What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Inside Sales Representative position at Midwest Groundcovers?
OBJECTIVE / ACCOUNTABILITY
To meet customer expectations by providing value-added service and support to external customers and the sales team, achieving annual sales goals and profitability for the company and assigned territory with partnered Outside Sales Representative., while reaching personal and professional goals.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Sales and Customer Service
o Deliver efficient, accurate order management, with strong attention to detail on pricing, shipping instructions, and customer requests to prevent errors.
o Provide service through multiple channels (phone, email, website live chat, in-person).
o Process orders, quotes, credits, and inquiries via ERP system (Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central).
o Maintain customer accounts in CRM, ensuring accurate notes, contacts, and history.
o Build rapport and maintain long-term customer trust, primarily through digital/phone communication.
o Understand and communicate company policies on ordering, shipping, and credits.
o Resolve order issues, delivery problems, or billing discrepancies quickly and professionally.
o Suggest complementary items, substitutions, or upgrades to align with customer needs.
o Manage key house accounts and track sales results.
Partnering with Outside Sales
o Act as the “inside counterpart” to Outside Sales Representatives, ensuring smooth communication, follow-up, and execution of customer needs.
o Support customer communications, order/quote entry, and logistics.
o Ensure commitments made by the outside sales team are executed accurately and on time.
o Travel to territory with Outside Sales Representatives for periodic sales calls and trade shows.
· Plants and Inventory
o Conduct weekly nursery walks and share feedback with team and assigned accounts.
o Maintain knowledge of current and future inventory; communicate status to customers.
o Stay up to date on new plant introductions and seasonal offerings.
o Maintain industry awareness of the horticulture/landscape/nursery trade to better anticipate customer needs.
Projects and Process Improvements:
o Participate in regular training and lead portions of annual department training.
o Collaborate with sales leadership on initiatives to increase sales or customer engagement.
o Perform promotional and outbound selling efforts.
o Take initiative to improve the customer experience and support process improvements.
EDUCATION AND / OR EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
· Bachelor’s degree in horticulture, sales, marketing, or business.
· 3 years of experience in sales or customer service (horticulture knowledge preferred).
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
· Clear, concise, and professional written and verbal communication skills.
· Strong organizational skills to prioritize multiple requests and deadlines without dropping details.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook; ERP and CRM systems experience preferred.
· Commitment to customer service, teamwork, and continued development of plant and industry knowledge
· Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.
· Participation in trade shows and events outside normal business hours.
· Willingness to work longer hours and overtime as needed during peak season.
BENEFITS
- Medical, Dental and Vision insurance options
- Employer paid life and short term disability insurance
- 401k Match
- Paid time off and paid holidays
- Employee discounts
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Proudly ranked as a 2024 2025 Top Work Place in several categories, including Woman-Led companies and Cultural Excellence for Professional Development. Midwest Groundcovers has been growing and propagating over 20 million of the finest wholesales plants in the Midwest. Although Groundcovers are our specialty, Midwest Groundcovers’ plant offerings include Evergreens and Broadleaves, Deciduous Shrubs, Perennials, Ornamental Grasses, Vines and Native Prairie, Wetland and Woodland species. We are leaders in the Green Industry in partnering with landscape architects, landscape designers, green roof and plant professionals to create inspiring planting combination solutions. Experts in plants for Midwestern durability and sustainability for over five decades.