Entry Level Product Development Jobs in Rhode Island

 Arnold Lumber Company is a fourth-generation full-service lumberyard headquartered in West Kingston, RI, with additional locations in Bristol, Cumberland, Wakefield, and Westerly, serving local communities for over 110 years. Arnold Lumber is more than just a retail building material supplier; it is a cornerstone of the local communities. In 2025, its commitment to quality and excellence in the workplace earned it recognition as a winner in the Providence Business News Best Places to Work in Rhode Island. #PBNBPTW

If you are seeking a rewarding position with an opportunity for career growth – we want, YOU on our team! 

PURPOSE:

The Counter Sales position will work as a part of a team reporting to the Profit Center Manager. This role is the entry-level position in the Sales department and will be responsible for operational processes and procedures in the respective department. Each Counter Salesperson is responsible for maintaining a team approach within the company and maintaining proper housekeeping in the Store and personal area.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Staffing the Sales Counter, Greeting and Servicing Customers
• Responsible for Order Entry, Sales Transactions, and Quotes
• Responsible for Stocking, Cycle Counting, and Organization of Inventory
• Relationship building with Internal Customers and Departments, Suppliers and External Customers
• Providing excellent service by Greeting, approaching, and assisting customers in their purchases in a friendly, courteous, and helpful manner
• Responsible for daily Store Opening, Store Closing, and Cash Drawer Procedures
• Providing stock product availability using the POS System
• Providing installation information, product benefits, and literature that is available
• Ownership of and responsibility for performing an entry-level range of processing building materials sales assistance focusing on telephone sales and walk-in traffic through POS System
• Maintaining customer relations and promoting the sale of stock products from all areas of the profit center
• Directing customers to the appropriate team member to provide quotes and place special orders
• Stock shelves in store with inventory received daily by following process and procedure
• Perform Cycle counts as directed by the Manager
• Maintain sales materials, catalogs, and brochures to ensure that they are current
• Direct customer complaints and concerns to appropriate management or designated Customer Service Representative
• Work to gain knowledge of special order and specialty catalogs, both online and printed

OTHER JOB DUTIES:

• Ensuring that the counter is always staffed
• Begin development of knowledge in all products/merchandise sold through the store
• Maintain Inventory and Housekeeping in your work area and any area assigned to you by your manager
• Develop knowledge of store and company procedures relating to stock, sales, returns, delivery, invoicing, special orders, receiving, and transfers that enable proper coordination of store services to customer

All other duties Perform all other duties as assigned including carrying out responsibilities, performing duties, using skills, and working in conditions necessary to perform all assigned tasks.

COMPETENCIES/SKILLS:

• Self-motivation and the ability to learn independently
• Ability to effectively read and write and good math skills
• Computer proficient
• Good social and verbal communication
• Outstanding customer service skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to effectively communicate and work with a team of employees at all levels in an outgoing friendly demeanor.
• The ability to learn and utilize updates and modifications to computer systems as they occur.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to walk/stand for long durations (duration of shift excluding breaks).
• Vision abilities to include close, distance, peripheral, color, and depth differentiation.
• Use of hands and fingers for fine manipulation.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED Preferred
• 1+ years of Customer Service/Sales experience preferred
• Entry Level Knowledge of products within the department for Promotion and Sale

We offer a comprehensive benefits package offering flexible options to meet your healthcare needs and a robust 401(k) and Roth retirement savings program. Our competitive compensation package is based on ones skill set and experience.