience.
• Highly organized with a strong affinity for detail.
• Excellent communication skills in various formats (verbal, ppt, excel, etc.).
• Able to accept feedback and modify approach as required.
• Ability to bring teams of people together, creating alignment across functions.
• Willing and able to travel domestically and overseas as required without restriction, 
subject to normal visa requirements. 
• Ability to build effective working relationships both internally and externally across 
all parts of the business.

Oxford Instruments Perks and benefits:

• Generous benefit packages - We offer our employees competitive health insurance options, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans. 
• Our 401k program has options for saving both pre- and post-tax dollars for retirement.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) Work-life balance is a key part of our company culture here at OI, and we know that our employees do their best work when they can take the time they need to rest and recharge. Employees start with 4 weeks of PTO which is accrued each pay period. 
• Holidays - We recognize 12 holidays this year
• In addition to all the standard PTO options, OI proudly offers a generous and progressive paid family leave policy.
• Professional Development - OI supports you and your professional development with $5,250 available in annual tuition reimbursement after 6 months of service.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visa at this time for this position.

Oxford Instruments Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. EOE/M/F/D/V

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the I-9 Form.

Note to recruitment agencies: Oxford Instruments does not accept agency CV’s. Please do not forward details to our jobs alias, Oxford Instruments employees or any other company location. Oxford Instruments is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CV’s

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