Estimator/Inside Sales Representative

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Estimator/Inside Sales Representative is responsible for generating sales quotes and handling customer inquiries. This position estimates the cost of manufacturing a products based on drawings and computer models and processes requests for quotations to include scheduling and estimating project time frame. In addition, the Estimator/Inside Sales Representative will provide ongoing support for established accounts while becoming technically knowledgeable about the company’s products and vendors.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Respond to customers’ needs, consistent with quality, culture, and business practices.
• Receive requests for price quotations, purchase orders, order changes, adjustments, and cancellations directly from customers, original equipment manufacturers, and distributors.
• Use estimating tools to evaluate labor, materials, production, and shipping costs to develop cost estimate of production.
• Communicate with vendors and other team members to discuss estimates and assess any potential manufacturing issues.
• Inform customer of unit prices, shipping date, anticipated delays, and any additional information needed by customer.
• Achieve and maintain rapport with customers and work to give them the best possible service.
• Use computer systems to retrieve customer information, stock status information, the status of purchase orders, and to make changes on customer purchase orders.
• Ensure that correct codes are used for retrieving and inputting information.
• Follow up on inquiries by checking order status on computer for delivery information. Work closely with operations regarding the master schedule and deliveries of scheduled shipments.
• Make price quotations within 24 hours. Prepare forms, requests for quote (RFQ) on items not in stock and return quotations to customers ensuring their requirements are met.
• Quote prices, terms, lead times and delivery dates based on product knowledge/company forecasts and inventory.
• Obtain quotes from Approved Vendors (distributors and manufacturers) in order to meet customer's quality and delivery requirements.
• Ensure documentation of all transactions (Customer RFQ, RFQ to vendor, customer quote, customer Purchase Order, change orders.)
• Identify and develop new and existing marketing opportunities through mailings, research, cold calling and trade show leads.
• Target sales by working with the outside representative, excess inventory reports and inactive/lower activity accounts.
• Help drive strategic plan to achieve sales and budgetary goals.
• Foster a continuous improvement environment every day.
• Adhere to all company standards and policies.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area.
• Conduct himself/herself in a professional manner in accordance with company guidelines.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Specific material knowledge.
• Familiarity and efficient navigation within NAV/ERP system.
• Phone and email etiquette and professionalism – prompt courteous, clear and concise communications when interacting with customers, vendors, and all Activar employees.
• Ability to clearly assess customer’s needs to provide exceptional customer service.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks with great attention to detail.
• Effective communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the capacity to learn new systems.
• Tenacity in overcoming obstacles while maintaining productive and positive working relationships.
• Ability to remain open minded in approach to assignments.
• Ability to execute in a rapidly changing fast paced environment that requires strong team work.
• Basic ability to understand blue prints, schematics, and instrumentation diagrams.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Equivalent of high school diploma or G.E.D. certification.
• Previous estimating, customer service, or inside sales experience in the manufacturing industry.

Preferred:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline.
• Familiarity with plastisol/plastics industry.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk throughout the building.  The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.  

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Starting hourly pay range: $26.00 - $32.00

Benefits Overview:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Bereavement leave
• Community involvement time off
• Dental insurance
• Earned time off
• Employee assistance program
• Family and medical leave
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Holiday pay
• Life insurance/accidental death and dismemberment
• Military leave
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Vision insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Weekly pay

Salary : $26 - $32