Alstom, a prominent French multinational, was established in 1928 through the merger of the Société Alsacienne de Constructions Mécaniques (SACM) and the Compagnie Française Thomson-Houston (CFTH). This union combined SACM’s expertise in locomotive manufacturing with CFTH’s specialization in electrical traction equipment, laying the foundation for Alstom’s future endeavors in the transportation and power sectors.
In 1989, Alstom merged with the power systems division of the UK’s General Electric Company (GEC), resulting in the formation of GEC-Alsthom. This strategic alliance expanded the company’s reach in both energy and rail industries. By 1998, GEC-Alsthom underwent rebranding, adopting the name Alstom and subsequently became an independent entity listed on the Paris Stock Exchange.
Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Alstom pursued significant acquisitions to bolster its market position. Notably, in 1994, the company acquired a majority stake in the German rail manufacturer Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB), enhancing its rolling stock capabilities. Further expanding its footprint in the rail sector, Alstom acquired Italy’s Fiat Ferroviaria in 2000, renowned for developing the Pendolino tilting trains.
The early 2000s presented financial challenges for Alstom, leading to a bailout by the French government in 2003 to prevent bankruptcy. This intervention resulted in the state temporarily holding a 21% stake in the company.
Subsequently, in 2006, the French construction conglomerate Bouygues acquired these shares, becoming a significant shareholder.
In 2015, Alstom divested its energy division to General Electric, refocusing its operations solely on the rail transport sector. This strategic move was followed by the acquisition of Bombardier Transportation in 2021, positioning Alstom as the world’s second-largest rail equipment manufacturer.
Alstom stands at the forefront of businesses that are actively shaping a more sustainable future. The company specializes in designing, developing and marketing mobility solutions that establish a strong foundation for the transportation sector of tomorrow. Their extensive product portfolio includes high-speed trains, metro systems, monorails and trams, along with integrated mobility solutions, customized services, infrastructure development, signaling technology and digital mobility innovations.
By joining Alstom, you become part of a forward-thinking, responsible and innovation-driven organization that is committed to creating a greener and more intelligent approach to mobility. With a global team of over 70,000 professionals, Alstom is dedicated to leading the transformation of transportation systems worldwide.
Position Overview: Sales Engineer – Aftermarket Services
Alstom is actively seeking a Sales Engineer – Aftermarket Services to join its team in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. The company is also open to applications from candidates located in Philadelphia, New York or New Jersey, United States.
The primary objective of this role is to contribute to Alstom’s business growth by supporting the implementation of sales strategies and ensuring the seamless execution of projects. This position plays a critical role in sales expansion and revenue generation, as well as in maintaining strong relationships with clients.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
The selected candidate will be responsible for the following core activities:
Develop and Maintain Strong Client Relationships
- Establish and nurture long-term partnerships with customers by understanding their unique needs and providing tailored solutions.
- Strengthen Alstom’s reputation as a reliable and innovative service provider by ensuring a client-centric approach.
- Conduct regular meetings, follow-ups and customer feedback sessions to enhance satisfaction and build trust.
Sales and Financial Performance Management
- Prepare and present detailed annual sales reports that provide insights into performance, growth patterns and potential areas for improvement.
- Monitor and analyze sales margins to ensure profitability and identify cost-saving measures.
- Develop annual sales forecasts and business budgets, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and market trends.
Market Analysis and Competitive Insights
- Identify emerging market opportunities and stay updated on industry trends to anticipate customer demands.
- Conduct competitive analysis to benchmark Alstom’s offerings against other industry players.
- Work collaboratively with different teams to refine business strategies based on market intelligence.
Sales Strategy Implementation and Business Development
- Adopt and enforce company-approved processes for handling tenders, contract negotiations and business deals.
- Ensure that all sales activities are conducted in close coordination with engineering, service and project management teams.
- Assist in defining pricing models and contract structures that align with business objectives while being attractive to customers.
