Equipment Applications Specialist (Energy Research & Material Processing Sales)

Do you want to work hands-on with advanced laboratory equipment and help researchers succeed? At PI-KEM, you'll learn the equipment we sell, liaise with manufacturers and help customers choose the right solution for their research. PI-KEM is more than a supplier. We are partners to our customers, and our focus is their success. You'll work with university researchers and commercial R&D teams, so a real interest in their research matters to us.

You'll be the technical expert in our Business Development team, working alongside a Business Development Manager (BDM) and a Sales Development Executive (SDE). You'll scope the equipment customers need, support installs and training, and resolve technical issues, so customers get fast, accurate answers. You will have a team gross margin target, and an uncapped bonus is paid for results above it.

This is a practical, person-facing role. You will be in frequent contact with customers, suppliers and colleagues. You'll spend time on customer sites and at exhibitions and conferences across the UK and Europe, and with our global network of manufacturers and suppliers. Some trips include overnight stays away from home. You won't need to know our full range on day one: you'll learn the equipment by using it, with training and support from specialist colleagues and suppliers.

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WHAT YOU'LL DO

Scope the right equipment

• Learn our equipment: Build operational knowledge across PI-KEM's core equipment range, including how to set up, operate and test it
• Customer advice: Lead the technical scoping of customer applications and recommend the right equipment
• Technical expertise: Explain to customers how the equipment works, and the accessories, consumables and space it needs to operate
• Proposals and tenders: Prepare documentation and  understand customers' research and tender processes

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On site and after the sale

• Customer visits: Visit customers across the UK and Europe to develop relationships
• Installation and training: Deliver this on customer sites and remotely, and manage more complex projects, including coordinating external engineers
• Problem solving: Take the lead on resolving technical and operator issues for customers
• Manufacturers and suppliers: Keep regular contact with equipment manufacturers and our global supplier network

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Share what we know

• Guides and FAQs: Write how-to guides and FAQs that help customers get the most from their equipment
• Marketing: Work with our marketing team to show the extra support PI-KEM brings to the customer journey
• Exhibitions and conferences: Represent PI-KEM and talk with researchers about their work

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ABOUT YOU

We're looking for someone who enjoys talking to people, practical work and problem-solving, and who wants to help researchers and operators succeed.

You'll need:

• Right to work: Full right to work in the UK, as we are unable to provide visa sponsorship
• Qualifications: Bachelors or Masters degree or PhD in materials science, chemistry, mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, electrochemistry, or a closely related physical engineering discipline with a particular focus on battery cell development and testing, powder metallurgy or inorganic material  development (excluding environmental science, bioscience, bioengineering, and biomedical fields)
• Hands-on experience: Working with relevant lab or pilot-scale equipment, including set-up, operation and problem-solving
• Clear communication: The ability to explain technical ideas simply, in writing and in conversation
• Curiosity: Genuine interest in research, and want to engage with the people doing it
• Commercial focus: Understanding that your work supports customers and company growth. Sales experience is a bonus, but not required
• Organised and proactive: The skills to manage your own workload, plan project work and respond to customers quickly
• Digital skills: Confidence using everyday digital tools, including AI, CRM software and Microsoft Office
• Travel: Willing to travel across the UK and Europe, and occasionally to the USA, including overnight stays, and hold a full UK driving licence

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Bonus Skills

• Equipment: Experience with glovebox, furnace, coating or energy research equipment
• Language: Chinese speaker

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WHY JOIN PI-KEM?

PI-KEM is a specialist distributor of advanced materials and laboratory equipment, supporting university research groups and commercial R&D organisations. We work in partnership with our customers, taking a long-term view of the relationships we build: our question is always 'what can we do for our customers?'

Our values are Pride, Accountability and Inquisitiveness, and our approach is built around three pillars: provide excellence, achieve growth and evolve our approach. Our colleagues help shape our business and we regularly hold development sessions and away days.

• Work with researchers: Support university and commercial R&D teams working on energy, battery and advanced materials research
• Learn from specialists: Receive training from specialist colleagues and manufacturers, across a wide range of equipment
• Join a growing business: PI-KEM has over 35 years of experience, is well respected by leading universities and R&D institutes, and PI-KEM Europe is launching soon
• Build a career: A route towards Senior Technical Engineer or Business Development Manager as your knowledge and skills grow

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SALARY & BENEFITS

Basic salary circa £37,000, depending on experience. If the team gross margin target is met, total on-target earnings (OTE) rise to £43,000. An uncapped bonus is paid for any gross margin above target.

• 28 days holiday, plus additional Christmas Shutdown
• 1.30pm finish on a Friday
• Three paid well-being days, one paid volunteering day, and paid birthday leave
• Personal injury salary protection
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, CPD training and leadership development
• Provided with a phone, laptop, and Remarkable (we operate as sustainably as possible)

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HOW TO APPLY

Please email your CV to Fiona@PI-KEM.co.uk, with 'Equipment Applications Specialist' in the subject line.

In your covering email, please answer two questions in two or three sentences each:

1. Why do you want a customer-facing technical sales role?

2. Tell us about a piece of equipment related to this role that you have operated or repaired yourself. What did you find interesting about it?

Applications without both answers will not be considered.

Direct applications only; we are not accepting agency CVs for this role.

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