Walter Schneider ✔️ ツ

Experienced Account Manager | 22+ Years in Electronic Components Distribution | Strategic Sales | OEM | EMS | R&D | Technical Solutions With over 22 years of extensive experience in the electronic components distribution industry, I have grown into a trusted Account Manager recognized for building strong partnerships and delivering consistent, value-driven solutions. My experience ranges from inside sales and field sales to team leadership and strategic account management. I have successfully represented leading distributors such as Avnet Abacus, Farnell, Arrow, and Conrad, supporting a wide and diverse customer base that includes OEMs, EMS providers, R&D teams, and innovative start-ups. I am skilled in managing both high-volume supply chains and smaller, technically complex projects with a strong customer-centric focus. My core expertise includes strategic account management across industrial, medical, energy, and high-tech markets; identifying and developing new business opportunities through consultative sales; and matching component technologies precisely to customer needs. I also bring solid experience in BOM analysis, quotations, technical support, and supply chain alignment. Additionally, I am proficient in EDI and OCI integrations to streamline procurement and logistics, and fluent in Dutch, English, and German, facilitating smooth international collaboration. I am known as a reliable contact who listens carefully, advises clearly, and delivers effectively. Combining technical insight with commercial awareness, I create long-term value for customers and business partners alike. My proactive, hands-on approach helps customers thrive in competitive, fast-paced environments. I firmly believe in building genuine partnerships rather than just handling transactions. This mindset has enabled me to establish lasting relationships and contribute meaningfully to the success of both established manufacturers and emerging innovators in the electronics industry.

Responsible for managing and developing a portfolio of strategic and key accounts across the Benelux region, focusing on long-term relationships, sustainable revenue growth, and high-value technical solutions. Experienced in both Avnet Abacus and Schurter, bringing in-depth knowledge of electronic components and expertise in serving production (CEM/EMS), OEMs, R&D, start-ups, and MRO clients. Key responsibilities: Strategic and Key Account Management (KAM) to maximize growth and customer retention Developing and executing account plans based on market insights, budget targets, and sales forecasts Identifying, creating, and closing New Business Opportunities (NBOs) independently Maintaining and growing relationships with lead customers and distribution partners Conducting in-person and virtual customer visits, including preparation, structured follow-up, and opportunity development Coordinating with product management and engineering on technical solutions Preparing, negotiating, and turning quotations into orders, ensuring profitable margins Representing Schurter at industry events, trade shows, and key customer meetings Ensuring CRM data accuracy and providing monthly sales progress reports Focused on delivering strategic account development, commercial ownership, and sustainable growth, while ensuring high customer satisfaction and long-term trust.

As an Account Manager at Avnet Abacus, I am responsible for managing and growing a diverse portfolio of strategic customers in the Northeast region of the Netherlands. My customer base spans various sectors: • Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS/CEM/CMS) • Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) • Research & Development-driven organizations • Technology start-ups and scale-ups My core responsibilities include: • Developing and maintaining strong, long-term relationships with key stakeholders (engineering, procurement, management) • Identifying new business opportunities and initiating demand creation activities within customer projects • Acting as a bridge between the customer and our internal technical, commercial, and logistics teams • Supporting customers from design to production, including product selection, lifecycle management, and supply chain optimization • Advising on EDI, OCI, and digital procurement solutions to improve efficiency and integration • Monitoring market trends and providing insights to both customers and internal teams • Coordinating pricing, contract negotiations, and project management across multiple product lines I actively collaborate with design engineers and project managers to enable early engagement in the development cycle, ensuring customers receive the best possible technology fit for their applications. This includes support on components such as power supplies, connectors, wireless modules, sensors, energy storage, and more. Working at Avnet Abacus means I can leverage: • A linecard of world-class manufacturers • Extensive technical knowledge and resources through our Field Application Engineers (FAEs) • Robust supply chain capabilities, tailored to each customer's logistics needs • The strength of a global leader with a presence in over 125 countries I take pride in contributing to the success of my customers by offering hands-on support, solution-oriented thinking, and a genuine commitment to long-term collaboration.

