Inside Sales Representative

The Opportunity

Start your career where science meets sales.

When an engineer at an aerospace, clean energy, automotive, or sporting goods company is looking for a material that can do something new, their first conversation with us will be with you. You'll be the front door to our U.S. business: answering new inquiries, getting samples into customers' hands, and making sure our team walks into every trade show prepared to win.

This is a hands-on, high-visibility role for a recent graduate who wants real responsibility from day one, direct exposure to cutting-edge materials and the companies that use them, and a clear path toward a business development career.

ABOUT US

James Cropper Advanced Materials is an international advanced materials manufacturer headquartered in northern England, with a sales office and small manufacturing site in Schenectady, NY. We develop and manufacture high-performance nonwoven materials and coatings used in hydrogen fuel cells, electrolyzers, advanced composites, fire protection, thermal insulation, and energy storage. Our materials go into demanding end markets including aerospace, defense, automotive, sporting goods, and clean energy.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Be the first point of contact for new business

• Respond to inbound phone calls and web inquiries, using our qualification guide to understand the customer's application, needs, and timing.
• Send the first follow-up email and schedule a discovery call with the right sales rep, joining the call to ensure a smooth handoff and a faster sales cycle.
• Log every lead and interaction in our CRM so nothing falls through the cracks.

Make our trade shows count

• Before the show: Research who will be exhibiting and attending, review who we've met in the past, and prepare target lists and briefings so the team knows exactly who to see and what to bring.
• Logistics: Help manage the event calendar, pack and ship the booth, marketing materials, and samples, and arrange required show services.
• On site: Travel to shows, lead a smooth booth setup, engage visitors, and capture leads.
• After the show: Drive timely follow-up.

Get samples into customers' hands

• Prepare and ship samples to prospects and customers for the U.S. sales team, ensuring each shipment meets trade compliance requirements.
• Track customer evaluations and schedule follow-ups to capture feedback and next steps.
• Manage the sample room: keep inventory accurate and coordinate replenishment with our UK headquarters.

Support the sales team and grow your role

• Keep CRM records accurate and support pipeline tracking and sales reporting.
• As you develop, take on research into new markets and prospects, and support assigned house accounts.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• New inquiries are answered quickly and handed to the right rep with clear context.
• The team arrives at every trade show with a plan, a target list, and a booth that's ready to go.
• Samples ship on time, are tracked, and turn into feedback and next steps.

WHO YOU ARE

• A recent graduate with either: a business, marketing, or communications degree and a genuine curiosity about science and engineering, or a STEM degree (engineering, materials science, chemistry, physics, or similar) and an interest in the commercial side of technology.
• Highly organized and reliable. You follow through, plan ahead, and keep multiple tasks moving.
• A confident, friendly communicator, comfortable on the phone with engineers, buyers, and executives.
• Customer-focused, self-motivated, and a strong team player.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Willing to travel a few days per month, including trade shows.
• U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• Able to lift up to 50 lb and stand and walk for extended periods (trade shows, sample handling, and production areas).

WHAT WE OFFER

• Real responsibility and visibility from day one, working directly with the Head of Sales and the U.S. sales team.
• Exposure to advanced materials and leading companies in aerospace, defense, clean energy, and more.
• A clear development path toward a business development role managing your own accounts.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 401(k) with company match.
• Eligible for a bonus after completing one year of service.
• Car Allowance
• Salary: $55,000 - $75,000

Summary

This is a full-time, hybrid position based at our Schenectady, NY office. Expect a 40-hour work week, Monday through Friday, with at least 2 days per week in the office and travel of a few days per month. Candidates must be willing to complete a background check as part of the hiring process.

Ready to launch your career in advanced materials?

The Company

The Company has experienced unprecedented growth over the past few years. We have a vast number of employees, and provide support to clients from all over the country. Recently, the company has won multiple workplace environment awards and has an outstanding record of employee satisfaction.

The Benefits

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The Values

• Innovation

We are creative and fearless in our work.

• Accountability

We take ownership of our work and lead from the front.

• Teamwork

We collaborate widely and build supportive environments.

If this sounds like you and you have an interest in working for James Cropper please apply today!

We reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier should we identify a suitable candidate or receive a sufficient volume of applications.

Our job applicant privacy policy is available to view here.

The Company

James Cropper are global market leaders in advanced materials and paper products. Led by the Cropper family for six generations, we have an international workforce and an operational reach in over 50 countries.

Established in 1845, we manufacture paper, packaging and advanced materials incorporating pioneering non-wovens and electrochemical coatings.

We operate across multiple markets from luxury retail to renewable energy. Renowned globally for service, capability, pioneering and multi award-winning commitment to the highest standards of sustainability.

Our Values

• Forward Thinking
• We are proud of our heritage but not stuck in the past We ask questions that matter and are always open to new ideas We are inventors, not afraid to experiment We anticipate our customers needs and think about what's best for the long-term As pioneers, we forge new paths ahead
• Responsible
• We face reality and own our actions We believe in using materials resourcefully We are tenacious and committed to delivering quality products and service to our customers * We are guardians of this business for future generations
• Caring
• Family and community is at the heart of our business and makes us stronger We treat each other how we would like to be treated, and pull together when the going gets tough We care about each other's wellbeing, our customers, suppliers and the planet we share

Benefits

Learning & Development Programmes

Wellbeing Support

Financial Incentives