The Inside Sales Associate serves as the critical internal anchor and primary point of contact for our rep agencies. This is a dedicated inside role with no lead generation or cold calling. Instead, you will facilitate seamless project execution and sales support - expertly handling commercial project quotations, price file management, job crossovers, and lighting take-offs, as well as Bill of Materials (BOM) development and order tracking.
By delivering rapid technical support and building strong relationships, you will partner directly with Regional Sales Managers and the Director of Inside Commercial Sales to ensure a "best-in-class" experience for our clients from quote to delivery.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESCommercial Project Quotations & Pricing - Commercial Project Quotations: Review RFQs, drawings, and specifications to prepare and issue accurate, competitive commercial project quotations using agent-specific pricing models - helping partners close deals faster.
- Price File Management: Maintain, update, and audit product and agent-specific price files, discount schedules, and special pricing agreements to ensure pricing accuracy across every quote and order.
- Configure, price, and quote an itemized Bill of Materials (BOM), escalating pricing exceptions outside standard discount thresholds to the Director of Inside Commercial Sales.
Takeoffs & Product Crossovers - Track Takeoffs: Review architectural and electrical drawings, reflected ceiling plans (RCPs), specifications, and redlined documents to perform accurate lighting fixture take-offs that support quote and order accuracy.
- Job Crossovers: Perform competitive product crossovers - translating competitor fixture types, spec sheets, and basis-of-design language into equivalent Solais solutions that meet project intent, budget, and specification requirements.
- Develop a deep understanding of the product portfolio to answer technical questions, proactively suggest alternative Solais solutions, and approach hurdles with a "how can we make this work" mindset.
Order Tracking & Inquiry Management - Monitor order statuses closely (utilizing bi-monthly reports) to track planned vs. actual shipping dates; expedite critical orders and communicate potential delays early and efficiently.
- Analyze incoming requests to provide immediate answers or accurately route them to internal departments so we remain the first and last call our agents need to make.
- Log every quote inquiry over $5,000 into NetSuite as a tracked opportunity (product details, potential revenue, estimated close date, notes).
Account Support & Process Improvement - Provide high-touch communication for high-producing agent accounts and escalated orders under the guidance of the Director of Inside Commercial Sales.
- Partner with leadership to constantly evaluate and improve internal processes related to price file governance, crossover documentation, quotation workflow, and agent/client relations.
SKILL & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED - Bachelor's degree in business or equivalent professional qualification/experience.
- 2+ years of experience within the lighting industry (highly preferred due to the technical nature of take-offs, crossovers, and BOMs).
- Working knowledge of price file structures, discount/margin logic, and quote-to-order systems (NetSuite or similar ERP/CRM a plus).
- Demonstrated ability to read and interpret architectural/electrical drawings, RCPs, and written specifications.
- Strong, mature communication skills with a proven track record of tactful and professional interpersonal relationships.
- Exceptional organizational skills with a proven ability to meet strict project deadlines.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKEIn this role, success means helping Solais continue to expand into the architectural and commercial lighting space by building exceptional relationships and quotation excellence.
After your first year, you will have: - Mastered the Portfolio: Developed an intuitive knowledge of the Solais product portfolio, price files, and crossover logic to confidently guide partners and solve complex project challenges.
- Owned Your Territory: Gained a deep understanding of our commercial agents within your assigned territory, becoming their trusted, go-to internal resource for quotes, pricing, and take-offs.
- Expanded Territory Reach: Developed effective internal sales strategies in lockstep with your Regional Sales Managers to broaden our reach and deepen our impact within your assigned rep agencies.
WHAT WE OFFER IN RETURNWhile we set a high bar for teamwork and effort, Solais is deeply committed to investing in our people. We believe that a dedicated team deserves a supportive, rewarding environment. To ensure our associates thrive both personally and professionally, we offer:
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) + Paid Holidays: Plenty of time to recharge and balance your life outside of work.
- Comprehensive Benefits Package: Competitive health, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your family secure.
- A Support System, Not an Island: Direct access to leadership (like your Director) who are actively invested in your mentorship, professional development, and career growth.
- A Winning Culture: The energy of a fast-growing, industry-leading brand where your operational impact is recognized and celebrated daily.
HOW TO APPLYPlease submit your resume and a brief note about why this role interests you.
