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KNIPEX Tools LP (KTLP) is the North American subsidiary of KNIPEX-Werk, a fourth generation private family company with roots dating back to 1882. While KNIPEX Tools operates independently, we have the support and resources of a well-established parent company. Since opening its doors in 2006, KNIPEX Tools has quickly grown & seen much success. The achievements of our company is attributed to the fantastic people that choose to work here and demonstrate our values every day.
KNIPEX Tools is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work®! The prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working here and in our 2024 survey, 91% of employees said it's a great place to work. Learn more about this achievement here.
The Regional Sales Manager – Distribution position is strategic in the function of developing sales in an assigned geographic area and specific channels of distribution. They will forge relationships with our distribution network, direct independent sales representatives, and establish strategic partnerships with major accounts. The Regional Sales Manager is the primary contact person for the assigned accounts. This individual works closely with KNIPEX Tools LP (KTLP) management and all support departments. This position requires 65%+ travel within the assigned region and periodic travel to trade shows and company headquarters outside the region.
Position Overview
The Regional Sales Manager – Trade Distribution Channel, develops and maintains assigned Channel customers and manufacturer representative territories while meeting KNIPEX Tools LP (KTLP) assigned financial objectives.
- Establish plans and strategies to meet or exceed the assigned financial objectives within the electrical, industrial, construction, HVACR, plumbing, electronics and all assigned channels of distribution.
- Establish plans and strategies to expand the customer base in assigned channels of distribution.
- Staff and direct a sales team of independent manufacturer representatives and provide leadership producing the achievement of maximum profitability and growth in line with KTLP’s assigned objectives.
- Develop deep relationships within major customers in assigned channels: Executive, Product Management, Purchasing, Marketing, Logistics etc.
The Regional Sales Manager – Trade Distribution Channel will lead and manage sales efforts in the field through prospecting orders and setting sales targets that are consistent with the company’s objectives. Sales managers work closely with top management and all support departments. They are responsible for the sales and profitability results of their sales teams. As senior managers, they will direct manufacturer sales representatives towards performance goals, implement assessments and coaching, and perform training as required.
Position Responsibilities
- Manages all aspects of assigned and future accounts within trade channels of distribution.
- Identifies any operational issues that might arise and resolves them with the appropriate internal teams.
- Identifies and develops new opportunities within a current customer base. Examples would include additional locations owned by the customer that have not yet been penetrated.
- Meets and exceeds annual sales budget.
- Develops annual promotional plans focusing on key product categories and new products.
- Meets and exceeds gross margin goals.
- Develops a business plan to identify and acquire new account growth opportunities.
- Provides a timely and effective sales presentation to prospective customers to ensure that the product and services offered are thoroughly explained and understood.
- Plans a sales approach designed to identify the prospect’s needs and wants for the product/services offered, and the investment the prospect is willing to make.
- Frequently contacts current customer base to keep a good working relationship. Ensures that the customer is satisfied with the current service. Works with the appropriate internal team members to resolve any problems (invoices, service, access, etc.).
- Completes requests for information and requests for new product setup implementation.
- Responsible for formulating relevant account pricing strategies, within KTLP’s financial and sales goals.
- Develops and maintains a fully documented sales process for all accounts assigned to the trade channel.
- Originates sales techniques to penetrate markets and combat competitive initiatives.
- Participates in the planning, attendance, and successful management of KTLP’s national and regional trade shows and industry conventions.
- Develops new product suggestions and applications from the trade channel and work with KTLP management for review.
- Miscellaneous duties as assigned.
Position Requirements
Knowledge
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience.
- 5-7 years of successful experience in sales management, specifically working with manufacturer sales representatives.
- 2-3 years of successful industrial, electrical, MRO sales experience.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office products and Salesforce.com; SAP or other comparable ERP proficiency a plus.
- Basic knowledge of business finance.
- Strong understanding of customer and market dynamics and requirements.
- Ability to assess sales and business results.
- Proficiency in marketing, promotion and sales processes.
- Proven leadership and ability to drive sales teams.
Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven interpersonal skills.
- Superior product demonstration skills.
- Above average facilitation skills.
- Time management and organizational skills.
- Detail oriented with strong problem solving skills.
- Ability to work under deadline pressure.
- Excellent follow up.
- Ability and confidence to communicate at all levels, internally and externally in a professional manner by phone, email and face to face contact.
- Strong account management skills.
- Excellent negotiation skills.
Personal Attributes
- Willingness to travel 65%+ and work in a global team of professionals.
- Must have a valid US Driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Sense of urgency mindset with an assertive “let’s get it done” attitude.
- Ability to work occasional weekends to attend tradeshows or other work related events.
