Industrial Sales Representative Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of modern manufacturing, the role of industrial sales representatives has become more critical than ever.

As industries evolve and expand, the demand for skilled professionals capable of navigating, promoting, and securing our industrial sales landscape is on the rise.

But what exactly does an industrial sales representative do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the dynamics of industrial sales,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable industrial sales representative job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Industrial Sales Representative Duties and Responsibilities

Industrial Sales Representatives play a crucial role in marketing and selling industrial goods, equipment, and services to businesses and organizations.

They typically work for manufacturers, wholesalers, or technical companies, where they engage with potential buyers and drive revenue.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Understanding the technical specifications and features of the company’s products or services
• Identifying potential clients and establish relationships with key decision-makers
• Presenting and demonstrating product offerings to prospective clients
• Preparing and submitting sales contracts and purchase orders
• Negotiating terms of sale and service agreements
• Collaborating with the sales team to develop strategies and achieve sales targets
• Maintaining an accurate record of all sales, scheduled customer appointments, and customer complaints
• Attending trade shows, conferences, and industry events to stay abreast of the latest industry trends and competitor offerings
• Providing after-sales support and handle client complaints or concerns promptly
• Collecting and sharing customer feedback with the product development team to improve products or services

 

Industrial Sales Representative Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Industrial Sales Representative to handle customer accounts and represent our company and its products in various industrial sectors.

Your duties will include establishing contact with potential customers, identifying new opportunities, and following up on potential leads.

Our ideal candidate is goal-driven with strong sales and customer service skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Identify and qualify potential clients through networking and cold calling.
• Manage existing customer relationships and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Present product offerings and negotiate sales deals.
• Monitor market trends and competition activity in industrial sectors.
• Achieve sales targets and report on sales performance to management.
• Provide customer feedback to the product development team.
• Attend trade shows, conferences, and industry events to build relationships and grow sales.
• Prepare sales proposals and contracts.
• Coordinate with customer service and logistics to ensure timely deliveries.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Sales Representative in the industrial sector.
• Strong understanding of the sales process and dynamics.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to meet sales goals and work under pressure.
• Strong negotiation skills with a problem-solving attitude.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, or related field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Sales commission and bonuses

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Industrial Sales Representative
• Work Environment: This role requires travel to client locations and industry events. Office or home-based work settings when not traveling.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Sales Manager or Director of Sales.
• Salary: Base salary plus commission. Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum, excluding commissions
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Industrial Sales Representative Do?

Industrial Sales Representatives are essentially the key connection between the companies they represent and their potential clients or customers.

They usually work for businesses that sell products or services to other businesses, also known as B2B sales.

Their main responsibility is to sell their company’s goods, which could range from industrial equipment to manufacturing products, to other companies.

They do this by identifying prospective customers, understanding their needs, and then presenting relevant products or services that would meet these needs.

Industrial Sales Representatives are also responsible for negotiating contracts, terms of sale and prices with potential and existing customers.

They maintain detailed records of sales activities and regularly update customer relationship management databases.

They also provide technical support, product knowledge, and advice to customers, while consistently monitoring market trends and competitor activities.

An important part of their role is building and maintaining positive business relationships with clients.

They are also often involved in resolving customer complaints and ensuring customer satisfaction.

They work closely with other departments in their company, such as marketing and production, to ensure that the products or services are delivered in a timely and efficient manner.

Lastly, Industrial Sales Representatives may also be required to attend trade shows and conferences to promote their company’s products and to keep up with industry trends.

 

Industrial Sales Representative Qualifications and Skills

An Industrial Sales Representative should possess a wide range of skills and qualifications to cater to the dynamic demands of the role, including:

• Solid understanding of the industrial market, its products, and the ability to quickly learn about new products
• Excellent communication skills to clearly explain the features and benefits of a product to potential clients
• Strong negotiation skills and persuasive ability to close sales deals and meet targets
• Good interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with customers, fostering customer loyalty and repeat business
• Strong analytical skills to analyze sales data and forecast future sales trends
• Ability to use customer relationship management (CRM) software and other sales management tools
• Problem-solving skills to address customer complaints, product issues or any other challenges that may hinder the sales process
• Time management skills to efficiently manage their sales pipeline, follow up with leads and ensure timely delivery of products

 

Industrial Sales Representative Experience Requirements

Industrial Sales Representatives should ideally have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in the sales industry.

