Sales Assistant

Mendocino Forest Products is seeking a professional Sales Assistant!  This is a non-exempt position, the hourly rate for this position is $26.00 and includes benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K matching and company paid Life Insurance.  To learn more about our benefits click Here.

This position is onsite and requires regular, physical attendance.  Successful candidates must be able to work in person, interact directly with co-workers and team members, and fully participate in collaborative, in-office activities. Remote or hybrid work is not available for this role.

The Mendocino Family of Companies (Mendocino Forest Products Company, Mendocino Redwood Company, Humboldt Redwood Company, Humboldt Sawmill Company, and Allweather Wood), is a leading manufacturer and distributor of environmentally certified redwood, Douglas-fir, and preservative treated lumber products throughout California and the Western U.S. Our culture is based in environmental stewardship and community support. The company maintains Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC® C013133) certification for its forestlands, manufacturing, and distribution operations.

The Sales Assistant provides comprehensive administrative and operational support to the sales team, serving as a key point of contact between customers, sales representatives, and internal departments. In addition to sales support, the Sales Assistant performs a variety of administrative responsibilities, including coordinating meetings, appointments, travel, conference calls, customer and company events, office supplies, equipment maintenance, and telephone communications. The role also supports the preparation, coordination, and communication of quarterly and year-end sales data and reporting.

Key Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The key areas of focus for this position are as follows;   

• Provide clerical and administrative support to the sales team, including reviewing sales orders for completeness, accuracy, and timely delivery.
• Provide daily administrative support, including greeting visitors, coordinating incoming and outgoing deliveries, arranging conference calls and appointments, coordinating travel schedules, and organizing customer events.
• Serve as a key point of contact and resource for the sales team, customers, and internal departments.
• Act as a liaison between customers, the sales team, and other departments to ensure effective communication and complete customer satisfaction.
• Maintain current and accurate customer information and records.
• Monitor and communicate sales order status, delivery updates, and order-related issues to the sales team and other internal stakeholders as needed.
• Facilitate the proper handling, completion, and approval of customer documentation; create, maintain, and manage various reports.
• Enter and maintain sales orders in the Lumber Track Inventory Sales System.
• Order and maintain sales and office supplies and coordinate equipment maintenance as directed.
• Answer and direct telephone calls, provide information as appropriate, and record messages when necessary.
• Retrieve customer data, sales records, and other documentation upon request.
• Assist with planning, coordinating, and managing company and customer events.
• Interpret and implement management policies, procedures, and operating practices as directed.
• Assist with the development, preparation, and communication of quarterly and year-end sales data and reports.
• Investigate significant customer matters, including documentation requirements, customer concerns, and complaints; communicate findings, status, and resolutions to the sales team and other departments as directed.
• Review and respond to customer questions and concerns related to product quality, shipments, and deliveries, and communicate issues to the sales team for appropriate follow-up.
• Assist with inventory management and coordinate with the distribution center to expedite orders and resolve delivery issues as necessary.
• Provide support for pre-sales and post-sales activities to ensure accurate order processing, timely fulfillment, and a positive customer experience.
• Utilize personal vehicle to attend company events, meetings and run business errands.

• High school diploma or GED; and/or a minimum of two years related experience
• Must maintain and carry a valid driver license and remain eligible and capable of operating company vehicles including automobiles and trucks in accordance with company policy guidelines.
• To perform this position successfully, an individual should have strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Power Point.
• MS Access experience is a plus.
• Ability to speak and communicate effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Familiarity with lumber terminology and lumber calculation is a plus.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to support individuals with disabilities.

• Prolonged periods of sitting while working at a computer and using standard office equipment.
• Regular use of hands and fingers to operate office equipment, including computers, and phones.
• Frequent reaching with hands and arms; occasional standing, walking, bending, and light lifting of office materials.
• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 10–15 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision for computer work and document review, as well as the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment described here is representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to support individuals with disabilities.

• Work is primarily performed in a professional office setting with moderate noise levels.
• Frequent interaction with internal teams, customers, and vendors via phone, video, and in-person meetings
• May require travel for customer visits, meetings, or company events.
• Position may involve managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Competencies

Quality of Work

Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality.

Teamwork

Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

Oral & Written Communication

Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information; communicates efficiently with supervisor and other employees.

Organizational Support

Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values.

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment based on any, or a combination of, the following characteristics: race (including hair texture and styles), color, caste, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic conditions), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decision-making, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other characteristic protected by state or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment.