Blue Force Gear, Inc. (BFG) is a family owned tactical gear manufacturer located in Pooler, Georgia. BFG is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees. In order to enhance our long term growth, we are looking for a highly organized, enthusiastic, self-motivated, Customer Service Rep.

Responsibilities Include:
• Answers incoming calls, e-mails, and/or faxes from both customers and dealers/distributors and informs customers of unit prices, shipping date, anticipated delays, and any additional information needed
• Receives orders and inputs order data into Quickbooks
• Receives web orders and inputs them into Quickbooks
• Responds to shipment and inventory inquiries, confirms orders, and resolves discrepancies
• Serves as a liaison for specific dealers in a geographic area
• Places outgoing calls in designated geographic area to announce promotions, introduce new products, confirm open orders, recommend additional products to meet customer needs, provide follow-up for purchase order discrepancies, and monitor consumer’s on-hand inventories
• Provides technical support to customers via verbal and written communications
• Follows-up with customers as needed.
• Completes miscellaneous project work in preparation for major trade shows, meetings, or mass mailings.
• Attends annual trade shows as needed.

Experience and Education:
• College degree in Business or Marketing preferred, or an acceptable combination of education and experience
• Must have two or more years of direct work experience in a customer service, sales or telesales capacity
• MUST HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF TACTICAL GEAR
• Knowledge of government contracts, military and/or federal agencies a plus
• Solid experience in opportunity qualification, pre-call planning, call control, account development, and time management
• Experience with customer relationship management software a plus

Competencies and Skills:
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of Quickbooks
• Effective time management
• Integrity, enthusiasm and strict attention to detail are essential
• Strong problem identification and resolution skills
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills
• Must be self-motivated with the ability to multitask
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team

Description
Purpose:

In this business development/sales role within Gentex Ground Systems, the Sales Manager will be responsible for identifying, developing and managing new and existing customer relationships, as well as leading future business development activities, targeting three primary regional markets of interest (MOI), 1) US Federal Law Enforcement, US Local Law Enforcement and 2) US Private Security. Activities will be conducted within the framework of the overall Ground Systems Business Development strategy, and must be coordinated with other members of the Ground Systems Business Development team working in the same market space.

The Sales Manager will be responsible for establishing and building close customer relationships in order to identify, develop, and capture new business opportunities within the MOI. Activities include sales channel development and management, business opportunity identification, opportunity qualification, business capture strategy development, and tactical business capture planning and execution. The Sales Manager will be responsible and accountable for achieving revenues in their assigned market space in support of Ground Systems objectives.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead business development and client management efforts within a customer focus area including initiating calls to prospective clients, preparing capability briefings and information packets, conducting client meetings to uncover, create opportunities that lead to new business and expand relationships
• Lead BD/Capture activities to identify, qualify and create new business opportunities delivering consistent growth to annual business revenue plan execution and realization
• Research, establish and sustain positive key decision-maker and decision-influencer relationships
• Proactively manage internal and external Customer Experience engagements for customer and end user satisfaction and continuous improvement
• Work with local Law Enforcement organizations to identify, develop, and use grants and other funding streams to support PPE sales.
• Manage preparation and distribution of product information and capabilities, and technology briefings
• Work with Product Management to develop new product ideas and deliver white papers and proposals that address customer requirements via communication of product technical/functional requirements and customer expectations
• Work with product and program managers to identify and pursue follow-on opportunities
• Serve as the customer advocate during opportunity and program reviews to bring the Voice of the Customer and End User into planning and strategy sessions
• Attend trade shows, workshops, and seminars to maintain deep understanding of market segment and customer environment
• Utilize Salesforce CRM to develop sales funnel and execute Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) to enable timely delivery of customer orders
• Other BD and supervisory related duties as assigned

Gentex Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status or on the basis of disability. Gentex is an E-Verify Participant. Pre-employment drug/alcohol/background screening is required. If you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Gentex, please call our Human Resources department at (570) 282-3550.

Requirements
EDUCATION:
A four-year degree in a technical field or equivalent experience is desired.

EXPERIENCE:
The candidate must have experience in business development, marketing and sales of personnel protective products with at least 5 years in a business development, sales or marketing role. Experience working and interfacing with Law Enforcement end users and organizations is required. Prior law enforcement experience is highly desired. The candidate should possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills. A track record of successfully introducing new products to customers and working with Customers to identify funding streams is necessary. A history in grant writing and supporting development of products based on market/customer requirements would be a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES :
• Establish strong relationships at the management/executive level with current and prospective customers to positively posture Gentex in the current business environment
• Coordinate effectively internally to ensure efficient use of resources and appropriate focus of resources to achieve revenue goals
• Communicate effectively and demonstrate solid sales abilities in all facets of sales and marketing
• Develop and Manage sales channels and partners in the US Law Enforcement market to support Law Enforcement Go To Market Strategy.
• Develop new business and new business opportunities accordingly
• Strong presentation skills are essential to engage the attention of both customers and colleagues
• Possess a strong power of persuasion
• Excellent communicator including strong verbal and written abilities, excellent listening and feedback skills and the ability to provide strong direction
• Working knowledge and use of Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word and PowerPoint, and Outlook

Apply at recruiting.paylocity.com.

