Inside Sales Assistant - FF
About this role
Job Information
Job Title: Inside Sales Assistant
Department: Sales
Reports To: Inside Sales Manager
Location: Fotofab, Chicago, Illinois
Effective/Revision Date: June 2026
Role Purpose
The Inside Sales Assistant supports the sales and operations teams by ensuring accurate order processing, maintaining customer and order records, and facilitating communication between customers and internal departments. This role plays a critical part in delivering exceptional customer service while supporting the efficient flow of custom manufacturing orders from quotation through production and delivery.
Scope & Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
- Accurately process customer orders for custom metal parts, inputting detailed specifications into our ERP system (e.g., JobBoss/Acumatica) and CRM (e.g., Salesforce).
- Review order details, including technical drawings and specifications, to ensure alignment with customer requirements and manufacturing capabilities.
- Coordinate with engineering and production teams to confirm order feasibility, resolve discrepancies, and schedule production runs.
- Respond to customer inquiries related to order status, delivery timelines, and pricing, ensuring prompt and professional communication via phone and email.
- Maintain and update order records, tracking progress through the sales and production pipeline to ensure timely delivery.
- Assist in preparing quotes and order confirmations, verifying pricing and terms in collaboration with the sales team.
- Perform data entry tasks to support sales reporting, inventory tracking, and customer account updates.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001), and data security protocols during order processing.
- Maintain accurate inventory records, pull inventory for orders and track replenishment needs.
Work Experience & Skills
Education
High School Diploma or GED required.
Associate degree in Business Administration, Sales, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
Experience
1–2 years of experience in order entry, customer service, administrative support, inside sales support, or related functions required.
Experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or B2B environment preferred.
Experience working with ERP, CRM, or order management systems preferred.
Skills / Knowledge
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and order processing.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and experience with ERP or CRM systems; JobBoss or Salesforce experience is a plus.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Basic understanding of technical drawings or willingness to learn about metal fabrication processes.
- Excellent communication skills with a customer-focused approach to internal and external interactions.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
Work Environment
Primarily office-based within a manufacturing facility.
Frequent interaction with sales, engineering, production, and customer service personnel.
Occasional visits to the manufacturing floor may be required.
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer.
Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, phones, printers, and scanners.
Ability to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
Ability to walk through manufacturing areas while adhering to all safety requirements.
Occasional overtime may be required to support customer demands and production schedules.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (base, commensurate with experience) with opportunities for performance-based incentives.
- Comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision insurance, 401(k) with company match, and paid time off.
- Professional development opportunities, including training in order management systems and manufacturing processes.
- A supportive, innovative culture with flexible work arrangements and team-building events.
- The opportunity to contribute to high-impact projects in advanced manufacturing industries.
Compliance Statements
Equal Opportunity Employer
Fotofab is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status under applicable law.
ITAR Requirements
This position may include access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Employee Signature: Date:
Manager Signature: Date:
Human Resources: Date: _____
Company at a glance
Mission & Vision
At The Partner Companies (TPC), we are a global network of advanced manufacturers dedicated to delivering mission-critical solutions that address our customers' most significant challenges. Our vision is to be the go-to partner for innovative, precision manufacturing solutions worldwide.
What Sets Us Apart
What makes TPC stand out in the manufacturing industry is our dedication to niche processes and core manufacturing capabilities. We specialize in photochemical etching, ceramic metallization, crystal growth, and electropolishing, alongside traditional capabilities like injection molding, machining, metal fabrication, and finishing. Our unique combination of expertise, coupled with our international presence and long-term growth strategy, positions us as an industry leader.
We currently have a strong network of specialty manufacturers, including:
E-Fab
Elcon Precision
Fotofab
L&T Precision
Lattice Materials
Microphoto
Optiforms
PEI
Pinnacle Precision Metal
UPG
Our History & Where We’re Going Next
Over the past 13 years, TPC has evolved from a single business into a strategic network of 10 advanced manufactures across the United States, China, Mexico and Wales. As we embark on our long-term strategic growth plan to identify and acquire companies that will continue to expand our capabilities and capacity to serve our customers’ needs.
Our key achievements include successfully manufacturing mission-critical precision parts, components, and assemblies for leaders across industries:
Aerospace
Defense
Clean Energy
Medical
Technology
Telecom
Collaboration Opportunities
We believe in the power of collaboration. Whether you're a partner looking to join forces, a client seeking precision manufacturing solutions, or an industry professional interested in exploring new opportunities, let's connect and explore the possibilities together to drive innovation in manufacturing. Connect with us on LinkedIn or reach out to [email protected].
Top Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Performance-based incentives
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
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