Operations and Inside Sales Specialist in New York, New York at Kowa American Corp

Position Summary

Kowa American Corporation is seeking an organized, detail-oriented Operations and Inside Sales Specialist to support sample coordination, customer purchase orders, inventory management, and customer and product data maintenance. This position will also assist with sales follow-up, accounting coordination, and marketing activities as workload permits.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain the sample database, coordinate timely sample delivery, and gather initial customer feedback on product evaluations and potential demand.
• Review customer purchase orders for accurate pricing and terms, verify inventory availability, and communicate discrepancies to the appropriate team. Update inventory management system.
• Maintain customer and product update and maintain current contact IDs on our system for customers and prospects and organize product-related files on the server.

Additional responsibilities and bandwidth-contingent work:

• Review completed shipments and AR invoices for pricing and margin discrepancies.
• Check supplier invoices and prepare payment requests for accounting.
• Monitor website and UL Prospector leads.
• Assist with trade shows and marketing campaign preparation.
• Conduct initial follow-up after trade shows, marketing campaigns, and other lead-generation activities.
• Identify old accounts where sales have stopped. Reconnect with these accounts and explore potential opportunities.
• Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in sales support, customer service, order processing, operations, or a related role.
• Experience in chemical distribution, specialty ingredients, importing/exporting, or a similar B2B environment preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to accurately review purchase orders, pricing, payment terms, invoices, and inventory records.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Experience using ERP, CRM, or inventory management systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and a professional, customer-focused approach.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with customers, suppliers, Sales, Accounting, and other internal teams.
• Ability to work independently, follow established procedures, and identify issues requiring management review.
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain, or a related field preferred, or equivalent relevant work experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience coordinating product samples and maintaining customer and product databases.
• Familiarity with UL Prospector or other industry lead-generation platforms.
• Experience supporting trade shows, marketing campaigns, and customer follow-up.

Benefits

KOWA is committed to investing in our employees—the driving force behind our mission and success—by offering a comprehensive suite of competitive compensation and benefits. We prioritize work-life balance, ensuring you not only thrive in your career but also have the support, time, and resources to lead a happy, healthy life.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Insurance options for Employee Assistance Programs, Basic Life Insurance, Short/Long Term Disability and more.
• 401(k) with a company match
• Vacation, Sick Leave, and Paid Holidays
• Commuter Benefits Reimbursement
• Education Assistance