| CAREERS |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| Careers - Meet our People |
 |
"Ashland is a forward-looking company with high expectations - and it's in the midst of transformation"
Scott
Area manager
Drew Industrial
Boonton, N.J.
|
|
Day in the Life
Being a Drew area manager is never boring, because I'm responsible for such a wide variety of tasks.
A big part of my job is providing technical service for water-treatment systems and developing new
customer sales. I also implement water-treatment programs, which involves everything from setting up
equipment, training plant personnel and conducting customer water-treatment program review meetings to
identifying cost-avoidance and ROI* projects for customers and assisting fellow field representatives
in technical support. Occasionally, I'll work with representatives of other Ashland divisions to develop
new business, as well.
The variety of my responsibilities keeps the job interesting, but also requires the ability to multi-task
- my biggest challenge. In addition to managing a specific territory, an area manager must also be a
sales/service representative, a trainer and able to perform many administrative tasks. We have to have
a lot of skills.
My typical week runs about 55 hours, with about one overnight trip per week. Anyone interested in this
position should enjoy spending time on the road; I average about 2,200 miles a month. I'm usually with
a customer or prospect from about 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, then perform my "computer work" in the evenings.
I hired on with Ashland right out of college. I was looking for a job and felt fortunate to find one that
fit my needs perfectly. It was in my hometown, and the hiring manager provided a vision I really liked.
I believe a Drew area manager should be personable and customer-focused. He or she also should be able to
work well with varying personalities and possess the technical aptitude to identify and solve problems. Good
presentation, computer and time-management skills also are important.
Ashland uses "PACES" to describe certain traits necessary for our overall success. It stands for "proactive,
accountable, collaborative, externally focused and acting with speed." These are all qualities required for
success in my individual position, too.
I would tell a potential candidate for this position that you will be empowered to accomplish goals with
significant freedom. If you don't like sitting in an office all day, this would be a good job for you.
You also get to meet a great many people.
By the way, people are among the most rewarding part of this job. Some of my best memories here
involve working with a team toward a common goal. My largest challenge to date took the assistance
of 15 support personnel. While the most stressful time of my life, it also provided a great sense
of accomplishment that I still carry with me.
* Return on investment
|
|
Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | REACH | Responsible Care | MSDS | Real Estate | Site Map | Contact Us
