Strategic OE Inside Sales

Location: Elgin, IL or Blue Bell, PA

Salary Range: $ 111,000.00 to $ 125,000.00

About SKF:

SKF, reducing friction since 1907, re-imagining rotation for a better tomorrow!

SKF is an industry-leading manufacturer that has been a cornerstone in industrial life. Wherever there are machines or products in motion, SKF bearings are there to reduce friction. SKF drives the industries that support our way of life, powers the machines that put food on the table, and even helps explore the cosmos.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. SKF is on pace to decarbonize all its production facilities by 2030.

We’re guided by our SKF values. Collaboration is critical to the success of our colleagues, partners, and customers. Curiosity and Courage provide a foundation for innovation and advancement. And we do this work out of Care for our people, customers, communities, and the planet.

We’re a company committed to a culture of belonging, where all our people are encouraged to be themselves and grow their careers in an equitable environment.

Learn about SKF at www.skf.com.

Position Summary

The Strategic OE Inside Sales – Sealing Solutions is responsible for owning day-to-day sales activities and account management for an assigned portfolio of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OE) customers, with a focus on accelerating sales growth for SKF Sealing Solutions products. This role develops and executes initiatives to deepen customer engagement, identify and convert new opportunities, and deliver profitable growth through value selling, pricing strategy support, and effective cross-functional coordination with Sales, Applications Engineering, Quality, and Customer Solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned OE account portfolio, including planning, opportunity management, and execution against sales targets.
• Understand customer needs and identify opportunities to promote SKF Sealing Solutions products and solutions; generate new business while expanding existing accounts.
• Provide technical support and product information to customers, leveraging internal technical resources as needed.
• Support and maintain pricing strategies; negotiate commercial offers and value-sell to protect margin and win business.
• Develop territory sales strategy and action plans in partnership with their Sales Director and/or aligned Key Account Managers (KAM); review, plan, and execute call plans (including reactivation of dormant accounts).
• Lead follow-up and lead generation activities; manage complex RFQs/bid packages and related project coordination.
• Own customer PPAP requirements and coordinate internal stakeholders to meet customer expectations.
• Support key commercial initiatives (e.g., product launches, price increases) and apply confidentiality, tact, and discretion in all interactions.

Leadership & Team Development

This is an individual contributor role. Success requires strong collaboration within a high-performing team that may include Sales and Sales Operations, Application Engineering, Quality, Production/Delivery, and Customer Solutions.

Customer / Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary day-to-day commercial contact for assigned OE customers.
• Build strong customer relationships, manage expectations, and ensure timely follow-up on quotes, technical inquiries, and program needs.
• Handle customer communications with confidentiality, tact, and discretion; coordinate escalations internally when needed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Sales Director and Sales to build territory strategies and execute account action plans.
• Coordinate with Application Engineering to align product selection, specifications, and technical support.
• Work with Quality, Customer Solutions & Operations, including Production/Planning teams to support customer requirements (including PPAP) and ensure smooth sales transactions and issue resolution.

Operational Excellence

• Manage pipeline and account activity in CRM to support forecasting, opportunity tracking, and disciplined follow-up.
• Execute to deadlines and maintain strong planning, organizational, and administrative practices.
• Apply sound project management for complex bids/RFQs and customer program requirements.

Strategic Communication

• Communicate clearly and professionally with customers and internal stakeholders via strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Provide timely updates on account status, opportunities, pricing actions, and customer requirements to relevant internal partners.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred
  
  Experience:
  • 1–3 years of experience in Sales, Customer Service, or Engineering
  • Proven inside sales experience preferred; experience within SKF, in particular for seals or bearings is a plus
  
  Technical Skills:
  • Strong technical aptitude with ability to learn product specifications
  • Proficiency with CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite

Other Requirements:
• Excellent communication, negotiation, interpersonal, and presentation skills
• Strong planning, organizational, and administrative skills; execution-focused with ability to meet deadlines
• Self-motivated, entrepreneurial spirit, and winning mindset
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a matrix organization
• Enjoy working in a team environment while maintaining focus on target achievement

Travel Requirements

Up to 25%

What You’ll Love About SKF:

Rest and Relaxation. Enjoy a generous PTO policy and 13 paid holidays.

Work/Life Integration. SKF supports work/life integration, home, family, community, personal well-being and health. Flexible work options available, depending on role.

Diversity in the Workplace. At SKF, we strive to embed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in everything we do. By developing a culture of belonging, our people can flourish; leading to an inclusive, equitable environment that promotes leadership, engagement and innovation.

Best in Class Benefits. SKF cares about the wellbeing of our employees. Comprehensive healthcare options to fit your needs and opt out payment.  Added benefits include company paid life insurance, STD, LTD. Supplemental benefits include critical illness coverage, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs, and much more!

Bonus. SKF offers STVS (Short Term Variable Salary) or Sales Incentive based on company performance and at the discretion of management.

Invest in your Future. Participate in our 401K program that boasts a 10% employer contribution:  100% match up to 5% of your elected contribution (100% Vested) plus an additional 5% company contribution.