Sales Representative

Sales Representative – Electrical Connectors & Cable Products

Location: West Frankfort, Illinois
Industry: Industrial Manufacturing, Mining, Tunneling, Electrical Connectors & Cable Assemblies
Employment Type: Full-time (Hybrid – Inside / Outside Sales)

About Special Mine Services (SMS)

Special Mine Services, Inc. (SMS) is a U.S.-based company operating across four locations and is 100% Employee Owned (ESOP). SMS designs and manufactures industrial electrical connectors, cable assemblies, and related products used in mining, tunneling, heavy equipment, and other demanding industrial environments.

Our products are engineered to perform in harsh conditions where reliability, durability, and safety are critical. In addition to manufacturing electrical connectors, SMS supports customers through fabrication, welding, machining, and other industrial services.

As our product lines and markets continue to grow, SMS is seeking team members who are interested in contributing to the long-term development of our industrial customer base.

Position Overview

Special Mine Services (SMS) is seeking a motivated Sales Representative to support sales and business development for our manufactured electrical connectors, cables, and related commodities.

This role is a hybrid inside/outside sales position based out of our West Frankfort, IL headquarters. A significant portion of this role involves managing customer inquiries, quotations, and order processing within the company ERP system. Attention to detail and consistency in follow-up are critical to success.

The Sales Representative will work closely with internal departments including production, engineering, shipping & receiving, inventory, and accounting to ensure customers receive accurate information, timely quotations, and responsive support.

This role focuses on long-term relationship development, account support, and strategic growth rather than commission-driven transactional sales. The position is salary-based and designed for individuals interested in building lasting customer partnerships and contributing to sustained company growth.

This role is best suited for candidates seeking a hands-on, individual contributor position with long-term growth potential within the organization.

This position reports directly to the Director of Sales.

What This Role Is / Is Not

This role is best suited for individuals who enjoy a balance of structured, office-based responsibilities and customer-facing sales activity.

This position is not a purely outside or inside sales role, nor is it a commission-driven position. It requires consistent attention to detail, including order processing, internal coordination, and follow-up, in addition to business development and customer engagement.

Candidates should be comfortable working within systems and processes while also taking initiative to identify and develop new opportunities.

Work Schedule

This position is primarily based out of the SMS headquarters in West Frankfort, Illinois. Typical office hours are 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

Due to the nature of sales and customer engagement, work hours may occasionally be adjusted to accommodate customer meetings, trade shows, travel, or late-afternoon meetings with international distributors and partners.

A Day in the Life of This Role

A typical day blends inside sales responsibilities with proactive business development and customer engagement.

You may start the day reviewing emails, responding to customer inquiries, and following up on open quotes or leads. A meaningful portion of each day will involve administrative and coordination tasks such as processing orders, updating customer information, tracking quotes, and ensuring accurate communication between customers and internal departments.

Throughout the day, you may identify new opportunities through targeted outreach and research potential customers within mining, tunneling, and industrial manufacturing. Lead follow-up and relationship building are key parts of the role.

You will also work closely with internal teams to ensure accurate product selection, pricing, and order fulfillment.

Periodically, you may travel locally, regionally, or nationally for customer visits, facility tours, or industry trade shows.

The overall goal is to develop new opportunities, strengthen existing customer relationships, and support the continued growth of SMS manufactured products.

Key Responsibilities

· Learn and develop working knowledge of SMS connector products and industrial applications

· Process customer inquiries, quotations, and order entry within the ERP system

· Conduct targeted cold calling and prospecting within industrial markets

· Maintain consistent follow-up with prospects and customers

· Develop and maintain long-term customer relationships

· Coordinate with internal departments to ensure accurate order fulfillment

· Track opportunities and customer activity within ERP and sales tools

· Represent SMS at trade shows and industry events

· Assist with social media outreach and marketing support

· Provide feedback on customer needs and market trends

· Support overall sales team initiatives and growth

Qualifications

· Strong communication skills across in-person, phone, and email channels

· Ability to build professional relationships with industrial customers

· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

· Comfort working within structured systems and processes

· Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities with accuracy

· Self-motivated with ability to take initiative

· Ability to work independently and within a team

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office and email tools

· Experience with ERP systems (IQMS a plus, training provided)

· Interest in learning technical products and industrial applications

· Prior experience in industrial sales, manufacturing, or distribution preferred

What Success Looks Like in This Role

- Accurately processing and managing customer orders and quotations
- Maintaining consistent communication and follow-up
- Developing new opportunities through outreach
- Building strong internal and external relationships
- Representing SMS professionally with customers and at events

Compensation & Benefits

Salary-based compensation (commensurate with experience)
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
Paid time off and holidays

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their resume to:

[email protected]

Company Website:

Pay: From $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Cell phone reimbursement
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person