Inside Sales Representative

Job Title:  Inside Sales Representative

Department:  Sales

Reports To:  Sales Manager

FLSA Classification:  Non-Exempt

Employment Type:  Full-Time, At-Will 

Location:  Downers Grove, IL (onsite; minimal travel)

Salary Range:  $55,000 – $72,000 commensurate with experience

Who We Are

Every product has a journey before it reaches your hands—and on the manufacturing floor, every handoff matters. Conveyor systems keep materials moving from one stage to the next, helping people, equipment, and processes operate as one coordinated team. IKI designs the systems that make those handoffs seamless, turning thousands of moving parts into a winning operation.

For more than 50 years, we've helped manufacturers keep that momentum going. From a single conveyor to fully integrated material handling systems, we solve complex production challenges by creating smarter, more efficient ways to move products, connect operations, and keep businesses running at their best.

The Inside Sales Representative

That same approach shapes how we support our customers and sales team. As an Inside Sales Representative, you will take ownership of all customer orders ensuring every detail is accurate and every customer receives responsive, reliable service. By connecting customer needs with the right parts, information, and internal teams, you keep orders moving, solve problems, and build the trust that drives lasting customer relationships.

The ideal Inside Sales Representative acts as the running back of our sales team—receiving the handoff, reading the field, and finding the best path forward. You take the opportunities and customer needs coming your way and turn them into action. You are a proactive self-starter who takes initiative, adapts to shifting priorities, and maintains a strong pace of execution.You use technical curiosity, attention to detail, and proactive communication to navigate obstacles and keep things moving. Whether you're preparing parts quotes, identifying replacement parts, processing orders, or coordinating with other teams, you anticipate challenges, adapt quickly, and follow through. Your ability to stay organized, solve problems, and see things through makes you someone both customers and teammates can rely on.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary point of contact for customer service inquiries, orders, parts requests, and concerns, providing responsive service and resolving issues professionally.
• Prepare accurate quotes, estimates, proposals, and sales orders for components, replacement parts, and related services.
• Manage customer orders from entry through shipment, coordinate payments or credit authorization, and proactively communicate updates, delays, and backorders.
• Identify replacement parts using ERP systems, catalogs, blueprints, and technical drawings; recommend suitable alternatives when needed.
• Collaborate with engineering and field sales to develop accurate, competitive quotations and resolve technical questions.
• Verify inventory availability, coordinate lead times, and manage shipping requirements and costs.
• Support the field sales team with administrative follow-ups and scheduling.
• Maintain accurate customer records, sales opportunities, and order information using ERP and Salesforce CRM systems.
• Work closely with sales, engineering, manufacturing, and shipping to resolve issues and ensure a smooth customer experience.

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in inside sales, parts sales, customer service, or order management within an industrial or technical products environment preferred. 
• Experience processing customer orders, preparing quotes, and managing accounts using ERP software.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and bills of materials (BOMs).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong written, verbal, and face-to-face communication skills with a customer-focused approach.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and accuracy in order entry and documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple customer requests, prioritize effectively, and collaborate across departments.
• Education: High School diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with conveyor systems, power transmission components, industrial machinery, or material handling equipment.
• Familiarity with Epicor ERP software.
• Experience using Salesforce or a comparable CRM platform.
• Basic understanding of mechanical systems and industrial product terminology.
• Experience preparing detailed estimates, formal quotations, and sales proposals.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD or other 2D technical drawing software.
• Knowledge of inventory management, shipping logistics, freight coordination, and manufacturing lead times.
• Use of AI productivity tools

What IKI Offers:

• $55,000 – $72,000 commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) 
• Paid time off, company holidays, and educational assistance.
• Paid leave in accordance with the law.
• Join a stable, family owned company with over 50 years of industry leadership and work alongside a tenured, highly skilled engineering team.
• Build your career in a collaborative environment focused on quality, innovation, and long-term growth.

How to Apply

Please apply online by submitting your resume and a cover letter highlighting why you are a strong fit for this specific role. 

Industrial Kinetics, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, order of protection status, or any other characteristic protected by the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) or applicable federal law. We utilize machine-based artificial intelligence (AI) systems to assist in our initial talent sourcing and passive recruitment efforts. Human recruiters and hiring managers make all evaluation, interviewing, and final selection decisions. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities; please contact us to request one. Salary history will not be requested.