Account Specialist

We are excited to welcome an Account Specialist to our team!   Job Summary:    The Account Specialist is responsible for providing exceptional customer support by coordinating customer service and sales support activity of new lead generation, key customer account management and special projects. This role will liaise between customers and cross-functional internal teams to ensure the timely and successful delivery of our products according to the customer needs. The Account Specialist will provide polite and friendly resolutions to all issues regarding product inquiries, order placement and confirmation, material availability, shipping, product information and requests for rush orders.  In addition, the Account Specialist will promote products to satisfy customer needs and meet company Sales goals.       Principal Duties and Responsibilities:    Understand the big picture of overall company operations and the impact they have on customer orders  Proactively involve internal departments to address customer satisfaction issues  Engage customers and go the extra mile for their satisfaction; be curious and resourceful in resolving issues and solving customer challenges  Emulate the company values and guiding principles in all daily interactions with our customers Be an extension of the organization as part of Premier Materials, demonstrating empowered responsibility for nourishing relationships with customers and owning the process  Review each purchase order before processing to ensure all required information has been received and is accurate.  Enter the purchase order into Epicor and file a PDF of the Order Acknowledgement in Epicor; send to customer if needed. Attach PO and any correspondence to SO in Epicor. Verify pricing on customer submitted POs based on current price pages    Process all orders following the order entry guidelines, using the appropriate order entry checklist to compare entered order against purchase order for accuracy; supply order confirmation to customer. Process credit card payments Provide customer with quotes and/or invoices as requested  Follow communication procedures, guidelines and policies to include the Customer Service SOP    Assist customers with navigation through company websites, literature, test results, and other resources.  Notify the appropriate internal and external parties when shipping, manufacturing or quality issues arise Respond appropriately to customers' and sales' inquiries and requests for modifications to orders  Provide Professional and timely support on all phone lines.  Utilize the caller qualification questions and take appropriate action for each call. Ensures delivery of excellent customer service through fast and accurate processing of orders, communication, and coordinating with other departments to resolve inquires Builds and maintain business relationship with customers by providing prompt and accurate service so as to promote customer loyalty. Regularly makes recommendations to customers to solve their problems with minimal next-level management involvement needed, expresses confidence in interactions with customers. Enter and process sample orders, utilizing the sample website and Epicor Provide quotes requested by established customer or Sales; work with Sales as needed to ensure quote meets expectation Review Premier Materials customer list to determine if credit terms have been previously extended Respond as requested to order lead times, date improvement requests, quick ship and expedited shipping requests for stocked products Understand and review inventory availability to work out best possible solutions for the customer, providing a level of service beyond standard lead times Coordinate Sales efforts with production and shipping to resolve questions on order requirements or resolve problems that may occur; process order changes and verify shipments are on schedule Adhere to manufacturing guidelines, lead time guidelines when placing an order and set proper expectations with customer Respond appropriately to lead time expedite requests utilizing research, product knowledge, and coordination with other departments as needed Provides education and support to customers, sales and other team members regarding the business unit, including but not limited to Premier Materials processes, technical support and product knowledge. Onboard new customers and educate them on our process and products. To include customer setup, customer portal setup, payment options and assistance with credit terms requests. Create and maintain current contact information on all assigned customers in Epicor; Create and maintain customer specific comments/instructions for all assigned customers in Epicor  Follow up with customers when incorrect or incomplete information is submitted on their POs, update all systems and paperwork appropriately, and inform colleagues and other necessary parties of any changes as needed RMA and Claim Processing: Follow up based on RSM and tech services decisions Understand the full cycle of the production process including systems, manufacturing steps, lead times, planning, production and shipping to work out best possible solutions for the customer Evaluate a customer’s purchase order to recommend installation, maintenance, and accessories that are needed for completion of order    Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:    Associate’s Degree or 2 years equivalent experience preferred 2 years of experience in a customer service, sales, or similar environment preferred  Experience with manufacturing, surfacing and/or rubber industry preferred  Project management experience preferred Experience with an ERP or CRM is preferred Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and able to type at least 40 words per minute Strong math skills required Must have a proven ability to learn new software programs Must be skilled at working independently and able to manage multiple priorities with an attention to detail, great organizational skills, and the ability to handle multiple accounts throughout each day Excellent verbal and written communication skills required Listening, problem-solving, and great interpersonal skills are required Must be proactive and show initiative, personal accountability, and have a propensity toward change and process improvement