Sales Support Specialist SC

Position Overview

The Sales Support Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting the sales team by managing the CRM system, handling customer quotes and purchase orders, responding to customer inquiries, and coordinating with various internal departments.

Essential Functions

CRM Management:

• Maintain and update project pipeline, quotes, and awarded projects
• Manage contacts, utilities, and agent information
• Build and maintain the overall CRM structure, including databases and automations
• Create and maintain reporting dashboards for management use, including quotes and bookings

Quote Processing:

• Follow ISO procedures to issue formal quotes in response to customer RFP/RFQ
• Ensure completeness and accuracy of RFQs
• Confirm receipt with customers
• Coordinate with production, sales, and finance to verify requirements can be met (e.g., lead time, pricing, product availability)
• Complete vendor registration as needed
• Coordinate with customers, agents, and sales team throughout the quoting process

Purchase Order Management:

• Follow ISO procedures to receive and submit purchase orders
• Ensure accuracy of Pos (price, volume, daily date, etc.)
• Issue PO Acknowledgement
• Enter order information into ERP system accurately

Customer and Prospect Requests:

• Provide technical specifications, wir files, engineering data, and FAQs upon request
• Offer budgetary bids, pricing information, and lead times
• Provide production and shipping updates
• Respond to website inquiries and/or forward to appropriate parties

Internal Coordination:

• Coordinate with Finance on invoicing and order details
• Provide weekly updates and coordinate with production and fulfillment teams
• Work with quality assurance to enter new conductors into the ERP for new orders

External Coordination:

• Provide comprehensive sales support by fostering proactive communication, equipping agents with effective marketing tools, conducting outreach and research, and embracing a "How can I help?" mindset.
• Enhanced sales support to agents through proactive engagement, and strategic marketing tools to increase PO volume.
• Distribute new marketing assets to all team members, sales agents, and to existing customers, and to potential customers as requested.

Other Skills/Abilities

• Proficiency in CRM and ERP systems
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about the electrical conductor industry
• Customer service-oriented with a professional demeanor

Incentives

• Benefits offered the first of the month following 30 days of employment, include: medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, paid time off (sick and vacation), 10 company holidays, 401(k) with company match, etc.
• Referral Rewards program

Training and Experience

• This position requires 2-3 years of experience in sales support or a similar role.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Experience in the electrical or utility industry is a plus.

Other Skills/Abilities

To be successful as a Sales Support Specialist, candidates need to possess a combination of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal skills along with strong attention to detail and a customer service mindset. Key skills and abilities include:

• Product and Business Knowledge: Sales Support team members should maintain a strong understanding of company products, services, processes, and customer requirements. They should be proficient with CRM systems, sales tools, and Microsoft Office applications, enabling them to effectively support sales activities, customer inquiries, reporting, and order management.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Sales Support professionals should possess strong analytical skills to identify issues, evaluate information, and recommend practical solutions. They should be able to gather data, track sales activities, identify trends, and support decision-making processes that improve customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
• Attention to Detail: Sales Support employees must demonstrate a high level of accuracy in processing orders, maintaining customer records, preparing reports, and managing documentation. Careful attention to detail helps ensure data integrity, timely execution of tasks, and a positive customer experience.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for collaborating with customers, sales representatives, internal departments, and management. Employees should be able to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, while providing timely updates and resolving customer inquiries.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Sales Support professionals work closely with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Customer Service, Operations, Finance, and Marketing. They should be able to collaborate effectively, share information, and contribute to achieving departmental and organizational goals.
• Adaptability and Learning Agility: Employees should be flexible and responsive to changing customer needs, business priorities, and company processes. They should demonstrate a willingness to learn new systems, products, and procedures to continuously improve performance.
• Time Management and Organization: Sales Support team members must prioritize multiple tasks, manage competing deadlines, and maintain organized records. Strong organizational skills are essential to ensuring timely responses, accurate reporting, and effective support of sales activities.
• Professionalism and Integrity: Employees should demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and ethical behavior in all interactions. They must maintain confidentiality of customer and company information while adhering to company policies and procedures.
• Continuous Improvement: Sales Support professionals should actively seek opportunities to improve processes, enhance their skills, and stay informed about products, services, and industry best practices. A commitment to ongoing development contributes to both individual and team success.
• Initiative and Leadership Potential: While not a formal leadership role, employees who take initiative, demonstrate ownership of responsibilities, support team objectives, and contribute process improvement ideas may be well-positioned for future growth and advancement opportunities.

Incentives

• Benefits offered the first of the month following 30 days of employment, include: medical, dental, life insurance, long term disability, paid time off (sick and vacation), 10 company holidays, 401(k) with company match, etc.
• Referral Rewards program

Requirements / Training and Experience

• Associate or bachelor's degree in business administration, Sales, Marketing, Communications, or a related field is preferred.
• One to two years of experience in sales support, customer service, administrative support, order management, or a related business environment is highly desired.
• Experience working with CRM systems, sales databases, and customer account management processes.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, process orders, and manage customer and sales documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Additional training or certifications related to customer service, sales operations, or business administration are a plus.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple departments, including Sales, Customer Service, Operations, and Finance.
• Ability to comprehend and follow instructions, procedures, and established business processes.
• Basic understanding of business operations, customer service principles, and sales support functions.
• Adept at multitasking and managing multiple priorities while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong commitment to customer satisfaction, quality, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint, as well as other business software applications.
• Ability to maintain reliable attendance and successfully manage daily responsibilities in a dynamic business environment.
• Flexibility to adjust work schedules when necessary to support critical business needs, customer requirements, or project deadlines.
• Ability to maintain a professional, positive, and customer-focused attitude.
• Must be able to successfully pass all pre-employment screening requirements, including e-Verify and background verification, where applicable.

Work Environment

The Sales Support Specialist will be working in an office environment with some exposure to the manufacturing floor and spending a significant amount of time manipulating data electronically using a computer or tablet. Occupational health and safety practices are essential in manufacturing environments and all employees are expected to adhere to safety protocols and wear appropriate protective equipment when necessary.