Inside Sales - Madison IL

Join Lapham-Hickey Steel – A Tradition of Excellence, Innovation, and Opportunity

Lapham-Hickey Steel is a family‑owned, industry‑leading steel service center with a legacy of 100 years in manufacturing and steel processing. With locations across the U.S., including Illinois, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia, we are committed to delivering high‑quality steel products while fostering a culture of growth, teamwork, and innovation.

We are looking for a driven and detail‑oriented inside sales representative to join our growing sales team. You will serve as the primary point of contact for an established book of accounts, manage the full order cycle, and actively develop new business opportunities—all from our Madison, IL facility. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a passion for metals and a customer‑first mindset.

• Manage and grow an assigned portfolio of existing accounts while prospecting for new customers.
• Respond promptly to customer inquiries via phone and email; prepare and follow up on quotes.
• Process customer purchase orders accurately and coordinate with operations on lead times and inventory.
• Identify upselling and cross‑selling opportunities across product lines (flat‑rolled, structural, tubing, plate, etc.).
• Monitor market pricing and collaborate with purchasing on material costs.
• Partner with the outside sales team on account development strategies.
• Maintain accurate records in CRM and generate weekly pipeline and activity reports.
• Resolve order discrepancies, delivery issues, and customer complaints in a timely manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned by a supervisor or management by given deadlines.

• Working knowledge of carbon flat‑rolled and other steel products, grades, and specifications.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read and interpret mill certifications and material test reports (MTRs).
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.

• 2+ years of inside sales or customer service experience, preferably in steel, metals, or industrial distribution.
• Experience with ERP systems (Metals ERP, SAP, or similar).
• Familiarity with value‑added processing services (slitting, cutting to length, shearing).
• Understanding of logistics and freight cost structures.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance with employer contribution.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Ongoing product and industry training.
• Clear advancement path into outside sales.

The role is performed in a plant environment with office personnel working indoors, experiencing some noise and repetitive motions. Common tasks require reaching and twisting while seated. Potential hazards include back and hand strain, eye, foot, and body injuries, falls, noise exposure, improper bending/twisting, tripping on products or materials, and prolonged computer use. Proper personal protective equipment, posture technique, and anti‑fatigue measures are required to mitigate these risks.