Sales and Operations Administrator

Shaw Steel; Willoughby (OH); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Shaw Steel in Willoughby, Ohio is seeking an entry-level development role focused on steel sales support and office administration. You will shadow the sales team, learn RFQs, quoting, and order flow, and gradually assume inside sales responsibilities as knowledge grows.

The role offers structured training in product knowledge, terminology, and customer communication, with advancement toward account support and new business development.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required, entry-level role in sales support and admin.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with professional phone/email etiquette.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word is expected.

Responsibilities

• Maintain organized customer records, files, and office documentation.
• Assist with data entry, reports, scheduling, and general admin needs.
• Support the flow of inquiries, quotations, orders, and delivery updates under guidance.

Skills

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Quick learning

MS Office proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Excel

Word

Job description

Willoughby, Ohio|Full-Time|In-Office|Monday-Friday

About Shaw Steel

Shaw Steel is a family-owned steel service center and distributor based in Willoughby, Ohio, specializing in flat-rolled carbon steel products and value-added processing. We serve customers with a focus on responsiveness, accuracy, trust, and long-term relationships.

Position Summary

This is an entry-level development role for someone interested in building a long-term career in steel sales. The employee will begin with hands-on office administration and sales support, gaining practical knowledge of Shaw Steel's customers, suppliers, products, systems, and order flow.

While supporting daily office operations, the employee will shadow the sales team and gradually learn customer communication, steel terminology, RFQs, quoting, sourcing, order follow-up, and account support. As knowledge and skills develop, the role is intended to progress toward inside sales and customer account responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain organized digital and physical files, customer records, contact information, and office documentation.
• Assist with data entry, spreadsheets, reports, correspondence, scheduling, and general administrative needs.
• Support the flow of customer inquiries, quotations, orders, processing requirements, shipping information, and related records.
• Shadow experienced sales personnel and participate in customer, supplier, and internal discussions as appropriate.
• Learn Shaw Steel's products, steel terminology, grades, specifications, coatings, tolerances, and processing capabilities.
• Assist with reviewing RFQs, gathering complete material requirements, preparing quotes, and following open opportunities.
• Help communicate pricing, availability, lead times, order status, and delivery updates under guidance from the sales team.
• Gradually assume greater responsibility for customer inquiries, quotations, follow-up, account support, and new business development.

The position provides a structured opportunity to learn the steel industry from the ground up. Initial training will focus on Shaw Steel's internal processes, products, documentation, customer service, and order flow. Advancement will be based on product knowledge, communication, accuracy, initiative, reliability, and the ability to take ownership of responsibilities.

For the right person, this role can develop into a rewarding sales career with opportunities to manage customer relationships, grow accounts, and develop new business.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Prior administrative, customer service, sales, manufacturing, or distribution experience is helpful but not required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with professional phone and email etiquette.
• Excellent organization, attention to detail, time management, and follow-through.
• Comfort learning technical products, terminology, specifications, and business processes.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Willingness to ask questions, accept coaching, and develop through hands-on experience.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented small business environment.

What Success Looks Like

A successful candidate will be curious, dependable, organized, relationship-focused, and motivated to build a career. They will be willing to begin with foundational responsibilities, learn how Shaw Steel operates, and earn greater sales opportunities over time.

Employment Statement

This job description summarizes the general nature and level of work performed and is not an all-inclusive list of duties or qualifications. Shaw Steel may assign or modify responsibilities based on business needs. Employment with Shaw Steel is at will and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law.