Current job title: Sales Assistant
Industry: Manufacturing
Department: Sales
Years worked in this industry: 10
Years worked in this department: 10
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): Yes. Very
strong math skills and advanced knowledge of MS Excel, Word, Access, and
PowerPoint. In addition, the ability to communicate verbally and in
writing with both sales people and engineers is a must.
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: 12
Typical work hours: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Weekends or overtime hours: I work
overtime on a fairly regular basis and I do get paid for it.
General salary range
(Note: This is a general figure or range provided by survey respondent and may
NOT be an exact salary in order to
give survey respondent some privacy. Also you must take into account that
the number of years worked in industry/department may contribute to this
salary as well as criteria such as level of position and person reports
to, required hours and geographical location.): $30,000 -
$35,000
Benefits (direct or indirect): Very
good medical, dental and vision benefits are available.
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
1. “First Article Inspection”, verification of product matching prints
provided for customer approval.
2. “Rapid Prototyping”, creating a temporary mold for short term use while
the customer verifies the market for it’s profit.
3. “EDI” (Electronic Data Interchange), the ability to connect directly
between customer and vendor for visibility of production needs.
A typical day on the job: A typical day
for me is full of high pressure demands that require the ability to juggle
several tasks at once.
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: The manufacturing industry
that I’m in is very family friendly. They understand that family comes
first and if I need to take time off for that reason they are very
understanding.
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: If you’re not behind the
company 120% with an excellent work ethic you will not last.
Type of workspace/office:
cubicle
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position: Quote new projects, manage the
open quote system, manage ongoing pricing scale for current products and
support the [sales executive] with general administrative duties.
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:
1. Ability to work in a high stress environment.
2. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
3. Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Access.
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Computer, fax, copier and telephone are used on a regular basis.
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
My knowledge of computer functions and ability to troubleshoot them has
come in handy many times.
Critical soft skills: Good
communication and prioritizing continuously incoming tasks. My position
works with all of the departments within our company. The ability to
communicate with quality personnel, scheduling, engineers and sales people
takes a special approach as all of them do not think the same way.
Pace of this position: Fast
Geographical region: Northwest
U.S.
