Customer Sales and Service Representative

Applied Fluid Power; Lafayette (LA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Fluid Power in Lafayette, Louisiana, is looking for a dedicated sales support professional. The role involves assisting customers with parts, processing orders, and maintaining strong customer relationships. Experience in fluid power products is preferred.

Candidates should possess strong communication and sales skills, along with the ability to provide technical support and efficient order processing. A high school diploma is required, along with three years of experience in an industrial environment.

Qualifications

• Ability to learn and apply new information quickly.
• Experienced in tele sales or outside sales.
• High level of integrity and accountability.

Responsibilities

• Assist customers with needed parts and provide sales support.
• Process customer orders and quotes efficiently.
• Develop and maintain good customer relationships.

Skills

Customer service

Sales techniques

Interpersonal communication

Problem-solving

Basic computer skills

Education

High School Graduate or equivalent

Fluid Power or Industrial Distribution degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Summary

Assist customers with needed parts, interacting extensively to clarify their needs, research and recommend parts, provide quotes, and take orders. Actively create new and add‑on sales and generate leads for Outside Sales. Responsible for providing sales support and services to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), industrial companies, heavy equipment customers, etc. where fluid power is utilized. Experience in dealing with automation products, i.e. – actuators, air valves, compressors, and a mechanical background highly recommended.

Essential Functions

• Process customer orders and quotes for various products and value‑added services through email or phone inquiries.
• Answer delivery inquiries, follow up on purchasing and receiving of a specific product, checking availability of stock, back‑order status, vendor schedules, and shipping dates.
• Works from worksheets, inventory lists, part number files and related information in order to assist customers. Gather information as to costs, discounts, stock availability.
• Expedite order inquiries, checking the status of orders, following up on back orders, and lost orders. Will investigate defects, damages, and incorrect shipments. Follow‑up on status of in‑house repairs.
• Assist walk‑in customers on their product needs through identification, technical support, and order processing.
• Monitors customer returns as required, including investigating the cause and recommending or approving reshipment or credit, and processing necessary paperwork.
• Will seek and grow opportunities to increase business and account base by qualifying and opening new business accounts utilizing sales techniques to add‑on sales, up‑sell, and provide professional customer service.
• Able to efficiently and professionally service sales accounts and maintain a history profile of what was discussed with the customer in organization systems.
• Will maintain and develop good customer relationships. Continuously strive to develop and maintain customer rapport and satisfaction.

Position Qualifications - Skills And Abilities

• Ability to learn and apply new information quickly.
• Assertive team player with positive attitude, high energy level, and ability to establish rapport and build relationships with current and potential customers.
• Must have a clear, pleasant, and professional speaking voice for over the phone sales and communication.
• Experienced in tele sales or outside sales, or a combination of the two.
• Product knowledge of fluid power products and repairs.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Good negotiation and closing skills to drive sales.
• Establish and maintain professional interpersonal relationships with customers and other contacts.
• Provide a professional image over the phone.
• Solid organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
• Good problem‑solving and reasoning skills.
• Basic computer skills and MS Office package.
• Attend product training seminars.
• High level of integrity.
• Accept responsibility for his/her actions.
• Accept constructive criticism without becoming defensive.
• Proper listening, skills, and command of the English language.
• Must possess a high degree of organization.
• Ability to focus on a goal and obtain pre‑determined results.
• Ability to act in a self‑confident manner to facilitate completion of work assignments or to defend a position or idea.

Education

• High School Graduate or equivalent; or Fluid Power or Industrial Distribution degree.

Experience

• Three years of experience in industrial or fluid power environment preferred.

Skills Taught After Hire As Needed

• Product and Application Training, Hydraulic Training, Pneumatics Training, Mechanics Training, Basic System Training, Computer System Training, Microsoft Office Training, Sales Techniques, ISO Training, P21.

Other Physical Requirements

• Able to travel by car within several hundred miles of their branch occasionally.

Work Environment

• Works in an indoor controlled and uncontrolled environment with occasional work outside.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Founded in 1923, Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) is a leading value‑added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies. Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve MRO and OEM end users in virtually all industrial markets through our multi‑channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise.

Applied Industrial Technologies is built on a philosophy that puts people first. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to a workforce in which we enforce fair treatment and provide growth opportunities for everyone. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, color, national origin, genetics, religion, gender, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.