Aztec, an Activar company, provides comprehensive plastisol services to protect metal, including dip coating or molding and fluidized bed powder coating. We are hiring a full-time Estimator/Inside Sales Representative for our growing facility in Lakeville. This is an on-site role, reporting to our Business Development Manager and working closely with our operations and customer service teams. You will support estimating, scheduling, and sales efforts for Aztec.
POSITION PURPOSE:
The Estimator/Inside Sales Representative is responsible for generating sales quotes and handling customer inquiries. This position estimates the cost of manufacturing a products based on drawings and computer models and processes requests for quotations to include scheduling and estimating project time frame. In addition, the Estimator/Inside Sales Representative will provide ongoing support for established accounts while becoming technically knowledgeable about the company’s products and vendors.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Respond to customers’ needs, consistent with quality, culture, and business practices.
- Receive requests for price quotations, purchase orders, order changes, adjustments, and cancellations directly from customers, original equipment manufacturers, and distributors.
- Use estimating tools to evaluate labor, materials, production, and shipping costs to develop cost estimate of production.
- Communicate with vendors and other team members to discuss estimates and assess any potential manufacturing issues.
- Inform customer of unit prices, shipping date, anticipated delays, and any additional information needed by customer.
- Achieve and maintain rapport with customers and work to give them the best possible service.
- Use computer systems to retrieve customer information, stock status information, the status of purchase orders, and to make changes on customer purchase orders. Ensure that correct codes are used for retrieving and inputting information.
- Follow up on inquiries by checking order status on computer for delivery information. Work closely with operations regarding the master schedule and deliveries of scheduled shipments.
- Make price quotations within 24 hours. Prepare forms, requests for quote (RFQ) on items not in stock and return quotations to customers ensuring their requirements are met.
- Quote prices, terms, lead times and delivery dates based on product knowledge/company forecasts and inventory.
- Obtain quotes from Approved Vendors (distributors and manufacturers) in order to meet customer's quality and delivery requirements
- Ensure documentation of all transactions (Customer RFQ, RFQ to vendor, customer quote, customer Purchase Order, change orders.)
- Identify and develop new and existing marketing opportunities through mailings, research, cold calling and trade show leads.
- Target sales by working with the outside representative, excess inventory reports and inactive/lower activity accounts.
- Help drive strategic plan to achieve sales and budgetary goals.
- Foster a continuous improvement environment every day.
- Adhere to all company standards and policies.
- Maintain a clean and orderly work area.
- Conduct himself/herself in a professional manner in accordance with company guidelines.
- Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Specific material knowledge.
- Familiarity and efficient navigation within NAV/ERP system.
- Phone and email etiquette and professionalism – prompt courteous, clear and concise communications when interacting with customers, vendors, and all Activar employees.
- Ability to clearly assess customer’s needs to provide exceptional customer service.
- Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks with great attention to detail.
- Effective communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the capacity to learn new systems.
- Tenacity in overcoming obstacles while maintaining productive and positive working relationships.
- Ability to remain open minded in approach to assignments.
- Ability to execute in a rapidly changing fast paced environment that requires strong team work.
- Basic ability to understand blue prints, schematics, and instrumentation diagrams.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Required:
- Equivalent of high school diploma or G.E.D. certification.
- Previous estimating, customer service, or inside sales experience in the manufacturing industry.
Preferred:
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline.
- Familiarity with plastisol/plastics industry.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $26.00 - $32.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Application Question(s):
- Are you able to work on-site at our Lakeville facility Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4pm (with some flexibility)?
- What are you hoping to find in this position that has been missing in your current/recent role?
- Based on your experience, what are your expectations for a starting hourly wage?
Work Location: In person
