AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $1.5B in revenue, and employ approximately 7,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.

We are seeking a Business Development Manager with our Verrillon Optical Fiber group.  The Business Development Manager is responsible for identifying and maximizing sales of targeted products and/or services. The position will be responsible for verification of the target account selection (insuring that the organization is maximizing sales opportunities with the right agencies / contractors) and identifying specific initiatives within those agencies / contractors that can lead to maximum sales of AFL Telecommunications’ fiber optic product solutions.  

What We Offer:

• 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
• Opportunities for career advancement with an industry leading company!

Responsibilities

• Develop and achieve or exceed planned sales levels for all products and services at targeted accounts and/or targeted market segments working in conjunction with the AFL enterprise sales organization.
• Create technical documentation in clear format
• Provide technical sales support to customers including engineering expertise 
• Conduct sales calls to implement account and/or target market strategies as developed in conjunction with the marketing manager in support of AFL’s business objectives.
• Maintain a high level of knowledge regarding AFL’s products and services and their applications to the potential customers. Act in a consultative role to the customer to insure that they can easily order, install, and add value to their internal programs with our programs and services.
• Maintain sufficient knowledge of strategic customer’s business to recognize opportunities and be perceived by the customer as a problem solver and cost displacement specialist. New opportunities as well as their business potential should be communicated to the sales and marketing management on a timely basis.
• Develop plans and implement product trials to gain approvals at larger accounts.
• Provide guidance, mentorship and leadership to direct reports, or more junior level sales associates.
• Establish sources to provide information or competitive pricing, market activities, transaction usage and other information about the assigned account(s) or target markets.
• Provide direction to the customer service representative organization in support of customer needs.
• Provide information as required by the management to assist in development of monthly rolling forecasts.
• Report all customer problems to management as quickly as possible to ensure the problem is resolved in a timely manner. Track the progress of the problem resolution and insure that it meets the requirements of the customer.
• Manage the flow of information and communications between AFL and key account(s) in accordance with the account strategy and in coordination with the market manager, with the objective of improving customer relationships.
• Adhere to and promote the environmental, health & safety policies of AFL. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering preferred
• 5+ years of technical sales, marketing or engineering experience in fiber optics or related optics field
• Engineering background and experience required
• Customer interfacing and presentation experience
• 5+ years’ experience with optical fiber is highly preferred
• Ability to write technical documentation in a clear and easy to understand format.
• Proven results-oriented individual, ability to deal close, excellent business strategist, excellent market analyst and growth visionary

Personal Qualities

• Self-starter with integrity and confidence who strives to achieve even the most challenging objectives with limited supervision
• Team player with well-developed interpersonal skills who is persuasive, encouraging, and motivating
• Interpersonal skills: strong communicator with the ability to convey complex issues in simple terms to all levels of the organization; ability to make presentations and interact in a professional manner
• Objective and open-minded contributor who maintains a positive attitude in difficult environments

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