- Energetic, dynamic, and friendly personality.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well with teams.
- Results oriented, self-motivated, and has the ability to meet all deadlines.
- Customer oriented.
- Strong business acumen.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- Position requires periodic walking, stooping, bending, reaching, and ability to push, pull, and grasp required.
- Continuous standing or sitting for several hours a day.
- Some heavy lifting may be required, up to 40 lbs. (utilizing safe lifting techniques, assisted lifting, and/or team lifts).
- Continuous keyboard and screen usage for several hours a day.
- Regular, reliable and predictable attendance necessary.
Position Overview
The Quality Engineer position is a key role that collaborates between the Product Management, Operations, and Supply Chain teams. This role will report directly to the Senior Product Manager and is responsible for ensuring that existing and new products meet the established KNIPEX high standards of quality including appearance, reliability, usability, and performance required for distribution and the market.
Position Responsibilities
• Perform inspections of incoming tools, packaging components, merchandising materials and other purchased materials to ensure they meet standards. Partner with vendors to resolve issues that don’t conform to KNIPEX standards.
• Work closely with the Production team to oversee the installation and maintenance of new equipment. This includes working with electricians and other trades to ensure the proper installation of equipment.
• Document and analyze the conformity of product to required specifications (e.g., dimensions, finishes, colors, packaging fit and function).
• Inspect and approve finished products before they are inventoried and document inspection results by maintaining reports and logs.
• Develop, recommend, and monitor corrective and preventative action processes, including maintaining and updating Corrective Action Forms (CAF).
• Work directly with our German Quality and Engineering teams to address all product-related concerns.
• Work closely with the German Engineering team to develop new products, improve products as needed, and oversee product testing.
• Develop and build test equipment to establish a database for comparison between KNIPEX and various competitors.
• Investigate customer inquiries about non-conforming tools, determine the root cause, and provide a solution to remedy the issue.
• Identify training needs for production cells and organize training sessions as needed. Train production operators on product visual acceptability to meet quality standards.
• Implement improvements in workflow, equipment, and assembly processes to make inspections more efficient and effective.
• Work with the Marketing and Product Management teams for completing, submitting, and maintaining Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) for all products and packaging that require an ECN change.
• Provide technical support at trade shows as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.
Position Requirements
Knowledge
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience; engineering degree a plus.
• 8 to 10 years of successful experience in a quality engineering role within a manufacturing or production environment. Experience in the consumer goods industry preferred.
• In depth knowledge of quality testing equipment, test methods and designing test fixtures.
• 5+ years of experience in new product development and field testing.
• Experience with CAD and the ability to read and understand prints, as well product specs and test results.
• 5+ years of experience with packaging equipment, current packaging methods, and materials required. Experience working with pad printing and laser marking equipment a plus.
• Experience with manufacturing processes, equipment layout, and system requirements such as electrical, HVAC, pneumatic air and plumbing.
• Minimum 5 years of experience working with a large quantity of part numbers.
• Working knowledge of project management programs.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products. SAP experience a plus.
• Strong business acumen.
• Experience writing, editing, and maintaining instruction manuals and work instructions.
• Understanding of ASTM, VDE, ANSI and, other known standards relating to hand tools a plus but not required.
• Experience in hand tool manufacturing or metal component manufacturing a plus but not required.
• Working knowledge of electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems a plus but not a requirement.
Skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability and confidence to communicate at all levels, internally and externally in a professional manner by phone, email, and face to face contact.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work under deadline pressure.
• Excellent follow up.
• Ability to speak and understand the German language a plus but not required.
Personal Attributes
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 15% domestically and/or internationally.
• Positive, energetic attitude.
• Dynamic friendly personality.
• Ability to work well as part of a team, as well as independently.
• Results oriented and self-motivated.
• Customer oriented.
• Hands-on team player, not afraid to get their hands dirty. This position will require troubleshooting and repair of equipment as needed.
• Sense of urgency mindset with an assertive “let’s get it done” attitude.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
• Capable of working in a fast-paced environment. Some heavy lifting may be required, up to 40 lbs. using safe lifting techniques and/or team lifts.
• Capable of standing on a warehouse concrete floor for several hours a day.
• Position requires frequent walking, stooping, bending, and reaching required. Ability to push, pull, grasp, and fine manipulation of equipment using hands is ongoing throughout the work hours.
• Regular, reliable and predictable onsite attendance necessary.
Position Overview
Reporting to the KNIPEX Tools LP (KTLP) Supply Chain Manager, the Production Supervisor is responsible for supervision of all daily production functions and personnel to meet on-time-delivery requirements while ensuring maximum quality and profitability. Duties also include organizing workflows, analyzing the efficiency of manufacturing processes, and implementation of Lean/Continuous Improvement initiatives. This position is responsible for demonstrating safety and operational expertise within a quality and productivity driven environment.
