Inside Sales - Madison IL

Lapham-Hickey Steel-; Illinois; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Ongoing product training

Clear advancement path

Job summary

Lapham-Hickey Steel in Madison, IL is seeking an Inside Sales Representative to manage existing accounts and develop new business. In this role, you'll respond to customer inquiries, process orders, and coordinate with the outside sales team. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of carbon flat-rolled steel products and 2+ years of sales experience, preferably in the metals industry. We offer health benefits, a 401(k) with company match, and opportunities for career advancement.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of inside sales or customer service experience, preferably in steel or metals.
• Familiarity with value-added processing services like slitting and cutting.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow an assigned portfolio of existing accounts.
• Respond to customer inquiries via phone and email; prepare and follow up on quotes.
• Process purchase orders accurately and coordinate with operations.
• Identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities.
• Monitor market pricing and collaborate with purchasing.
• Maintain accurate records in CRM.
• Resolve order discrepancies and delivery issues.

Skills

Knowledge of carbon flat-rolled steel products

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Strong communication skills

Ability to read mill certifications and material test reports

Meeting or exceeding sales targets

Education

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in business or marketing

Tools

ERP systems (Metals ERP, SAP)

Job description

Join Lapham-Hickey Steel – A Tradition of Excellence, Innovation, and Opportunity

Lapham-Hickey Steel is a family‑owned, industry‑leading steel service center with a legacy of 100 years in manufacturing and steel processing. With locations across the U.S., including Illinois, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia, we are committed to delivering high‑quality steel products while fostering a culture of growth, teamwork, and innovation.

Position Overview

We are looking for a driven and detail‑oriented inside sales representative to join our growing sales team. You will serve as the primary point of contact for an established book of accounts, manage the full order cycle, and actively develop new business opportunities—all from our Madison, IL facility. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a passion for metals and a customer‑first mindset.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and grow an assigned portfolio of existing accounts while prospecting for new customers.
• Respond promptly to customer inquiries via phone and email; prepare and follow up on quotes.
• Process customer purchase orders accurately and coordinate with operations on lead times and inventory.
• Identify upselling and cross‑selling opportunities across product lines (flat‑rolled, structural, tubing, plate, etc.).
• Monitor market pricing and collaborate with purchasing on material costs.
• Partner with the outside sales team on account development strategies.
• Maintain accurate records in CRM and generate weekly pipeline and activity reports.
• Resolve order discrepancies, delivery issues, and customer complaints in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned by a supervisor or management by given deadlines.

Required Qualifications

• Working knowledge of carbon flat‑rolled and other steel products, grades, and specifications.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret mill certifications and material test reports (MTRs).
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of inside sales or customer service experience, preferably in steel, metals, or industrial distribution.
• Experience with ERP systems (Metals ERP, SAP, or similar).
• Familiarity with value‑added processing services (slitting, cutting to length, shearing).
• Understanding of logistics and freight cost structures.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field.

What We Offer

• Health, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Ongoing product and industry training.
• Clear advancement path into outside sales.

Working Conditions

The role is performed in a plant environment with office personnel working indoors, experiencing some noise and repetitive motions. Common tasks require reaching and twisting while seated. Potential hazards include back and hand strain, eye, foot, and body injuries, falls, noise exposure, improper bending/twisting, tripping on products or materials, and prolonged computer use. Proper personal protective equipment, posture technique, and anti‑fatigue measures are required to mitigate these risks.