Inside Sales Representative

PQ Corporation; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

PQ Corporation is seeking an Inside Sales Representative to maintain and grow sales with existing customers while generating new business. The role is office-based, combining email, Teams and phone contact with essential commercial and administrative duties, requiring proactive problem solving and cross-functional collaboration to drive profitability.

You will manage a portfolio within the assigned region, build relationships, qualify leads, negotiate pricing within guidelines, and coordinate

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Chemistry, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proven experience in sales, customer service, or commercial role in chemical/manufacturing industries.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with ability to build relationships.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of customers within the assigned unit and region, ensuring sales and profitability.
• Serve as the primary contact for customers, addressing inquiries and issues.
• Build relationships through regular communication via email, phone, and Teams.
• Qualify inbound and outbound leads and move opportunities through the sales funnel.

Skills

Communication skills

Relationship management

Time management

Organizational skills

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing/Chemistry or related field

Tools

Salesforce

SAP

MS Office

Job description

PQ is a leading global provider of silicates, silicas and derivative products. PQ’s products are used in a wide variety of industrial processes and many customer products, from decorative paints to green cement, from clean drinking water to green tires and from toothpaste to biofuels and beer.

Ideal candidates resonate with PQ’s Core Values of Integrity, Sustainability, People, Customer Focus and Safety. Successful employees embrace and model these values in their behaviors and actions.

Job Description

Position Overview

The Inside Sales Representative will play a crucial role in maintaining and growing the sales and margin of our existing customer base within the assigned business unit and region, as well as driving new business through lead generation, prospecting, and lead qualification. This is an office-based role that combines customer contact (primarily via email, Teams, and phone) with essential commercial and administrative duties. The role requires effective communication, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure customer satisfaction and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Sales and Customer Management

• Manage a portfolio of customers within the assigned business unit and region, ensuring consistent sales and maintaining overall profitability.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for these customers, handling inquiries and addressing any issues or concerns.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers through regular communication via email, phone, and Teams.
• Maintain accurate records in our CRM of customer interactions, agreements, and sales activities in company systems.

Lead Generation and Prospecting

• Generate new business opportunities through proactive outbound prospecting via phone, email, and Teams.
• Research and identify prospective customers within the assigned business unit and region.
• Qualify inbound and self-generated leads, converting qualified prospects into new accounts or routing opportunities to the appropriate sales channel.
• Usher accounts through the sales pipeline to closure for your individual portfolio and in concert with account managers as appropriate

Commercial Activities

• For the assigned portfolio of customers, negotiate pricing and terms within established guidelines to meet customer needs and company objectives.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and customer feedback to identify opportunities for growth or areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with Customer Service to ensure efficient order processing, delivery, and invoicing.

Collaboration and Communication

• Act as a liaison between customers, the Corporate Account Manager, Customer Service, and Technical Support to ensure seamless service and issue resolution.
• Provide feedback to internal teams regarding customer needs, preferences, and potential areas for product or service enhancement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Chemistry, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proven experience in a sales, customer service, or commercial role, preferably within the chemical or manufacturing industry.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and manage relationships effectively.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
• Strong capabilities in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), A.I. and familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and SAP.
• Ability to travel as necessary / occasionally

Additional Information

EHS Responsibilities

• Communicates, promotes and personally demonstrates Safety/Health (including PQP Principles) as #1 priority
• Participation in risk assessment audits as applicable
• Understand PQ Principles (PQP) and how they are implemented in the site organization, rules and procedures
• Completes HSE training requirements identified for the job in a timely manner