Sales Support Specialist
Description
Job Classification
Job Type: Full-Time
Location: Houston, TX Office
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Sales Administration Assistant Manager
Job Summary
The Sales Support Specialist will support sales operations for crane sales and help keep internal functions aligned to deliver upon customer expectations.
Key Responsibilities
• Coordinate the sales order process from factory order placement through customer invoicing, ensuring alignment with customer purchase orders, contracts, machine specifications, and delivery requirements.
• Process new orders, maintain accurate order records, and communicate updates to the appropriate internal teams and factory contacts.
• Coordinate customer change requests related to machine specifications and requirements, submit changes to the factory, and track responses and approvals.
• Process crane arrivals, including SAP goods receipts, invoice receipts, and required EPA and customs documentation.
• Develop and maintain load plans for incoming equipment in coordination with the appropriate teams.
• Process orders for crane accessories and related items, including hook blocks, de-rates, and manuals.
• Prepare and update deal margin simulations. Coordinate with Sales and Engineering to confirm pricing, calculate intercompany costs, and evaluate projected margins against anticipated selling prices.
• Coordinate with the factory regarding equipment availability, delivery schedules, change requests, retrofit quotations, and other order requirements.
• Lead weekly factory calls to review open orders, address outstanding issues, and confirm production and shipment updates.
• Maintain current inventory and order reports, including equipment availability, vessel schedules, and expected arrival dates.
• Monitor outstanding documentation and follow up with customers, factory contacts, and internal teams to support timely order processing and fulfillment.
• Maintain complete and accurate crane order files and review documentation for audit readiness.
• Collect End Use Certification documents and submit them for required compliance reviews.
• Participate in sales, production, and inventory meetings and communicate relevant updates, risks, and action items.
• Prioritize competing requests and escalate issues that may affect order accuracy, compliance, delivery schedules, or customer commitments.
NOTE: This job description outlines the essential functions of the position but is not all-inclusive. Additional administrative tasks reasonably related to the position may be assigned.
Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of five years of relevant experience in sales order administration, equipment order coordination, logistics, or a related function; or an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field and a minimum of three years of relevant experience.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, documentation requirements, and import procedures.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, equipment specifications, and related documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Ability to review pricing, calculate margins, and understand how order activity supports sales targets and budget objectives.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple orders and deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to coordinate across customers, factory contacts, and internal teams.
• Three or more years of experience in the crane or heavy equipment industry.
• Experience using SAP or another enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.
• Familiarity with EPA documentation and end-use certification requirements.
• Proficiency in Japanese, Spanish, or Portuguese, in addition to English.
Core Competencies
• Order Management & Accountability: Coordinates orders from factory placement through invoicing, tracks outstanding actions, and follows through on commitments to support accurate and timely fulfillment.
• Communication & Collaboration: Shares clear, timely information and works effectively with customers, factory contacts, Sales, Engineering, and other teams to resolve order concerns.
• Commercial & Numerical Accuracy: Reviews pricing, intercompany costs, and projected margins carefully, identifies discrepancies, and maintains accurate transaction records.
• Documentation & Compliance: Maintains complete, organized records and follows established customs, EPA, and end-use certification procedures, escalating questions when needed.
• Customer Focus & Problem Solving: Clarifies customer requirements, anticipates potential issues, and coordinates practical solutions while setting realistic expectations.
• Planning & Prioritization: Manages competing deadlines, maintains current order and inventory reports, and adjusts priorities as production, shipping, and customer needs change.
Pay Range
Estimated Salary Range: $55,000 - $62,500 annually (DOE)
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Requirements
This job operates primarily in a professional office environment and requires access to departments and operational areas throughout the organization’s facilities. The role routinely uses computers and standard office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate sales and technical information and sit for prolonged periods while working on a computer. Duties also require standing, walking, using hands to operate equipment, and reaching with hands and arms. The employee must be able to review detailed records, drawings, and technical documentation. The employee may occasionally be required to lift and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds and access various departments and facility areas. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity (AAP/EEO) Statement
Tadano provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.