About Hardide
Hardide is a growing technology-based company, which develops, manufactures and applies nanostructured tungsten carbide coatings to a wide range of engineering components. The Group’s patented CVD technology is unique in combining abrasion, erosion and corrosion resistant properties in one coating. When applied to metal components used in aggressive environments, the technology provides dramatic improvements in component life resulting in cost savings through reduced downtime and increased operational efficiency. Customers include leading companies operating in oil and gas exploration and production, valve and pump manufacturing, nuclear, advanced engineering and aerospace industries.
Purpose of the Job
The Technical Sales Engineer will report to the Director of Sales & Business Development, with support from the technical and engineering team with the objective of meeting performance targets covering order intake and revenue.
This position bridges the gap between sales, engineering, and customers, ensuring the optimal application of Hardide’s advanced coating solutions to meet specific customer requirements.
The role is designed to provide comprehensive training in technical sales and application engineering. The successful candidate will develop expertise in product knowledge, customer engagement, business development and technical problem-solving to support our customers effectively.
The Technical Sales Engineer is responsible for enquiry qualification, quoting, sales, business development, administration and delivery of support to customers.
Key Responsibilities
- Handle and qualify new telephone and email enquiries, collaborating with your line manager and technical/engineering team to develop and deliver tailored proposals.
- Follow up quotations to customers by highlighting the key features and benefits of the offer to secure business opportunities across all market sectors within the region.
- Manage key customer relationships particularly with expediting and delivery queries, partnering with the accounts and logistics teams to resolve any issues.
- Maintain and manage a pipeline of live projects, providing updates on high-potential opportunities and maintaining a comprehensive tracker of wins and losses.
- Ensure all follow-ups are completed and logged on any proposal sent to customers.
- Provide accurate monthly forecasts for orders and revenue, to support strategic decision-making.
- Maintain and update sales price lists, ensuring all quotations are accurately recorded on the system.
- Respond to customer queries on quotations, orders and invoices.
- Participate in virtual or in-person meetings with customers and internal stakeholders.
- Support joint customer visits with your line manager as and when required.
- Assist in preparing technical documentation, including drawings, specifications, and reports, to support project delivery.
- Develop expertise in interpreting customer requirements and recommending innovative, tailored solutions.
- Complete initial 3 months’ training focused on Hardide technology, followed by job and specific technical/sales training.
- Champion Health and Safety practices by adhering to the company’s policies and promoting a safe, compliant work environment.
Knowledge and Skills
- Strong understanding of engineering drawings, specifications, and materials science principles.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to adapt messaging to diverse audiences.
- Proficiency in MS Office, and CAD software (preferred but not essential).
- Problem-solving skills with the ability to think creatively about customer needs.
- Self-motivated with ability to take initiative while working in a team environment.
A successful candidate is likely to have:
- A bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field is preferred. However, candidates with equivalent experience in a technical role are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Demonstrable commercial acumen, with an entrepreneurial approach to identify opportunities and maximise commercial returns.
- Proficiency in analysing cost models and ability to propose innovative commercial solutions.
- Experience in technical sales, application engineering, or a similar customer-facing technical role (typically 2-5 years, though we welcome applications from candidates with diverse levels of relevant experience).
- Knowledge of coatings, surface treatments, or materials engineering is highly advantageous. However, full training will be provided covering all aspects of Hardide Coating technology.
Hardide is a fast-paced growing business that is constantly evolving and introducing new products to the process, which means that the successful candidate in this role must have a demonstrable problem-solving capacity, requiring a detailed and attentive personality. The successful candidate should also be able to help plan and perform their work to an agreed timetable within a pressing sales/production environment, with the ability to work alone as well as part of a team and possess good communication skills.
Hardide is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you require.
