About this role
Job Summary:
The Inside Sales Representative is responsible for supporting profitable sales growth and maintaining strong customer relationships within the steel service industry. This role requires strong communication, product knowledge, and problem-solving skills to ensure customers receive exceptional service and value. The Inside Sales Representative must be adaptable in a fast-paced environment, capable of responding quickly to customer needs, and committed to delivering consistent value that strengthens long-term customer relationships and supports overall business objectives.
Essential Functions & Job Responsibilities:
Customer Service—
o Assesses the customers business and identifies areas of opportunity to provide value
o Coordinates follow-up with customer to ensure timely and accurate deliveries
o Takes a proactive approach to anticipating and preventing problems - i.e., defines the problem, investigates obstacles, and analyzes alternative solutions
o Coordinates the resolution of customer complaints regarding damaged/incorrect material and delivery/inventory problems
Product Knowledge—
o Possesses or develops knowledge of carbon and non-ferrous product lines to recommend the best solutions for customer needs.
o Knowledgeable about the companys processing equipment and its capabilities to accurately answer customer questions, identify opportunities, and recommend value-added solutions to our customers.
o Clearly explains pricing structures, including material costs, processing charges, delivery factors, and market influences.
Processing Orders—
o Determines processing requirements and lead times to provide accurate delivery to customer
o Coordinates orders with warehouse and appropriate sales departments to ensure timely product delivery to customers
o Accurately enters order data and maintains complete records.
o Maintains reporting systems to update account plans and objectives based on customer profit potential.
o Uses, demonstrates, and sells the companys customer portal, ensuring customers understand its features, benefits, and value.
Pricing—
o Establishes pricing guidelines in coordination with Sales Management and related departments
o Clearly communicates pricing details to customers, ensuring transparency and understanding of cost drivers.
Business Promotion—
o Identifies and develops new sales opportunities.
o Make outbound calls to customers and prospects as part of broader marketing initiatives.
o Promotes and educates customers on the companys online customer portal to increase adoption and engagement.
Other Duties—
o Adherence to the Norfolk Iron Code of Ethics in doing business with customers
o Responds to periodic requests for information from management and corporate functions
o Actively participates in weekly Sales meetings and represents Sales in BAM as necessary
o Meets annual training requirements for Inside Sales
o All other duties as assigned
Required Skills & Abilities:
Strong negotiation skills
Organize/prioritize daily work activities to provide the best service to customers
Maintain professionalism and composure in all situations
Strong follow-up skills
Concentrate and maintain productivity in high pressure situations
Intermediate computer knowledge and proficiency
Education and Experience:
High school diploma or GED
College preferred but not required
3—5 years of experience in Sales or Customer Service required, OR
2+ years in sales of flat roll metal products or metal fabrication
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
Use hands and fingers to type and conduct computer tasks for up to 8 hours per day.
Typical office environment with minimal exposure to loud noise.
Over 2/3 of work time sitting, working on computer, using keyboard, talking on the telephone. Bending, twisting, typing using fine motor skills, using hands and fingers up to 8 hours per day.
Over 2/3 of work time will also be spent communicating verbally and in writing.