Career Opportunities: Inside Sales Specialist (5507)
The Inside Sales Specialist will handle incoming inquiries, work proactively to develop new business, and manage assigned external customers. They will frequently contact potential new customers to understand their needs and generate new business, building the foundation for advancement to field sales or account management roles.
Essential Functions and Primary Responsibilities
* Must follow Ahlstrom's manufacturing and hygiene processes, procedures and policies, as applicable, to the position's areas of responsibility, to meet and maintain safety, quality, and regulatory compliance requirements for each grade of paper.
* Prospect for potential new customers and handle incoming telephone and internet inquiries.
* Define potential customer's business, organizational structure, and determine key decision makers.
* Identify customer's product needs and technical and service requirements desired. Quantify historic product consumption and provide forecasts of future demand.
* Develop and implement plans to achieve objectives at target accounts in attractive market segments.
* Evaluate customer satisfaction and define the degree of satisfaction with Ahlstrom on meeting basic needs (product quality, on-time shipments, etc.).
* Identify competitive offerings, document pricing and services offered by competitors, and define gaps to ensure we provide an offering to close these gaps.
* Provide clear justification for assignment of potential account to external sales representative.
* Develop a clear understanding of product features, benefits, value propositions, and business capabilities.
* Work with Marketing/Business Development team to complete research on new product markets and assist in completing competitive analysis projects.
* Coordinate all aspects of customer relationships (pricing, quotes, customer set up, claims/complaint and CAR responses, forecasting, etc.).
* Develop understanding of all functions within sales and marketing (customer solutions, business development, commercial manager/pricing, marketing, scheduling, etc.).
* Utilize, update, and maintain customer information in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.
* Provide timely responses to all prospects and customers.
* Some travel may be necessary, and a valid driver's license is required.
* All other assignments assigned by management.
Minimum Occupational Requirements
* Bachelor's Degree is highly preferred but not required.
* Direct experience in the paper manufacturing or converting industry is desirable.
* Must be able to communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, suppliers, carriers, and customers.
* Experience using a CRM system is preferred.
* Fluent written and spoken English; strong written and verbal communication and teamwork skills.
* Highly organized, logical, and willing to adapt quickly to changing business needs.
* Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment.
* Ability to handle pressure situations to meet customer demands.
* Proficiency in MS Office software.
* Ability to travel, and must possess a valid driver's license and passport.
* Availability to work additional hours during the week, on weekends, or outside of regular office hours may be required.
* Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
* Ability to work in a normal office environment, including sitting or standing for long periods, operating standard office equipment, carrying documents, bending, and speaking.
Ahlstrom is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law is prohibited.
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