Customer Service Representative

IPI is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated person to be a part of our team as a Customer Service Representative. This position is responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction by providing top-notch support to our customers via phone, email, fax and the IPI website. Iowa Prison Industries (IPI) is the job training program within the Iowa Department of Corrections, providing offenders with the opportunity for Building Brighter Futures. Offenders in IPI work training programs gain the education, soft skills, and hard skills need to be successful citizens upon release. IPI markets the products and services produced in our facilities to governmental agencies, colleges and universities, public and private school districts, and non-profit groups such as churches.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Receive and respond to customer inquiries; types of inquiries include, but are not limited to, order placement, quote requests, delivery/installation status, repair or return needs, product questions, catalog requests, and invoice requests.
• Return customer calls and emails in a timely and friendly fashion.
• Use problem solving skills to determine steps necessary to meet customer's needs.
• Use product knowledge in assisting customers with product selection.
• Works with Sales, shops and management to resolve customer problems.
• Coordinate with Sales all activities needed to provide orders to assigned plants.
• Support assigned Sales Representative as partner in assigned market(s).
• Perform outbound sales calls to determine customer needs, setup sales calls and build stronger relationships with customers.
• Works market appropriate trade shows, customer meetings, etc. as needed.
• Perform other administrative and customer service duties as need to fulfill customer's needs.
• Promote IPI to all customers and potential clients at all times.
• Attend in service training and complete all required training as assigned by IPI.
• Follow all safety rules and regulations of IPI and the Department of Corrections.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient with MS Word, Excel, email and the Internet.
• Accurate keyboarding and ten-key skills.
• Ability to mutli-task, prioritize and manage time effectively.
• Enjoys working with people in an inbound sales / customer service environment.

993 Customer Service with Market Sales Focus

12 months' experience serving as an inside sales and/or customer service representative with experience in at least three of the following areas:

• Attraction of potential customers by answering product and service questions;
• Management of customer orders from receipt through delivery/installation;
• Assisting customers with product selection utilizing product knowledge;
• Handling customer issues to ensure customer satisfaction;
• Performing outbound calls to inform customers of products and services

Graduation from an accredited college or university;

Inside sales/customer service experience to educational, governmental, and / or non-profit markets highly preferred.