This could come from an internship, part-time role, or full-time position in a similar or related industry.

Experience in a technical role or industry, such as manufacturing, engineering, or industrial services, would be highly beneficial.

This would provide them with practical understanding of the products and services they are selling, and the needs of their potential customers.

As they continue to gain experience, candidates with over 3 years in the field often have a deeper understanding of industry trends, customer needs, and sales strategies.

They are likely to have developed a strong network of industry contacts and a proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.

Those with over 5 years of sales experience in industrial settings may be well suited to leadership roles within sales teams.

They could have experience managing major client accounts, training junior sales staff, or developing sales strategies and targets for an organization.

In addition to these practical experiences, formal qualifications in sales, business, marketing, or a related field can also be beneficial for an Industrial Sales Representative.

This could come from a diploma, degree, or professional certification program.

 

Industrial Sales Representative Education and Training Requirements

Industrial Sales Representatives typically hold a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, economics or a related field.

They should have a strong understanding of business principles, as well as knowledge of industrial products and processes.

In-depth knowledge of the industry they are representing, whether it’s manufacturing, pharmaceuticals or technology, is crucial.

Hence, some companies may prefer representatives with a technical background or previous experience in the industry.

Some roles may require Industrial Sales Representatives to hold specific certifications, such as the Certified Professional Manufacturers’ Representative (CPMR) or Certified Sales Professional (CSP) designations.

While not always required, these certifications can demonstrate a representative’s commitment to the profession and provide them with advanced sales strategies and techniques.

Work experience in a sales role is generally preferred, as this exposes representatives to real-world selling scenarios and helps them understand consumer behavior.

On-the-job training is commonly provided to new hires to familiarize them with the company’s products, marketing strategies, and customer service standards.

Continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends is important in this role.

Some representatives may choose to pursue a master’s degree or advanced courses in business or sales management to enhance their skills and career prospects.

 

Industrial Sales Representative Salary Expectations

An Industrial Sales Representative earns an average salary of $59,122 (USD) per year.

However, this amount can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, the specific industry in which they are employed, and the region in which they work.

 

Industrial Sales Representative Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Industrial Sales Representative need?

Industrial Sales Representatives should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they will need to interact with different clients on a daily basis.

They should have great negotiation skills and have the ability to close sales deals efficiently.

A good understanding of industrial products or services is also essential.

They should be well-organized, persistent, and able to handle rejection.

 

Do Industrial Sales Representatives need a degree?

While a degree is not always necessary, having a bachelor’s degree in business administration, sales, marketing, or a related field can be beneficial.

Many employers prefer candidates with previous sales experience, especially in an industrial or technical field.

Training on the job is common, where the sales representative learns about the company’s products or services.

 

What should you look for in an Industrial Sales Representative resume?

Firstly, you should look for relevant experience in sales, especially in an industrial setting.

Check for demonstrated skills in customer service, communication, and negotiation.

Familiarity with CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite is also beneficial.

Evidence of meeting or exceeding sales quotas is a good sign of a potential successful hire.

 

What qualities make a good Industrial Sales Representative?

A good Industrial Sales Representative is results-driven and aims to exceed sales goals.

They have excellent customer service skills and can build lasting relationships with clients.

They are able to handle pressure and rejection, and they can effectively communicate the benefits of their company’s products or services.

They also have a good understanding of the industry and are able to adapt to changes in the market.

 

Is it difficult to hire Industrial Sales Representatives?

Hiring Industrial Sales Representatives can be challenging due to the specific skills and experience required for the role.

It’s important to offer competitive salaries and benefits, as well as provide clear paths for career progression to attract top talent.

Furthermore, sales roles often have high turnover rates, which can add to the difficulty of maintaining a stable sales team.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unlocked the reality of what it means to be an industrial sales representative.

And guess what?

It’s not just about closing sales.

It’s about steering the industrial landscape, one deal at a time.

With our handy industrial sales representative job description template and real-world examples, you’re all geared up to make a move.

But why halt there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your subsequent step to creating laser-sharp listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every deal signed is a cog in the industrial machine.

Let’s drive that future. Together.

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