Client Operations Specialist

Ahead - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Chicago, IL

Textile Product Mills

About the position

AHEAD builds platforms for digital business by integrating advances in cloud infrastructure, automation, analytics, and software delivery. The Client Operations Specialist plays a crucial role in assisting assigned Client Directors to protect and enhance the Gross Profit Margin (GPM) while ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction through dedicated client service and attention to detail. This position involves developing and maintaining strong pre and post-sales relationships with assigned company accounts, facilitating positive and productive long-term partnerships. The responsibilities of the Client Operations Specialist include managing the transaction lifecycle from quote to cash, identifying account requests, and coordinating with internal support teams to ensure customer satisfaction. The specialist will review and maintain the sales pipeline and forecast in collaboration with Client Directors, scheduling regular meetings to discuss opportunities and updates in Salesforce.com. Additionally, the role requires independent engagement with customers to address inquiries and provide timely solutions, as well as assisting in structuring deals and preparing pricing proposals based on parameters set by Client Directors. The specialist will also work to develop and maintain vendor relationships to improve communication, secure discounts, and expedite registration and pricing requests. Responsibilities extend to accepting customer orders, verifying documentation, coordinating with accounts receivable to review invoice aging reports, and maintaining comprehensive Client Profiles. The role demands a proactive approach to providing value-added services to clients while understanding their internal structures and processes.

Responsibilities

• Manage transaction lifecycle from quote to cash, identifying account requests and coordinating internal support resources to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Review, manage, and maintain pipeline and forecast with assigned Client Directors.
• Schedule regular meetings to review opportunities that need to be added or updated in Salesforce.com.
• Work independently with assigned customers to address questions and provide timely solutions, engaging with internal/external support teams as needed.
• Assist in structuring deals with Client Directors and prepare customer pricing and proposals based on set parameters.
• Develop and maintain vendor relationships to improve communication and secure discounts.
• Accept customer orders and verify that bookable documents are complete and accurate prior to booking.
• Coordinate monthly meetings with accounts receivable to review invoice aging reports and past due invoices.
• Develop and maintain Client Profiles for assigned accounts and maintain records of past quotes for strategic quoting.
• Provide value-added services to assigned accounts as requested.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• 2-3 years of Sales Support experience preferred, particularly in the Technology industry.
• Ability to understand and analyze client needs and link them to company offerings.
• Independent self-starter with effective team player skills and creative problem-solving abilities.
• Experience in a high volume, fast-paced sales environment is required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate needs clearly.
• Ability to build rapport instantly and possess strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with all levels of clients.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with adaptability to react to various situations.
• Ability to work independently on projects with minimal supervision and under pressure.
• Understanding of general business principles and strong mathematical aptitude for margin calculations.
• Experience with Salesforce or other CRM systems is preferred.
• Outstanding multitasking skills and a desire to learn the business process comprehensively.
• Strong work ethic with respect for work/life balance and a positive work environment.

Nice-to-haves

• Open to various backgrounds and experiences.
• Desire to learn and understand the business process from beginning to end.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid company holidays
• Paid time off
• Paid parental and caregiver leave
• Plus more!