Inside Sales Representative I

PURPOSE   The Inside Counter Sales Representative assists customers and contractors by providing quotes and product information, both in person and over the phone, while maintaining the company standards of excellent customer service. They may handle special orders and advanced pricing.  This position generates sales by gathering customer’s product needs, design specifications and acts as the company liaison between the company and the customer.   ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES   Represents the company during the sales process by collecting customer product needs and design specifications over the phone or in person, and acting as liaison between purchasing, inside technical/design staff, production staff and customer. Responds to customer inquiries regarding product selection, placement of orders, requests for prices and quotations, complaints and scheduling of deliveries and installations, and providing customer follow-ups. Initiates telephone calls to customers to generate sales to achieve a projected sales goal. Actively engages in increasing knowledge of sales techniques and developing product and industry knowledge through attending company training programs and develops knowledge of residential, rural, industrial, and commercial construction.  Generates sales opportunities through research on client needs, industry competition and learning the features and benefits of company products. Provides accurate and complete material take offs of single/multiple family home projects. Provides technical assistance to drafting and engineering as required. Analyze and size various lumber products using appropriate software. Coordinates purchase and delivery of special products.  Obtains information on pricing specifications, uses and an availability. Codes and inputs customer orders, pricing information and additional data into the computer system. Creates accurate and complete invoices, work orders, and sales tickets. Maintains stock levels on the sales floor and in the stockroom. Operates and balances cash register daily. Research credits, returns, and late payments as needed. Works with outside sales representatives to ensure customer satisfaction. Understands and observes all safety procedures and practices to prevent injury to self or co-workers; attends periodic safety meetings as required; may recommend changes to improve safety procedures.   SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES   This job has no supervisory responsibilities.   MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.   Minimum education required: High School Diploma Minimum experience required: 1-2 years in building material industry with extensive knowledge of product and application.   COMPETENCIES   Good interpersonal and customer relations skills and excellent oral and written communication skills. Strong verbal and written communication skills Good interpersonal and influencing skills Strong customer service skills Knowledge of basic sales techniques and concepts Strong attention to detail Knowledge of business math Knowledge of company products, production processes and product standards Knowledge of building materials, applications, related equipment, and/or construction industry. Familiar with inventory and inventory control. Ability to operate computer, calculator & cash register. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and an enterprise resource planning (ERP) program Must be able to drive and walk throughout yards, plants, and offices.   WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL ACTIVITY The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.   Subject to both typical office environment and outside locations with temperature and weather variations. Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds frequently and on occasion up to 80 pounds. Must be able to stand and walk frequently throughout the day.