Vacancy
Are you ready to build the future of IPP and your own career with a dynamic and enterprising team?
For our office in Heemstede (The Netherlands) we are searching for an inside sales specialist with a focus on cartonboard .
Inside Sales Specialist – NL
IPP is the specialist in base materials for packaging: paper, (folding) cartonboard, film and nonwovens. Our expertise, passion and can-do attitude set us apart. And with a network of renowned factories in Europe and beyond, we combine quality with speed and flexibility. As a family business, we are proud of our short lines of communication, strong cooperation and the commitment of 30 driven professionals in the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany. Together, we are working on the future.
Our mission? To be the leading specialist in base materials for packaging in North-West Europe by 2030. To achieve this growth, we are looking for enterprising and ambitious professionals who see opportunities, dare to take action and want to contribute to our vision. At IPP, you will have the freedom to make an impact and help build our internationally growing organisation.
We are looking for colleagues who thrive on challenges. Who want to grow in a dynamic environment and feel at home in a culture where innovation and collaboration are key.
Your position
As an Inside Sales Specialist, you are the link between customers, suppliers and our account managers, and you know how to build and maintain these contacts and relationships. Together with your team, you are responsible for achieving the commercial objectives that have been set. You will be part of an enthusiastic team where we value enjoyment and collaboration.
The tasks and responsibilities of the inside sales specialist
You know the market and what is offers
- After completing the training courses, you will be familiar with the product range, prices and processing options of all parties represented by IPP and/or with whom IPP works.
- You can advise customers on the right material, taking into account the application and their requirements.
- You are aware of the processing capabilities of our converting partners within our network, enabling you to offer creative solutions to customers.
- You know what IPP has in stock and offer this if possible.
- You are familiar with what the competition has to offer, so you can compare materials and provide alternative advice.
- You proactively identify opportunities and anticipate them in order to increase IPP’s sales.
Flawless order administration
- You are (partly) responsible for drawing up and following up on quotations.
- You are responsible for purchasing and ordering materials for the customer.
- You will administer the entire order process in SAP and ensure accurate processing.
- You are sharp on the logistical processes. Think of transport, customs, clearances, etc.
- You unburden your client by thinking one step ahead when changes or modifications are needed.
- Together with the account manager, you will be responsible for after-sales: handling complaints and other unexpected events.
- Administrative complaints (delivery, format, transport, etc.) are the responsibility of the office staff. The inside sales team registers the complaint, takes initial action, follows up and closes the complaint.
- You consult the weekly (financial) updates such as OP lists and Power BI yourself. You take immediate action if necessary.
Collaboration is essential
- You work closely with your teammates. Sharing information and helping each other: collaboration is a two-way street!
- You will work together with account managers. You will follow up on actions after their customer visits (requesting prices, preparing quotations, providing sample materials, etc.). Conversely, you will provide them with relevant information about the customer, the factory, the converters or changes in the product range.
- Each team member is responsible for (a number of) suppliers. You know everything about the qualities, prices, possibilities and developments of your factories. You share this information with your colleagues.
Your strengths
- You have a higher professional education (HBO) level of working and thinking.
- You have at least 2 years of experience in a commercial-administrative position.
- You are able to express yourself well in spoken and written Dutch and English, enabling you to communicate effectively with the factories and customers. French and/or German is an advantage.
- You are able to work independently, but also as part of a team. You are open to receiving assistance and also offer your help when others require it.
- Achieving good results with your team gives you energy and brings out the best in you.
- You are able to process and assimilate the information you receive — and know how to apply it. You continuously expand your knowledge. We believe in lifelong learning. Do you?
- With your knowledge and commitment to understanding the customer’s needs, you respond to the situation in a proactive and customer-oriented manner.
- You work precisely and accurately. Sharpness and meticulousness are particularly important when it comes to administrative tasks and processes. You pay attention to details and double-check what you do.
- You work efficiently:
> You can switch quickly between different means of communication. Telephone, e-mail and Teams; you are easily accessible to factories, customers, colleagues and logistics partners.
> You manage your time effectively and set priorities to maximize your productivity and meet deadlines.
> In this position, you will often have to switch between tasks (between customers, factories, quotations, complaints, unforeseen circumstances, etc.). We believe it is important that you are somewhat stress-resistant and can flexibly adapt to the tasks that come your way.
> A solution-oriented approach is essential. You have to deal with problems that often arise suddenly. You look for alternatives and come up with solutions. Thinking and acting outside the box helps with this.
- You have the ability to make and understand calculations (formats, quantities, pricing, margins, costs, waste percentages) and apply them.
- You can work with an administration system, in our case SAP. You are also proficient with Microsoft Office and other relevant software for maintaining customer data, processing orders, creating reports and performing other tasks.
- You live no more than 30 minutes away from our office in Heemstede.
Knowledge of packaging materials is an advantage, but more importantly, you should be eager to learn and committed to the subjects you deal with on a daily basis.
What you can expect from us
- A central role in an international working environment with the informal atmosphere of a family business.
- Internal training and guidance to bring your knowledge to a high level.
- Focus on career development from your first day at work.
- A fixed-term contract.
- A company laptop.
- 28 days of leave (+2 extra days if not ill) based on a 39-hour working week.
- Good fringe benefits: travel allowance, retirement plans, training budget.
- Enjoyable drinks and outings with colleagues.
Are you entering the world of packaging?
Apply now!
Would you like more information about this position? Please contact Christine Wijtvliet. Do you think this role is a perfect fit for you? Send your CV and a compelling cover letter, quoting “Application for Inside Sales Specialist NL”, to christine.wijtvliet@ipp-pm.com (tel. +31 6 14172040). We look forward to receiving your application !
IPP Packaging Materials, nice to meet you!
Direct contact: +31 (0)23 303 5800
IPP is a family business that has grown over nearly 50 years into an organisation with 30 colleagues and branches in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Germany. And IPP continues to evolve! Our ambitious goal is to be the leading specialist in packaging materials by 2030. This is your opportunity to contribute to this!
We operate in a dynamic sector where sustainability is key. By offering our customers innovative and sustainable solutions, we contribute to a better environment. We represent international manufacturers who share our values and are reliable partners.
In addition to an extensive range of base materials, we offer all the services, customisation options and support needed to deliver the most suitable packaging material to our B2B customers at the right time.