Customer Sales and Service Representative

Are you proactive in asking questions and recommending solutions as well as additional related products?

Do you enjoy the challenge of discovering just the right part or solution for a customer’s need?

Are you knowledgeable in fluid power components?

We have an immediate opening for a Customer Service Representative. We are the world’s largest fluid power distributor, supplying hydraulic and pneumatic components and value-added services.

More About This Role

As a member of the Applied® Fluid Power Network, you will partner with our external customers and internal customers (parent company account managers) to find products and services, solve customer needs, and build ongoing positive business relationships in an industrial environment. This branch is a small operation consisting of two to three employees, which requires all associates to be able to perform all functions required in the branch.

• Respond to customer inquiries, create price quotes, process orders, expedite parts, and process returns. Professionally handle requests from customers to ensure that issues are resolved promptly and thoroughly. Requests are received via phone, email, fax, and as communicated by sales associates.
• Sourcing parts from core vendors and alternative vendors when needed. Recommend and source the most profitable products, utilizing internal inventory first, supplier inventory as an alternate option, to meet or improve upon the customer required dates.
• Continuously identifying process & product improvements that positively impact the Customer’s experience.
• Assist in generating sales and growing revenue for the branch. Proactively review open customer orders and pending quotes to ensure on-time responses, shipments, and conversion of quotes to orders. Promote the best long-term solutions to our customers.
• Communicate disruptions in service levels, approval requests, corrective actions needed, customer feedback, and preventative actions to management.
• Support pricing and margin improvement efforts by communicating opportunities with management.
• Adopt and utilize business processes that will improve work efficiency.
• Gain and utilize product knowledge and expertise to assist customers with product selections and coordinate supplier engineering support to drive the sales process.
• Responsible for personal investment in gaining proficiency in our systems, product training, adoption of company initiatives, sales tools, and overall continuous career development.
  
  

Warehouse/Shipping Related Functions

• Perform duties required in receiving and verify incoming parts, materials, and supplies; maintain stock areas; prepare sales orders for shipment; stock products appropriately and maintain branch supplies. Pull correct parts from inventory and prepare them (package) for shipment and delivery, while maintaining quantitative accuracy.
• Work from daily schedule, work orders, verbal and written instructions, using pallet jack and mobile lift equipment (forklift) to safely transport and load/unload parts and materials. Exercise proper care and use of equipment and materials. Occasional use of simple hand and power tools, weighing scales, postage meters.
• Work from purchase orders, bills of lading, packing slips, sales orders, service center requests, written and verbal instructions. Receive and examine condition of deliveries; indicate acceptance or note discrepancies on bill of lading. Check and match packing slip with purchase order; count and verify; record and route copies as prescribed.
• Maintain accurate inventory levels through cycle counting as required.
• Perform all duties required of the branch, functioning as both inside sales/customer service and all warehouse duties.
• Maintain all work areas in a neat and orderly condition. Detect and report all faulty equipment, defective materials, improper operation or unusual condition to a supervisor.  Observe all prescribed safety rules and regulations.
• Occasionally assist with the loading, unloading and securing of loads when preparing materials for shipment.
  
  

Position Requirements

• 1 year customer service or inside sales, mechanical or maintenance experience. Industrial distribution or parts counter environment preferred.
• Attention to detail, sense of urgency, and strong inter-personal skills.
• Strong mechanical aptitude is required.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• A working knowledge of warehouse systems and processes.
• General knowledge or training in shipping, counting and checking of product.
• Experience using PCs to perform job functions and the ability to learn new software applications.
• High School diploma or GED.
• Basic math calculations and the ability to read, write and understand work instructions.
• The ability to stand for extended periods of time, walk, bend and lift up to 25 lbs. regularly, and up to 45 lbs. occasionally.
• Valid driver's license & clean driving record (MVR)
  
  

Founded in 1923, Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) is a leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies. Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve MRO and OEM end users in virtually all industrial markets through our multi-channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise.

Applied Industrial Technologies is built on a philosophy that puts people first. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to a workforce in which we enforce fair treatment and provide growth opportunities for everyone. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, color, national origin, genetics, religion, gender, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.