Sales Associate – Internal
Reporting To: National Sales Manager
Direct Reports: None
Purpose of the Role: The Sales Associate – Internal is responsible for supporting the sales function through effective internal sales processes, administration, coordination, and technical support. The role ensures efficient handling of enquiries, accurate CRM management, high‑quality product specification support, and seamless handover from sales to production.
Key Responsibilities 1. Sales Administrative Support
- Act as the first point of contact for new enquiries and appropriately triage leads generated through multiple channels.
- Support the Sales Team with operational administration, including:
- Creation and maintenance of project folders
- CRM opportunity management
- Preparation of quotations and pricing information
- Processing of orders
- Assist Senior Management with CRM system administration, updates, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support the Sales Team in developing new business opportunities.
- Engage with existing and potential specifying customers, including (but not limited to) engineers, designers, and other professional or technical stakeholders across commercial and industrial sectors.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with consultants, engineers, and specifying customers to build long‑term loyalty and sustainable business.
- Respond to project‑specific enquiries and general industry questions, with a strong focus on securing product specification.
- Provide proficient design support for all New Zealand products where relevant, aiming for a 24‑hour turnaround on new project enquiries.
- Endeavour to have products specified with minimal or no competitor alternatives and negotiate with specifying customers to retain specifications.
- Guide and track projects through feasibility and design phases, ensuring:
- Accurate, current project data
- Clear communication across all relevant team members
- Compliance with agreed internal processes and the Procedures Manual
- Support regular project follow‑ups with consultants and contractors, ensuring CRM opportunity records remain accurate and up to date.
- Assist with design quality assurance, ensuring milestones and design brief requirements are met.
- Continuously build technical expertise in:
- Stormwater products
- Competitive products
- Civil infrastructure trends
- Customer and industry alliances
- Monitor competitor activity, including pricing, products, delivery schedules, and customer movements.
- Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of our product range and competitor offerings.
- Identify product advantages and unique selling points across the full range of products and services.
- Provide market feedback to support efficiency improvements, process refinement, policy development, product development, and R&D initiatives.
- Plan and organise daily activities to service existing accounts and develop new contractor and purchasing customer relationships.
- Maximise return on time investment through effective planning and prioritisation.
- Work towards achieving sales targets and budget objectives.
- Support the creation and management of customer value plans.
- Prepare competitive quotations within 48 hours of request.
- Support price and credit term negotiations that maximise returns while minimising risk.
- Assist in obtaining signed purchase orders.
- Coordinate sales efforts with marketing, production, and management in line with the Procedures Manual.
- Assist with complaint resolution, including investigation, solution development, reporting, and recommendations to management.
- Ensure complete and accurate production and design documentation is prepared for handover to the Production Team.
- Assist in obtaining formal purchase order confirmation and ensuring handover packages include:
- Signed purchase orders
- Signed shop drawings
- Requested delivery dates
- On‑site contractor details
- Act as liaison for new contractor accounts, supporting Accounts Payable and Receivable processes.
- Ensure Company Financial Policy requirements (including deposits for new customers) are clearly communicated when required.
- Ensure all projected designs, sales data, and customer information are:
- Accurate
- Current
- Fully recorded in the CRM system
- Ensure all customer discussions, meetings, presentations, and correspondence are documented clearly and accurately in the CRM system.
- Maintain professional and technical knowledge through:
- Workshops, conferences, and industry events
- Professional publications and networking
- Attend industry networking events on behalf of Stormwater360 New Zealand.
- Participate in trade shows and conferences where approved and relevant.
- Actively pursue ongoing professional development.
- Foster a culture where all stakeholders and employees feel valued.
- Treat all colleagues, customers, and partners with professionalism and respect at all times.
Key Attributes & Capabilities
- Ability to deliver accurate, high‑quality work under pressure
- Strong customer relationship skills with a focus on repeat and referral business
- Collaborative team player who contributes to a positive, supportive culture
- Ability to escalate risks impacting customer relationships, projects, or company accreditations
- Strong planning and time management capability
- Engineering or sales experience
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Demonstrated problem‑solving and solution‑focused mindset
- Results-oriented and able to work independently or collaboratively
- Strong Microsoft Office skills
- Experience using CRM systems
- Valid driver’s licence
- Adaptable, proactive, and comfortable in a fast‑paced environment
- High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism
- Strong commercial awareness, including margin and cost control
