Field Sales Specialist

Merck Group$70K — $125K *
Food & Beverages
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree
  • 3+ years of field sales or technical field experience achieving/exceeding targets
  • Valid driver's license; ability to travel 50-60% within the territory
  • Master's degree in microbiology, food science, biology, environmental science, or a similar field (preferred)
  • Hands-on experience in food, beverage, or industrial microbiology including AOAC methods, FSMA, HACCP, USP and hygiene monitoring programs (preferred)
  • Knowledge of supply chain and procurement processes (preferred)

Responsibilities

  • Own your territory: Build and execute strategic account plans and consistently achieve sales targets.
  • Grow the pipeline by pursuing opportunities in environmental monitoring and pathogen testing.
  • Be the expert: Maintain deep technical competence in microbiology to deliver value to customers.
  • Drive commercial outcomes by managing pricing strategies and submitting accurate forecasts.
  • Show up in the market through participation in seminars, tradeshows, and customer business reviews.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing and QA/QC teams to deliver integrated solutions.

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Retirement contributions
  • Eligibility for sales or performance-based bonuses
  • Other perquisites
Full Job Description
Your Role:

As a field based Sales Specialist, you will drive growth across a dynamic Northeast + Canada territory spanning some of today's most critical industries. You will be the technical and commercial face of our microbiology quality control portfolio, helping customers solve real problems in food, beverage, industrial manufacturing, environmental monitoring, and regulated testing.

Travel: 60%

Territory: OH, PA, NY, NJ, CT, MA, RI, VT, NH, ME, DE, MI, MD, and parts of Canada

Location: Reside in the US within the territory in a metro area close to major airport

What You'll Do:
  • Own your territory. Build and execute strategic account plans (POAs), manage direct and distribution channels, and consistently achieve sales targets.
  • Grow the pipeline. Proactively pursuing opportunities in environmental monitoring, hygiene monitoring, pathogen testing, bioburden, and rapid microbial technologies.
  • Be the expert. Maintain deep technical competence in microbiology and environmental monitoring to deliver real value to customer QA/QC teams.
  • Drive commercial outcomes. Manage pricing strategies that may include, but are not limited to, quotations, customer-specific pricing programs (CSPs), and value-add negotiations; submit accurate quarterly forecasts.
  • Show up in the market. Participate in seminars, training, tradeshows, and customer business reviews across the territory.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally. Partner with Field Marketing, Technology Specialists, Service and Customer QA/QC teams to deliver integrated solutions and support account growth.


Who You Are:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree
  • 3+ years of field sales or technical field experience achieving/exceeding targets
  • Valid driver's license; ability to travel 50-60% within the territory


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in microbiology, food science, biology, environmental science, or a similar field
  • Hands-on experience in food, beverage, or industrial microbiology including AOAC methods, FSMA, HACCP, USP and hygiene monitoring programs
  • Skilled in territory business planning and translating strategy into account-level execution
  • Proven ability to build relationships at all decision-makers and influencer levels (QA managers to C-suite), with demonstrated success in problem-solving, channel management, and translating tactical business plans into territory and account-level execution
  • Knowledge of supply chain and procurement processes, including distributor vs. direct models and customer-specific pricing programs
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and experienced with Salesforce, SAP, Palantir Foundry, and Showpad


Base Pay Range for this position - $70,200-$125,000 per year

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.

About Merck Group

Merck Group Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join Merck Group, a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science, and performance materials. Merck Group offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional aspirations, making it an ideal environment for both seasoned experts and those at the start of their career journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck Group, every team member contributes to breakthrough innovations in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics. The company's commitment to diversity and innovation fuels its leadership in various sectors, driving growth and transformation globally. Merck Group’s career paths are diverse, offering positions that challenge individuals to use their skills in new ways every day, supported by robust training programs and development opportunities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Merck Group is not just about jobs; it's about building a career. With a vast array of positions, from research and development to marketing and sales, the company is keen on hiring and nurturing talent to lead industry transformation. Merck Group’s dedication to professional growth is evident in its comprehensive benefits package and performance management processes that aim to maximize individual potential.

Internship Programs

Starting with an internship at Merck Group can be a pivotal step in securing a prosperous career. Interns gain invaluable industry experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and engaging in projects that offer real-world applications of their studies. Internships often lead to full-time employment opportunities, providing a seamless transition from education to professional employment.

Inclusive Culture and Leadership

Merck Group is proud of its inclusive culture that embraces diversity and fosters an environment where all employees can thrive. The company’s leadership is committed to creating a workplace where diverse ideas lead to innovative outcomes. Merck Group also offers diversity training to ensure all team members are equipped to contribute to the company’s inclusive goals.

Networking and Professional Development

Employees at Merck Group are encouraged to engage in networking and professional development activities that enhance their career trajectories. The company hosts various networking events, workshops, and seminars that are designed to hone skills and foster connections within the industry. Leadership development programs are also a cornerstone, preparing employees for future roles of increased responsibility.

Stay Connected with Merck Group Careers

Interested candidates can explore open positions that match their skills and interests through the Merck Group careers page. The company values curious, creative, and solution-driven team players who are eager to make an impact.

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Merck Group is continuously looking for individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead in the global marketplace. Whether through full-time positions, internships, or leadership roles, Merck Group offers a career path filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership.
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