Counter Sales / Hose Technician - Industrial Supply

About the role

The Hope Group, A SunSource Company, is New England’s leading provider of fluid power and motion control solutions for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and MROs. The Hope Group has over 100,000 square feet of warehousing, fabrication, and administration facilities to complement its manufacturing capacity. We’re more than a parts distributor. Our customers rely on us to help identify and solve the efficiency and productivity challenges they face.

The Counter Technician is responsible for supporting customers with product selection, order entry, quotations, pricing, and technical assistance involving fluid power, hydraulic, connector, and industrial products. This role also performs light technical work, including the assembly of custom hose and tubing products, while ensuring exceptional service and accurate order processing.

Essential Functions

• Build positive, professional relationships with customers at the counter, by phone, and through email. Assist with product inquiries, selection, purchases, returns, pricing, quotations, and order processing.
• Review customer requirements and ensure accurate identification of parts, assemblies, and products.
• Provide application assistance and recommend appropriate fluid power, hydraulic, connector, and industrial products.
• Build custom hydraulic hose and tubing assemblies, including cutting hose and crimping fittings to customer specifications.
• Enter and process orders, quotations, pricing, delivery information, and related transactions in company systems.
• Obtain pricing and availability directly from vendors for non-price-book items.
• Receive, pick, pack, and ship customer orders accurately and promptly.
• Investigate and resolve questions involving pricing, deliveries, order status, and returns. Escalate policy matters as needed.
• Coordinate with outside sales, fabrication, warehouse, and other internal teams to meet customer requirements.
• Identify and communicate leads for new customers, projects, and product opportunities to the sales team.
• Perform daily cycle counts, investigate count variations, update inventory records, and support physical inventory activities.
• Maintain sales, account, and cost records; prepare required reports; and keep product literature and technical documentation current.
• Obtain product and application information from manufacturers as needed.
• Travel as needed for training, company events, operational support, and coverage at other Hope Group locations.

Experience, Education and Skills

• High School Diploma or GED; diploma, certificate, or degree from a technical school also accepted.
• Experience in industrial distribution, fluid power, hydraulics, hose assembly, parts counter sales, automotive parts, heavy equipment parts, or industrial supply preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to learn technical products and applications.
• Experience working with customers in a retail, industrial, warehouse, counter sales, or service environment.
• Ability to identify products, interpret customer requirements, and recommend solutions.
• Strong attention to detail, communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong digital literacy and experience using order-entry, inventory, or customer management systems; CRM experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and use computer systems.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely operate basic shop and material-handling equipment.

Why The Hope Group?

• Competitive Compensation
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Career Growth Opportunities with SunSource, one of North America's leading distributors of fluid power, automation, and industrial supply solutions
• Join a respected New England market leader backed by the resources and stability of a national organization