Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent industry experience.
Proven ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
Demonstrated success in B2B sales or technical consulting in Safety and MRO sectors.
Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and facility stakeholders.
Exceptional project management skills from assessment to implementation.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills for technical presentations.
Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
Responsibilities
Independently manage and optimize daily schedule and travel routes for maximum revenue impact.
Accelerate sales of Safety & MRO products within existing and prospective accounts.
Provide dedicated technical support to Integrated Supply and Key Industrial Account customers.
Align regional growth strategies with national objectives in partnership with the national accounts team.
Design and deliver product training for Vallen sales associates in assigned markets.
Cultivate relationships with key customer stakeholders to enhance product penetration.
Foster partnerships with suppliers to co-develop market strategies and drive growth.
Lead on-site hazard assessments to recommend tailored safety solutions.
Identify and execute cost-saving initiatives and operational improvements for clients.
Maintain proactive communication with leadership regarding territory pipeline and growth goals.
Benefits
Comprehensive training and development opportunities.
Autonomy in managing work schedule and territory.
Collaborative work environment with internal teams and suppliers.
Opportunity to drive significant impact in safety solutions.
Exposure to diverse industrial environments and challenges.
Full Job Description
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.
About Vallen
Vallen is a leading provider of industrial distribution solutions for the manufacturing, construction, and maintenance industries. The company offers a wide range of products and services, including safety equipment, tools, and supplies, as well as inventory management and logistics solutions. Vallen was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Belmont, North Carolina. The company has more than 170 locations across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Vallen is committed to providing high-quality products and services to its customers, and has received numerous awards and recognitions for its performance and innovation.
