Inside Sales Support Specialist

Description

When IKA’s corporate history began in 1910, China had not yet become the People’s Republic of China, and the word “globalization” had not even been invented. Today, the IKA Group has more than 900 employees at locations around the world and is proud to serve customers such as BASF, Bayer, and Procter & Gamble. We are the global market leader in many of our product groups and a leading example of innovation, development, and growth.

Or, as our slogan says: “IKA – Designed to work perfectly.”

The Inside Sales Support Specialist will play a key role in achieving sales targets by acquiring customers, providing support to Account Managers, and coordinating sales and marketing efforts. The ideal candidate will be comfortable handling inbound and outbound calls, generating and following up on leads, and assisting with technical inquiries. This role will provide customer quotations, technical assistance, and maintain accurate customer records using CRM tools.

• Source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up, outbound calls, and email outreach.
• Handle incoming customer inquiries, including requests for pricing, product availability, and general product information.
• Prepare and provide accurate customer quotations within 24 hours, including relevant technical information on products and accessories.
• Qualify sales opportunities and route them to the appropriate Account Manager for further development and incremental revenue opportunities.
• Provide support to Account Managers, including researching prospective customers, collecting client information, and supporting vacant territories as needed.
• Maintain strong communication with internal departments and provide the Sales Department with relevant customer, market, and competitor information.
• Assist customers with technical questions and route inquiries to the appropriate sales or service personnel when necessary.
• Assist with backorders, product recalls, product quality notifications, and order allocations.
• Support Marketing initiatives by distributing leads, assisting with mailing campaigns, completing lead-related data entry, and leveraging AI tools for lead generation and campaign optimization.
• Assist with maintaining the quality, accuracy, and integrity of the CRM by monitoring the proper input and ongoing maintenance of leads, accounts, and opportunities.
• Research competitor strategies, products, and offerings and communicate relevant findings throughout the Sales Department.
• Routinely develop and maintain technical knowledge of laboratory and analytical products, accessories, and competitor offerings.
• Take over sales activities and provide customer support for vacant territories as needed.

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in inside sales, sales support, customer service, or a related role preferred.
• Strong communication, customer service, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with CRM systems and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to learn and communicate technical product information.
• Strong problem-solving and research skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and team-oriented.
• Experience with laboratory, analytical, or technical products is a plus.
• Familiarity with AI tools for sales and marketing is a plus.