During this period, I held various sales positions, from outside sales to internal sales support. These experiences allowed me to further develop my sales and technical skills and to engage with new customer segments. The variety of roles and companies gave me the opportunity to experiment with different sales strategies, which helped me gain insight into market dynamics and customer needs. This phase was also a personal journey of exploration—an opportunity to reflect on what I truly wanted to become and pursue professionally. Key Achievements and Responsibilities: Relationship Management: Actively maintaining customer relationships through regular follow-ups and client visits. Product Advice and Quotations: Providing detailed product advice and preparing accurate quotes for both technical and commercial customers. Sales Strategies: Identifying sales opportunities across different sectors and developing strategies to meet specific customer needs. Personal Development: The varied sales roles and customer segments taught me adaptability and the importance of self-reflection and continuous personal growth. Sales Goals: Achieving personal and team sales goals through both direct sales and the strengthening of strategic customer relationships.

The region I operate is the entire north of the Netherlands. I served key accounts like • Production company's (CEM). • Original equipment manufacturer (OEM). • R&D accounts. We sell high end electronics, concept selling, and design software. My job is to create new business and opportunity at my key accounts and all other possible projects. Farnell element14 is a high-service distributor of technology products and solutions for electronic system design, maintenance and repair. Bringing together the latest products, services, and development software, all connected to an innovative online engineering community where purchasers and engineers can access peers and experts, a wide range of independent technical information and helpful tools. Whether researching a new technology, designing an electronic product, or looking for parts to repair an existing system, Farnell element14 is the trusted global source to find the answers and parts you need to keep your project on the fast track, right from the start.

Farnell, also known as Farnell Electronics or Premier Farnell, is a global distributor of electronic components, embedded systems, and test and measurement equipment. They serve engineers, designers, maintenance professionals, and R&D departments across industries such as automation, aerospace, defense, medical technology, and telecommunications. Founded in 1939 in the UK, Farnell has grown into a leading name in electronic distribution. Their extensive product portfolio includes: • Passive and active components (resistors, capacitors, semiconductors, ICs) • Embedded solutions like Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and development kits • Test and measurement tools (oscilloscopes, multimeters, analyzers) • Industrial automation and control systems • Connectors, switches, relays • Soldering equipment and ESD protection tools ⸻ Farnell operates globally under different regional brands: Farnell in Europe, Newark in North America, and element14 in Asia-Pacific. Since 2016, Farnell has been part of Avnet, one of the world’s largest technology distributors. This partnership allows Farnell to offer end-to-end support—from prototyping to full-scale production and supply chain services.

60 % responsible for field sales 40 % responsible for Internal administration

A short description of my work which is then also combined with my education. This training I followed at ROC Gildevaart. By learning and working or working and learning You will be gaining a nationally recognized qualification. 80% of my studies, I'm at work and 20% of the time I spent on the training. This learning path is also known as the Apprenticeship Training (BBL). The theory follows the practice and gives a lot more depth in my work and the industry in which I work. The four days I have to work, I spent with Spoerle Electronics the firm I have been working on assistance level first. After 1.5 years (Jan 2005 ) I was asked to start this new internal group called Spoerle Direct (later called Arrow Direct), I was offered a permanent contract in July 2005 for an indefinite period. Function name (DSA) Direct sales assistant. Job description: I maintain contacts o Customers o The Department of product marketing. o Suppliers o Logistic Distribution Centers. My work consists mainly of: o Processing of requests and orders. o The offer of products o And maintaining and developing the relationship with the customers. The function consists of 80% of customer relationship management and the other 20% I am successful in approaching prospects.

Expanded Version At Kizcity in Utrecht, I held a versatile role with a variety of responsibilities: • Operating attractions: Ensured a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors by correctly operating the attractions and supervising the safety of children and their parents. • Minor maintenance: Performed small technical tasks to keep facilities and attractions in good condition, addressing issues promptly to minimize downtime. • Cleaning: Maintained a clean and hygienic environment in the attractions and general areas, ensuring visitors had a pleasant experience. • Kitchen duties: Assisted in the kitchen, including preparing simple meals and serving customers ordering food and drinks. This role required a mix of responsibility, technical skills, customer focus, and teamwork. It provided valuable experience in handling busy environments, interacting with different age groups, and efficiently performing diverse tasks.