Customer Service Lead

At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it's our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the country, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and go home safety each day. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index.

This position is responsible for delivering exceptional service to customers at the Benson Hardscapes Outlet through in-person and phone interactions. This role involves advising on product selection, processing orders, coordinating logistics, and maintaining accurate inventory. The Lead also supports yard upkeep, assists with basic landscape design, and ensures smooth daily operations while fostering a clean, safe, and customer-focused environment.

The typical schedule during Production is M-F 7am-5pm. Saturdays 8am-12pm. The typical schedule during Maintenance is M-F 8am-4pm - no Saturdays.

EDUCATION AND/OR WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

1. One year of college or technical school coursework in Landscaping program preferred; or three to six months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

DUTIES AND/OR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide exceptional customer service in person and over the phone, assisting with orders for hardscape materials such as retaining wall blocks, pavers, patio blocks, aggregate, mulch, and flagstone.
• Oversee yard and stock maintenance to ensure a clean, organized, and safe environment.
• Manage select customer accounts and maintain professional communication via phone, email, and in-person interactions.
• Make timely and effective decisions on-site in the best interest of Hardscapes Outlet operations.
• Delegate tasks to team members to support daily operational needs.
• Process customer orders, including completing order forms, calculating charges, and collecting payments or deposits.
• Coordinate delivery and pickup logistics for customer orders.
• Promote additional products and services offered by Hardscapes Outlet.
• Assist customers with basic landscape design and product quantity estimates for installations.
• Accurately weigh and ticket trucks in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and assist with inventory management.
• Collaborate effectively with team members across locations to meet customer needs.
• Assist customers with loading products when necessary.
• Support showroom upkeep, including cleaning and organizing displays.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment at all times.
• Receive cross-training to serve as a backup equipment operator.
• Develop creative strategies to promote and sell aging inventory.
• Perform other duties as assigned.