Inside Sales Representative

Inside Sales Representative I

The Inside Sales Representative I provides dedicated customer service and sales support while developing a strong foundation in metal products, value-added services, and internal systems. In this developing sales role, you handle inbound customer inquiries, prepare quotes, process orders, and assist with pricing, delivery coordination, buyouts, and basic processing requirements. Under the guidance of experienced sales associates and leadership, you build the skills needed to independently manage customer accounts and contribute to profitable sales growth in a stable, growth-oriented industry.

Responsibilities

• Respond promptly to inbound customer inquiries regarding products, pricing, availability, and order status, delivering professional and courteous service on every interaction.
• Provide consistent phone coverage, expedite orders when necessary, and support customers with accurate information and timely follow-up.
• Build and maintain positive customer relationships, recognizing when to escalate complex issues to more experienced team members.
• Prepare basic quotations for metal products and value-added services, ensuring accuracy in pricing, terms, and product details.
• Accurately process customer orders, including entry into company systems and verification of product codes, quantities, and delivery requirements.
• Coordinate with internal departments such as operations, logistics, and processing to support timely and accurate order fulfillment.
• Develop a working understanding of pricing structures, margins, and profitability to support sound sales decisions and profitable growth.
• Learn and support the buyout process by obtaining vendor pricing for non-stock materials and preparing basic buyout quotes under guidance.
• Quote standard saw cutting and other routine processing requirements, coordinating these services with internal processing teams.
• Escalate complex sourcing or processing requests to experienced associates to ensure customer needs are met efficiently and accurately.
• Develop knowledge of metal products, including brass, bronze, stainless steel, super alloys, and carbon steel, as well as their industry applications.
• Build familiarity with the company's services, systems, and operations to support effective customer retention and account development.
• Support sales opportunities by identifying customer needs, assisting with account development, and contributing to overall sales growth.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date customer and sales information in ERP and other company systems, ensuring data integrity and completeness.
• Handle purchase orders with attention to detail, verifying information and resolving discrepancies to prevent errors.
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail when working with a large catalog of product codes, recognizing that accuracy has a significant impact on customer satisfaction and profitability.
• Manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively, wearing multiple hats as needed to support customers and the sales team.
• Contribute positively to a collaborative team environment, bringing energy, motivation, and a customer-focused mindset to the role.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree (BA) required.
• At least 6 months of experience in customer service, order processing, sales support, or a closely related field.
• Proven customer service skills with the ability to respond professionally and effectively to inquiries and issues.
• Strong phone presence and confident communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Experience working with purchase orders and order entry processes.
• Ability to support inside sales activities, including quoting and basic account management.
• High level of attention to detail, especially when working with a large number of product codes and complex order information.
• Ability to learn and use ERP systems; prior ERP experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities simultaneously.
• Self-motivated mindset with the drive to take initiative and follow through on commitments.
• Positive, service-oriented attitude aligned with a hospitality-style, customer-first culture.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain accurate records in company systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• ERP system knowledge is a plus, with any ERP platform experience considered valuable.
• Experience in inside sales support or account management is beneficial.
• Familiarity with quoting processes for products and basic services is an advantage.
• Interest in developing a career in sales, with potential to grow into outside sales roles over time.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment where accuracy and responsiveness are critical.
• Enthusiasm for learning about metal products and their applications across industries such as aerospace, defense, industrial, power, and medical.
• Ability to thrive in a culture that values positivity, motivation, and a strong customer focus.
• Willingness to receive guidance and mentorship from experienced sales associates and leadership to build sales and product knowledge.

Work Environment

This role is based 100% onsite in a large, established metals service center environment that supports more than 100,000 metal products and serves over 125,000 customers across industries including space, commercial aerospace, defense, industrial, power, and medical. The company provides a wide range of raw materials such as brass and bronze, stainless steel, super alloys, and carbon steel, along with value-added processing services. You work closely with a small, collaborative inside sales team and a manager, in a setting that emphasizes accuracy and attention to detail due to the high volume of product codes and complex orders. Standard hours are approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with minimal overtime, and once trained, there is flexibility to start as early as 6:30 a.m. The position is contract-to-hire, offering the opportunity to transition to a long-term role in a stable industry. The culture values detail-oriented, self-motivated individuals who enjoy wearing multiple hats and bring a positive, upbeat attitude to work each day, similar to a high-touch, hospitality-focused environment. Dress expectations align with a professional office and industrial setting appropriate for an onsite role in a metals service center.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Santa Fe Springs, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $31.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Santa Fe Springs, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 10, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.