BLUE FORCE GEAR – PRODUCTION (SEWING) MANAGER

Blue Force Gear, Inc. is a tactical gear company located in Pooler, GA. We are seeking a Production Operations Manager (Sewing) to lead our Production Team (Sewing and Laser Cutting)! This position is responsible for ensuring that products are produced efficiently, on time, and with the highest quality standards. Please note: this is a “hands-on” position and we are looking for someone who is not afraid to roll up their sleeves to get the job done! PRODUCTION SEWING EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED!

Responsibilities:
• Plans, organizes, and develops production schedules to plan and provide the required level of finished goods for all projects and product lines.
• Supervises and manages the daily activities and performance of production personnel.
• Works closely with Sr. Manager, Logistics Operations to ensure availability of all materials and components necessary to produce the finished products.
• Assists in the resolution of production, equipment, and systems problems, including root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Drives continuous improvements and consistencies in processes
• Develops and executes production operational strategies and vision
• Monitors production processes, adjusts schedules as needed, and ensures that products are produced in a timely and cost effective manner.
• Ensures the availability of all materials and components necessary to produce finished products.
• Ensures that standards for product quality, equipment, and operator performance are maintained and that cost effective technology is used to maximize production.
• Initiates recommendations for new equipment and improvements.
• Analyzes production and quality control issues to detect and correct problems.
• Determines personnel and material resources needs.
• Organizes the repair and routine maintenance of all production equipment.
• Implements and ensures that standard operating procedures for production are followed at all times.
• Updates standard operating procedures as needed.
• Prepares and maintains production reports.
• Conducts time studies and Kaizen events.
• Develops, monitors, and reports on operating costs within production department.
• Keeps up to date on information and technology affecting production to increase innovation and ensure compliance.
• Develops KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators) and goals for production personnel.

Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in business, logistics, materials management, industrial technology or related field is required.
• Must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience proven work experience as a production, manufacturing, materials management, and/or logistics manager, preferably in tactical gear or textile industries. PRODUCTION SEWING IS REQUIRED.
• Must be knowledgeable of production/manufacturing processes and techniques and sewing machinery.
• Must be knowledge of lean manufacturing, process improvement techniques, and Six Sigma.

Please submit cover letter and resume to: BFGcareers@blueforcegear.com
Blue Force Gear is an Equal Opportunity and Drug Free Employer

BLUE FORCE GEAR – TACTICAL GEAR RETAIL STORE MANAGER

Blue Force Gear, Inc. (BFG) is a family owned tactical gear manufacturer located in Pooler, Georgia. BFG is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees. In order to enhance our long term growth, we are seeking a results- driven senior level Retail Store Manager to be responsible for startup of a new tactical gear retail store and continued overall store management!

Major Responsibilities
• Startup of new retail store
• Manages the overall operation of the store
• Develops and implements strategies to increase store sales, profits, and service levels
• Interacts with a knowledgeable customer base in a friendly and professional manner
• Provides customer service to ensure customers have a positive and educated shopping experience
• Responds to customer inquiries and complaints
• Monitors store expenses and ensures that expense targets are met
• Drives operational inefficiencies to help minimize risk and protect the stores assets
• Manages the store’s inventory including: merchandising, pricing, ordering and back stock
• Develops and maintains inventory policies
• Oversees the stocking, receiving, and discontinuation of items
• Meets with key vendors to ensure that up to date products are being carried
• Achieves targeted sales goals
• Manages and mentors employees to provide exceptional customer service
• Trains and manages store staff
• Works closely with marketing and sales to coordinate events and day to day operations
• Analyzes, interprets, and acts on data to achieve desired business objectives
• Maintains a clean, organized and stocked retail store
• Maintains the stability and reputation of the store by complying with legal requirements
• Ensures overall safety practices are followed
Educational Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Sales, or related field.

Previous Experience:
• A minimum of 10 years of retail store, merchandising, and sales management experience preferably within the tactical gear industry
• Must have new store start up experience
• Must have strong understanding of sales and customer service
• Must have demonstrated ability to work within a budget
• Must be available to work varying shifts and days of the week (may include evenings, weekends, early morning or late shifts.
• Must have ability to stand for long periods of time is required
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 75 lbs
Competencies and Skills:
• Excellent communication skills
• High energy with proven track record of results
• Proficient in Microsoft
• Demonstrated team player
• Must possess organization skills
• Self-motivated
• Strong leadership skills
• Must be client relationship builder

Please submit cover letter and resume to BFGcareers@blueforcegear.com
BFG is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.