Commercial Operations Associate

Job Title: Commercial Operations Associate

Location: Charleston, SC

Department: Sales

Reports to: Key Account Manager

Job Description

Summary:

• The Commercial Operations Associate is an entry-level opportunity designed for individuals seeking to build a long-term career in commercial operations, sales, account management, and business development.

• This role provides a strong foundation in customer service, order management, customer relationship support, and commercial operations. The successful candidate will work closely with customers and internal departments to ensure efficient order processing, accurate reporting, and exceptional customer support.

• As experience and skills are developed, the Commercial Development Associate will have opportunities to gain exposure to multiple business functions, assume additional commercial responsibilities, and progress into roles such as Account Manager, Business Development Representative, or Key Account Manager.

• This position is ideal for someone early in their career who is eager to learn, develop professionally, and contribute to the growth of the business.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Order Management & Reporting for Commercial Operations
• Serve as a primary point of contact for customers regarding orders, schedules, and inquiries.
• Process customer orders and maintain order accuracy throughout the order lifecycle.
• Process, maintain, and reconcile EDI schedules.
• Update orders based on customer requirements, production priorities, commercial agreements and communicate changes to internal stakeholders.
• Prepare and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly operational reports, including: Open orders reports, Past due order reports, Monthly sales reports.
• Track customer RFQs and support quotation activities.
• Support pricing reviews and annual pricing updates.

Customer Relationship Support:

• Develop positive working relationships with customers through professional communication and responsiveness.
• Collaborate with internal departments including Production, Logistics, Quality, Engineering, and Finance to resolve customer concerns.
• Support account management activities and participate in customer-facing discussions as experience develops.
• Assist with sales forecasting and customer demand analysis.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, reporting accuracy, and customer service processes.
• Support implementation of process improvements and poka-yoke initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with company procedures and the Integrated Management System (IMS).

Quality Responsibilities:

• Adhere to all internal quality standards and customer-specific requirements.
• Understand and support product quality expectations in the automotive industry.
• Promote a culture of quality, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to analyze information and solve problems effectively.
• Demonstrated initiative and willingness to learn.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments.

Education/Experience:

Required:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Marketing, Communications, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Internship, or prior customer service, administrative, or business experience preferred but not required.

Preferred:

• Experience in manufacturing, automotive, logistics, or commercial operations environments.
• Exposure to ERP systems (SAP), customer portals, or EDI processes.

Language Skills:

• Fluent English communication skills required.
• Additional language skills are a plus.

Mathematical Skills:

• Basic mathematical and analytical skills.
• Ability to interpret reports, data, and customer demand information.

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to evaluate situations, prioritize tasks, and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a focus on customer satisfaction and business objectives.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk frequently throughout the workday.
• Ability to use standard office equipment and computer systems.

Work Environment:

• Primarily office-based within a manufacturing environment.
• Regular interaction with customers and cross-functional teams.