Support for Technical and Engineering Teams
- Bridge the gap between technical teams and customers, ensuring clear communication and problem resolution.
- Provide product knowledge and engineering expertise to customers while working closely with cross-functional teams to address technical issues.
- Facilitate workshops and training sessions to educate clients about Alstom’s solutions and services.
Ideal Candidate Profile
To be successful in this role, the candidate should meet the following qualifications and demonstrate the required competencies:
Educational Background
- A degree in Engineering or Business (preferably Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial Engineering).
- A Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) or advanced engineering studies would be an added advantage.
Professional Experience
- At least five (5) years of experience in the rail industry or a closely related sector such as engineering projects or transportation solutions.
- Proven knowledge of products and services in the transportation industry.
- Prior exposure to customer relations and a strong understanding of client needs in the transport sector.
- Experience working with major transport operators, government agencies and infrastructure development projects.
Core Skills and Competencies
- Excellent numerical and analytical abilities, ensuring accurate financial forecasting and sales reporting.
- Strong planning and organizational skills, enabling effective time management and multitasking.
- Outstanding persuasive and negotiation skills, allowing the candidate to influence key business decisions.
- A strategic problem-solver, capable of applying critical thinking to resolve customer concerns efficiently.
- Business development mindset, with the ability to proactively anticipate and respond to customer demands.
- Adaptability and flexibility in fast-paced and dynamic work environments.
- A global outlook, combined with the ability to communicate effectively in English.
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity, ensuring productive interactions in diverse, international settings.
Additional Role Details: Sales Engineer – PCRO
The PCRO Sales Engineer will take charge of selling designated product lines to key customers in target markets while working in close collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders. This role involves strategic sales planning, execution of business growth strategies and developing in-depth technical knowledge about Alstom’s solutions.
The responsibilities of the PCRO Sales Engineer include:
Technical Consultation and Customer Engagement
- Offer detailed and broad technical consultation to help customers understand the value and benefits of Alstom’s product portfolio.
- Conduct in-depth training sessions and presentations on technical solutions and engineering innovations.
Product Knowledge and Market Awareness
- Stay informed about product advancements, market shifts and competitive positioning to refine sales strategies.
- Maintain a strong understanding of the customer landscape to develop customized solutions that address specific challenges.
Sales Performance and Business Growth
- Support revenue generation by managing product knowledge across customer relationships.
- Collaborate with engineering, sales and distribution teams to drive customer engagement and product adoption.
- Play a pivotal role in bidding processes, contract negotiations and market expansion initiatives.
Cross-functional Coordination
- Work closely with inside sales teams, engineering teams and suppliers to meet and exceed revenue targets.
- Assist with developing marketing strategies that align with customer needs and business objectives.
Minimum Requirements for the Role
Candidates applying for this position should meet the following basic qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial or Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution.
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience in the transportation sector, specifically within the rail industry.
- At least two (2) years of experience in a Sales Engineering role within a technical environment.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring corporate sponsorship.
Essential Skills for Success
To perform effectively in this position, candidates should demonstrate the following skills and competencies:
- Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, to engage with customers and internal teams.
- Knowledge of key customers within sales territories, ensuring effective market penetration.
- Excellent time management, planning and presentation skills, ensuring seamless execution of tasks.
- In-depth knowledge of Alstom’s service capabilities to deliver comprehensive customer solutions.
- Ability to establish and maintain strong business relationships, leveraging networking opportunities.
- Deep understanding of market dynamics, industry trends and competitor positioning.
- Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills, fostering collaboration across departments.
- Ability to utilize support personnel effectively, ensuring customer satisfaction and business success.
Alstom is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where everyone is encouraged to reach their full potential. The company values diversity and promotes respect for all individuals, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or any other legally protected characteristic.
By joining Alstom, you become part of a dynamic and forward-looking global community that is shaping the future of mobility. Are you ready to contribute to an impactful and exciting journey?