Outside Sales Representative

Outside Sales Representative

Bell Lumber & Pole is seeking an Outside Sales Representative to grow and manage customer relationships within an assigned territory serving our Southern region. This is a field-based outside sales role focused on developing new business, managing existing accounts, and providing exceptional customer service. Candidates should have prior sales experience and a passion for building long-term customer relationships. The position level, responsibilities, and compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate's experience and qualifications.

Candidates must reside within the assigned territory, in or near Northern Louisiana, Southern Oklahoma, Eastern Texas, and Southern Arkansas, to effectively manage customer relationships and travel throughout their assigned territory.

Essential Job Duties:

• Execute strategic sales goals and strategies.
• Establish new accounts through an outside sales presence. Develop direct relationships with new accounts.
• Represent Company at trade shows, expositions, and industry meetings (local and national).
• Service existing accounts, develop quotes, obtain orders, and establish new accounts by planning and organizing daily work schedule.
• Must travel between 40% - 70% of business days, including some weekends. Keep management informed by submitting weekly activity and results reports, such as daily call reports, weekly travel schedule, and quarterly goals progress reports.
• Monitor competition by gathering current marketplace information on pricing, products, new products, delivery schedules, etc.
• Record all sales activities and maintain opportunity pipelines within CRM.
• Recommend changes in products and services by evaluating results and competitive developments.
• Resolve customer complaints by investigating problems; developing solutions; preparing reports; making recommendations to management.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending industry association meetings; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in annual product training.
• Provide historical records by maintaining records on area and customer sales.
• Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
• Support internal business units as needed.
• Any other responsibilities as deemed necessary by Regional Sales Managers or Director, Sales Round Utility

Job Qualifications:

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent but Bachelor's degree preferred.

Experience: Direct sales to electric utility companies and Southern geographic region is highly desirable.

Skills Based Requirements:

• Proficient in CRM Software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with Windows operation required.
• Prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans with detailed follow through. Ability to stay on task without direct supervision.
• Demonstrates interpersonal oral communication skills by speaking clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations. Written communication skills are clearly written with the audience identified and the message defined in an understandable format.
• Effective in coping with change and can comfortably handle risk and uncertainty.
• Ability to create original and unique ideas and adds value in brainstorming settings. Ability to think outside of the box.
• Willingness to place cold calls when required. Must have the ability to use interpersonal skills to build rapport and relationships using diplomacy and tact.
• Ability to diffuse even high-tension situations to drive to a comfortable result.
• Willingness to make decisions, exhibit sound and accurate judgment, and make timely decisions for the result with limited direction. This would be after the initial training is completed.
• Able to negotiate skillfully by settling differences and can win concessions without damaging relationships. Can be direct and forceful as well as diplomatic.
• Technical Learning ability to learn and comprehend new technical skills and knowledge.

Work Environment / Physical Demands:

To perform the duties of this job, the employee is required to use the computer for extended periods of time in a sitting or standing position. Ability to work under time constraints and ability to work in a face paced work environment. Must be able to physically and safely set up and take down tabletop marketing displays. Must be able to drive for long distances. Travel is required and a current passport is needed for international travel.

Bell Lumber & Pole Co. is an equal opportunity employer, and we fully comply with all such applicable employment laws and regulations. If needed, accommodations may be possible.

Salary: Negotiated based on experience.

In addition to competitive pay, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance (with HRA and FSA)
• 401(k) with company match
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid holidays and generous paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee assistance and employee/community hardship programs

Bell Lumber & Pole is an equal opportunity employer.