Outside Sales Representative

Powell's is working to reestablish its Outside Sales program to strengthen relationships with existing customers and develop new business opportunities.

This is an on-site position based out of our warehouse in NW Portland.

This position will work directly with business and institutional customers to understand their needs, coordinate orders from initial inquiry through completion, and identify opportunities to grow sales. The role also supports the Contact Center, stores and other departments by providing guidance on Outside Sales processes and helping improve how we serve these customers.

Powell's Books is known worldwide as a premier independent bookstore and an icon in the Portland community. We're committed to fostering a culture and environment of inclusion, empowerment, and respect - a place where everyone can show up fully as themselves and do their best work every day.

Powell's offers an extensive benefits package including:

Generous healthcare plan (medical, vision, and dental)

401(k) savings plan

Education benefit

Childcare subsidy

Substantial employee discount that is also available to your significant other, children, parents, and siblings

Book borrowing privileges

Pay: $19.50 per hour, or more, depending on experience.

Schedule: The regular schedule will be 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri.

Closing Date: Thursday, November 5th, 2026

Additional Information: Please include a cover letter with a brief description of relevant skills and experience and the reason why you're interested in the position.

Position Title: Outside Sales Representative

Location: Industrial

Group: E

Date: 10/2026

Position Summary:

The goal of the Outside Sales Representative is to efficiently and thoroughly meet the needs of Outside Sales customers. This position takes responsibility for communication and tasks associated with Outside Sales from first contact to completion of sale which may include: vetting opportunities, placing orders with distributors or publishers, issuing discounts, tracking orders in process, processing payments, and customer database maintenance. Identifies new business opportunities through cold calling, local networking, referrals, and field visits. Using their knowledge of store and Powells.com policies, procedures, discounts and services, this position works to clarify and troubleshoot customer problems and provide informed solutions. Reports to Contact Center Manager.

Essential Functions:

• Provides superior customer service via telephone and email, utilizes Powell's inventory systems, Powells.com, other databases, web-based tools, and resources.
• Assumes primary responsibility for identifying, troubleshooting, and resolving advanced customer service issues related to Outside Sales orders.
• Understands and upholds Powell's highest customer service standards both internally and externally.
• Acts as a resource to all stores on Outside Sales processes and standards. Develops procedures and standards, and trains staff at all locations on Outside Sales-related technology and processes. Designs and maintains documentation on Outside Sales processes and systems.
• Assumes primary responsibility for Outside Sales and communicates in a timely and effective manner to others to ensure the continuation and completion of orders and tasks in progress.
• May place orders with Ingram or publishers with the support of the New Book Order Office.
• Responsible for the appropriate issuance of discounts and special services to customers. Vets Outside Sales opportunities and declines those that are not fiscally beneficial to the company.
• May staff offsite events and special events.
• Proactively supports Contact Center customer service by answering incoming calls as needed and during peak seasons.
• Fosters a professional, team-oriented work environment; demonstrates effective communication skills.
• Undertakes special projects of increased responsibility/difficulty as assigned by manager.
• Assists in identifying process problems or inefficiencies and recommends solutions. Demonstrates leadership in implementing new systems and procedures that help meet Powell's strategic goals.
• Takes initiative, is self-directed and autonomous, demonstrates independent decision making, participates actively in discussions and functions without supervision.
• May represent the department in corporate meetings and committees. Acts as a liaison to other departments and locations.
• Collaborates and communicates professionally with other departments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications:

• 2+ years of outside or business-to-business sales experience preferred.
• Superior customer service skills, including great initiative and follow-through, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and sound judgment.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills by phone, in person, and in writing.
• Leadership skills necessary to lead, train, and mentor others.
• Ability to work and lead in a growing and changing environment.
• Superior computer skills.
• Ability to work alone or as a member of a team and perform in all areas of the Contact Center.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to learn new systems and processes.
• Physical requirements - Group I.