Opportunity Snapshot
If you have the right combination of management savvy and sales leadership skills, this position offers you the opportunity to assume direction of a stable and profitable operation in a market that includes as-yet-untapped potential.

To be a good fit for this opportunity you will have five to seven years of sales management experience, including a track record of driving consistent sales and profitability growth. Experience with bearings and power transmission sales is preferred but not required. We're looking for a professional with a demonstrated ability to manage operations and lead a sales team to strong performance on a day-to-day basis. You also will need solid computer skills and a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Product Applications, and/or Customer Relations OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Applied Industrial Technologies, which for the sixth consecutive year has been named to Forbes magazine's Platinum 400 List of Best Big Companies in America, is one of North America's largest independent distributors of bearings, power transmission components, fluid power components and systems, industrial rubber products, linear components, tools, safety products, general maintenance and a variety of mill supply products.

What's in It for You
Diverse, robust market -- while many of our Service Centers focus on one or two of our product lines, this market is so diverse (including many OEMs) that you will become familiar with all of our products. With customers in the mining, paper printing, packaging, food, steel, and aluminum, among others, sales in this location are resilient to cyclical ups and downs.

Great work environment -- we foster an upbeat and positive culture. This service center is a high performing center staffed by a strongly motivated team that works hard and enjoys achieving success together.

Stability and values -- at Applied, our core values (Honesty, Integrity, Fairness, Openness, Quality Dedication, Promise Keeping, Personal Mastery) are more than just words on paper; they are embraced throughout the company. We also enjoy a robust financial picture. For example, for our fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, we recorded sales of $2.1 billion.

Excellent compensation -- in addition to a competitive salary and incentive plan (an attractive proposition in a profitable service center), we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage, a 401(k) plan, an educational assistance program, product discounts, and more.

Great place to live.

More About Your Role
You will report to our Regional Manager and oversee a team that includes a Service Center Manager, Account Managers, Customer Sales and Service (inside sales) Representatives, and Shipping Receiving Associates.

As you might expect, your primary focus will be on growing sales and profitability, including developing and implementing strategies, identifying and evaluating potential new customers, and monitoring the market to identify and act on opportunities. While we already own a commanding share of this market, the competition is stiff and we believe there is a significant amount of untapped potential for you to discover.

We expect that, as you get to know the Service Center staff and customers, you will spend most your time in the Service Center. However, pivotal to your success will be your ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with our customers and, once you're up to speed you can expect to invest about a third of your time in the field supporting the Account Managers and presenting to manufacturers and other customers.

Your overall objectives will include:

• Directing, planning, and managing overall service center activities to achieve overall sales objectives and PL financial results.
• Ensuring your people have a clear understanding of expectations and accountabilities.
• Being actively involved in the Applied's Total Quality Management process as evidenced by continuous improvement of processes directed toward reducing costs, improving cycle time, increasing sales/gross profit, and enhancing customer satisfaction.
• Pursuing continuous development through reading, attending schools, seminars and on-the-job training.