What are the responsibilities and job description for the Inside Sales Representative position at American West Industries?
Overview:
We are a leading hydraulic cylinder repair shop focused on delivering high-quality hydraulic cylinders, seals, and sealing solutions to industrial customers. The Inside Sales Specialist will be the primary technical and commercial liaison for customers, supporting quote generation, order processing, and technical consultations. The ideal candidate combines technical knowledge of hydraulic systems (cylinders, seals, O-rings) with strong sales fundamentals and a customer-first mindset.
Responsibilities:
- Act as the first point of contact for customers via phone, email, and face to face, providing accurate product recommendations and quotes.
- Professionally qualify inbound inquiries and proactively follow up on leads to drive revenue growth.
- Prepare detailed technical quotations for seals, O-rings, gland packing, and related components, including pricing, lead times, and delivery options.
- Review customer specifications, and requirements; advise on appropriate products, materials (e.g., NBR, HNBR, FKM/Viton, HNBR, fluorocarbon, polyurethane), seals configurations, and compatibility with fluids and pressures.
- Collaborate with Engineering/Production to ensure feasibility of sealing solutions, and material substitutions; translate technical needs into actionable quotes.
- Provide application guidance on seal selection, lubrication, and installation considerations to optimize seal life and performance.
- Maintain and manage opportunities, quotes, orders, and follow-up tasks.
- Track and report on key metrics (quote-to-order conversion, average order value, on-time delivery, customer satisfaction).
- Assist with after-sales support, including troubleshooting, warranty claims, and returns.
- Stay current on industry standards and product lines (e.g., Parker/SKF/YPT seals, standard metric and inch-size cylinders, o-ring standards such as AS568, ISO 3601) and communicate changes to customers.
- Identify cross-sell and up-sell opportunities ( seals, rods, pistons, end caps, services such as cylinder rebuilding, or seal kits).
Qualifications:
Required:
- 2 years of inside sales, technical sales, or customer-facing support in hydraulic components, seals, or fluid power industries.
- Strong knowledge of hydraulics, seal materials, O-rings (e.g., AS568 sizes), and related components.
- Ability to read and interpret customer drawings and specifications; comfortable with mechanical terminology and tolerances.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills; professional, responsive, and customer-focused.
- Problem-solving mindset with the ability to translate technical needs into practical solutions.
- Familiarity with standard hydraulic industry practices, safety considerations, and quality standards.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
Preferred:
- Technical training or background in hydraulics or a relevant trade (machining, hydraulics, seals).
- Experience with seal suppliers and brands (e.g., Parker, Trelleborg, SKF, James Walker, Durabla) and seal selection guidelines.
- Experience in a OEM, distributor, or hydraulic repair shop environment.
Education:
- Associate degree in hydraulics, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Key Competencies:
- Technical aptitude with hydraulic systems and sealing technology
- Customer focus and relationship building
- Effective listening and communication
- Analytical thinking and problem solving
- Time management and prioritization
- Team collaboration across sales, engineering, and manufacturing
Work Environment:
- Primarily office-based with frequent phone; occasional site visits or customer meetings as needed.
- Fast-paced environment with competing priorities and tight lead times.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Competitive base salary plus performance-based incentives
- Medical, dental, vision, 401(k)/retirement plan
- Paid time off and holidays
- Training and certification opportunities in hydraulic systems and sealing technologies
How to Apply:
- Submit resume and a cover letter detailing relevant experience with hydraulics, O-rings, seals, and related components.
Equal Opportunity:
- We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Pay: From $49,920.00 per year
Work Location: In person
Salary : $49,920