S&L Lumber is a leading supplier of building materials serving Ohio's professional contractors, builders, remodelers, and homeowners. We are seeking motivated, ambitious, and personable individuals to join our sales team.
This position offers a unique career path, beginning in Counter Sales where you will develop extensive product knowledge, customer relationship skills, and industry expertise. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to advance into an Outside Sales role, managing customer accounts, developing new business, and driving sales growth throughout our market area.
If you enjoy working with people, solving problems, and building long-term customer relationships while pursuing a rewarding sales career, we encourage you to apply.
Position Summary
The Counter Sales Representative serves as the primary point of contact for customers purchasing lumber, building materials, hardware, windows, doors, and related construction products. This position focuses on providing exceptional customer service, accurate order entry, product recommendations, and relationship building with contractors, builders, and homeowners.
This role is designed as a developmental pathway into an Outside Sales Representative position. Successful candidates will gain product knowledge, estimating experience, customer relationship management skills, and sales training necessary to transition into outside sales opportunities.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities Customer Service & Sales
- Greet customers promptly and professionally.
- Identify customer needs and recommend appropriate products and solutions.
- Develop and maintain relationships with contractors, builders, remodelers, and homeowners.
- Prepare accurate quotes, estimates, and sales orders.
- Process sales transactions and customer payments.
- Answer incoming phone calls and respond to customer inquiries.
- Follow up on open quotes to convert opportunities into sales.
- Assist customers in resolving product, delivery, and service concerns.
Product Knowledge & Technical Support
- Maintain strong knowledge of lumber, building materials, engineered wood products, trusses, hardware, doors, windows, siding, roofing, and related products.
- Interpret construction plans, takeoffs, and material lists when applicable.
- Assist customers with product selection based on project requirements and budget.
- Stay current on new products, promotions, and industry trends.
Order Management
- Enter and process customer orders accurately within the company ERP/POS system.
- Coordinate with purchasing, yard operations, dispatch, and delivery teams to ensure timely fulfillment.
- Monitor order status and proactively communicate updates to customers.
- Resolve order discrepancies and returns professionally.
Business Development
- Identify opportunities to increase sales and expand customer relationships.
- Maintain regular contact with assigned accounts and prospective customers.
- Participate in contractor events, trade shows, and customer appreciation activities.
- Assist outside sales representatives with account management and project follow-up.
Career Development Toward Outside Sales
- Complete company sales training and product education programs.
- Learn jobsite sales techniques and account management strategies.
- Participate in customer visits and ride-alongs with outside sales representatives.
- Develop estimating and project management skills.
- Build a customer portfolio that can transition into an outside sales territory.
Qualifications Required
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Strong customer service and communication skills.
- Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn sales software.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
- Valid driver's license.
Preferred
- Previous experience in lumber, building materials, construction, hardware, or related industries.
- Knowledge of residential and commercial construction practices.
- Experience reading blueprints and construction drawings.
- Prior sales or estimating experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Sales-oriented mindset with a desire to grow business.
- Excellent verbal and written communication.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to learn technical product information quickly.
- Self-motivated with a desire for career advancement.
- Professional appearance and customer-focused attitude.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the sales floor and lumber yard.
- Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to inspect products and jobsite materials as needed.
Career Progression Opportunity
This position is intended to develop future Outside Sales Representatives. Employees demonstrating strong sales performance, product knowledge, customer relationship skills, and business development ability may be considered for promotion to Outside Sales Representative positions, where responsibilities include territory management, contractor account development, jobsite visits, estimating support, and revenue growth.
Typical Career Path
Counter Sales Representative → Sales Coordinator→ Outside Sales Representative
Success Metrics
- Sales growth and quote conversion rates
- Customer retention and satisfaction
- Product knowledge development
- Accuracy of orders and quotes
- New account generation
- Readiness for outside sales responsibilities
Pay: $50,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
