Applications Specialist

Position Title: Applications Specialist

Reports To:  Vice President Applications

Location: Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland

Job Type: Full-time

Applications Specialist

For 50 years, ABEC has been a leading supplier to the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. ABEC's unique value is based on combining long experience with the ability to engineer, design, manufacture, commission, qualify, and service the entire bioprocess to reduce overall cost, shorten time to market, and maximize productivity. ABEC's products include process and equipment engineering/consulting services, comprehensive site services, bioreactors and fermenters, filtration and chromatography systems, prep and hold systems, and cleaning/sterilization systems. 

Position Summary:

The Applications Specialist is a technical expert in biopharmaceutical clinical and commercial manufacturing, with experience in fields such as Sales, Manufacturing, & Engineering. S/he will be delivering consulting services to global customers, either as independent efforts or as part of larger ABEC projects. The Applications Specialist is responsible for interfacing with customers and applications management to define and cost custom designed solutions and services for biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The role is part of the Applications function globally and participates in driving profitable ABEC growth in the region. The Applications Specialist works as part of a direct team reporting to the VP of Applications and is supported by matrixed resources with specific subject matter experts. The Applications group support Sales to close opportunities while ensuring that the technical and commercial terms meet ABEC's overall business needs. The primary focus will be to grow the CSR (Custom Single Run) customer base globally, but the successful candidate will also support Stainless Steel Equipment (SSE) and Service opportunities. The candidate can be based in Ireland (Fermoy) or the US (Bethlehem, PA) and should have the ability to travel on a regular basis.

Responsibilities:

Work within pre-established guidelines and instructions to perform the task required including:

• Collaborate with colleagues in the definition and development of technical and commercial proposals often within tight deadlines. Ensure timely review and response to client requests for proposals. 
• Interpret customer performance requirements and develop optimal technical solutions. Interface with ABEC Operations functions (PM, PC, Engineering/Design, Automation, Quality) to communicate customer needs and obtain appropriate proposal content.
• Exercise judgement and good communication in resolving conflicting customer expectations in terms of price, performance or schedule.
• Sales Support - Ensure effective support of Sales including advice on product strategies for identified opportunities, ABEC expertise at meetings with clients, training on product capabilities/differentiation, and bid decisions. Work with customers to thoroughly understand what they want to achieve and determine a fit for ABEC products. Clearly articulate the ABEC value proposition in a way that it relevant to the specific customer need.
• Marketing and Product Management - Provide technical content for marketing tools (presentations, brochures, website content, etc.) for effective communication of ABEC product features, benefits, and differentiation. 
• Support new product launches by training Sales, and interfacing directly with potential customers.
• Train both sales and applications on product capabilities and differentiation. Support sales as product expert at meetings with customers remotely and face to face in the field.
• Support other functions such as Service, Project Management and Product as required from time to time.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives relative to Applications or other functions.
• Track competitor capabilities and activities.
• Other duties as assigned by the VP of Applications.
• Will play an active role in identifying and driving Continuous Improvement (CI) opportunity.

Qualifications:

o   Bachelor's Degree or Ireland Honours Degree (Level 8) Engineering or Science.

• Minimum 5 years' experience in biopharma capital equipment engineering/design, bioprocess sciences, and/or applications/product management. 
• Demonstrated ability to understand and navigate both technical issues and commercial situations.
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills.
• Prior experience in Applications/Product Management/Bioprocess Engineering is preferred.
• Understanding of planning and execution of cGMP biopharmaceutical capital projects, from the early conceptual phase through qualification.
• Knowledge of bioprocess equipment (fermenters, bioreactors, filtration, chromatography, CIP, Single Use Systems, etc.).
• Ability to travel approximately 30% globally.
• Ability to speak a foreign language, a plus.
• Awareness of and prior experience with implementing Continuous Improvement (CI) a plus.  
• Prior Lean/Six Sigma experience a plus

Benefits:

O Pension

O Health insurance

O Employee discounts

O Death in Service

O Bike to work

O Company events

O Tuition reimbursement policy