Position Responsibilities
- Works with Supply Chain Manager and Team Leads to coach, train, and mentor team members on work processes, work instructions, and employee performance. Trains staff on production best practices. Supervises a team of employees with responsibility for hiring, terminating, onboarding, evaluating, training, and developing.
- Trains proper and safe use of all production and packaging equipment, including pad printers, laser etchers, heat sealers, tooling, and lift table equipment. Monitors adherence to all KTLP safety procedures and company policies.
- Meets daily with supply chain, production planning-scheduling, Team Leads, and warehouse stakeholders to review production schedules and work priorities, and works through Production teams to support ATS-ATO production. Collaborates with others to optimize productivity and efficiency.
- Oversees the production processes, supervises operations, and ensures adherence to production schedules. Organizes, monitors, and prioritizes tasks to meet production goals.
- Champions work cell area accountability and works with the team to visually develop and track targets (visual boards, charts, daily Gemba walks, etc.).
- Drives optimization through production Lean/Continuous Improvement initiatives.
- Hands-on key stakeholder in production work area; sets up work cells with ergonomics, flexibility, and throughput.
- Ensures the flow of raw materials and other resources.
- Monitors production output and quality according to specifications.
- Prepares and presenting production reports and progress to upper management.
- Utilizes Root Cause-Corrective Action methodologies to identify issues and then find solutions through employee engagement.
- Oversees the maintenance, repair, and replacement of production equipment to ensure minimal downtime.
- Identifies and resolves any issues that could cause production delays.
- Creates/maintains/documents all training, processes/manuals, and work instructions for the production team.
- Ensures that the daily inspection and completion of daily machinery checklists are assigned and completed at start of work shift. Denotes any nonconformance of equipment and or chemical spills (electrolyte battery acid, hydraulic fluid, oil, etc.) on checklist with verbal communication to management.
- Develops and manages assigned 5S housekeeping tasks and is accountable for organization and cleanliness of the production work areas, ensuring that the production team is actively engaged.
Position Requirements
Knowledge
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Minimum of 5-7 years of production experience required (preferably in a kitting or assembly environment), with at least 3 years in a supervisory role. Previous leadership experience in a production-assembly environment required.
- Previous experience with work cell data collection and productivity metric tracking desired.
- Previous experience with SAP or other MRP driven production system required with an understanding of working with production schedules.
- Familiarity with manufacturing machine dies, fixtures, and tooling required. Experience with pad printing or laser etching preferred.
- Detailed understanding of production processes and industry standards, ensuring production goals are met within the stipulated time and quality parameters.
- Solid, basic math skills (counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication) along with a good attention to detail.
- Familiarity with general industrial safety protocols (5S, ergonomics, etc.).
- Proven interpersonal skills.
Skills
- Basic proficiency in spoken and written Spanish required; bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, specifically Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, look-ups, basic formatting).
- Solid written and verbal communication skills; ability and confidence to communicate at all levels, internally and externally in a professional manner by phone, email, and face to face contact.
- Detail oriented with strong problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work under deadline pressure.
- Excellent follow up.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Time management skills to oversee multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, ensuring all processes run smoothly and deadlines are met.
Personal Attributes
- Ability to contribute daily in a teaming environment with peers and management in huddle meetings, Gemba walks, Kaizen blitzes, and Lean project meetings.
- Sense of urgency mindset with an assertive “let’s get it done” attitude.
- Positive, energetic attitude.
- Dynamic friendly personality.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well with teams.
- Results oriented, self-motivated, and ability to meet all deadlines.
- Customer oriented.
- Flexibility to work in a multi-shift environment or for occasional overtime coverage.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- Capable of working in a fast-paced warehouse and distribution environment. Some heavy lifting may be required, up to 40 lbs. (utilizing safe lifting techniques, assisted lifting, and/or team lifts).
- Capable of standing on a concrete floor or similar surface or sitting for several hours a day.
- Able to work in normal seasonal warehousing temperatures (cold in the winter, hot in the summer).
- Position requires frequent, stooping, bending, and reaching required. Ability to push, pull, grasp, and fine manipulation of equipment using hands is ongoing throughout the work hours.
- Regular, reliable and predictable onsite attendance necessary for adequate scheduling and work coverage.
- Capable of mixing ink daily (hardener, thinner, paint). May be exposed to some odors/fumes.
- Capable of working near heated equipment, including ovens and oil baths.
- Regular, reliable and predictable onsite attendance necessary.
Learn more about Careers at KNIPEX Tools North America
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