Role Overview

At Arrow Electronics in Huntsville, Alabama, the Customer Sales Specialist position represents a dynamic opportunity to become the vital link between global technology supply chains and satisfied customers. This role demands a unique blend of sales acumen, technical proficiency, and customer service excellence. You'll manage day-to-day sales activities, provide exceptional support, and serve as the crucial liaison among Arrow's field sales teams, engineering groups, supplier marketing, manufacturing facilities, purchasing departments, and valued customers. With Huntsville's booming aerospace and defense sector, this position places you at the heart of innovation where precision and reliability are paramount.

Arrow Electronics, a Fortune 500 global provider of electronic components and enterprise computing solutions, seeks individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments managing complex supply chain engagements. Your expertise will ensure seamless operations through tools like e-Compass (My Arrow), Consignments, and CARES (Customer Automated Replenishment System). From processing quotes and negotiating pricing to resolving intricate problems and maintaining Perfect Order Index (POI) metrics, you'll own the customer experience end-to-end. This hybrid role offers 3 days in the office at our Governors Drive location and 2 days work-from-home flexibility, balancing collaboration with autonomy.

Candidates must be U.S. Persons eligible for ITAR compliance, reflecting the high-stakes nature of Huntsville's defense-oriented ecosystem. With a salary range of $54,000 - $75,000 annually (converted from $25.96 - $36.00 hourly), plus performance incentives, this position offers competitive compensation tailored to experience and skill level.

Day in the Life

Imagine starting your day at Arrow Electronics' Huntsville office, coffee in hand, diving into your inbox filled with customer inquiries and order updates. Your morning begins with reviewing e-Compass reports, identifying exceptions like dropped parts or new additions, and collaborating with Infosys teams to drive closures. By 10 AM, you're on a customer shortage call, confidently leading the discussion, setting action plans, and communicating timelines to account teams.

Lunchtime might involve a quick team huddle where you share insights from recent bond reviews, ensuring unit turn rates meet branch goals. Post-lunch, you process complex quotes through Quote Center, applying strategic cost-plus markups and negotiating with suppliers for optimal margins. A mid-afternoon challenge arises—a PCN notification requires swift coordination to maintain OTD metrics. You proactively notify customers, manage expectations, and update POI dashboards in PowerBI.

As the day winds down, you handle SMI and NCNR conversations, conduct forecast response reviews, and prepare for tomorrow's sales team sync. Ending with a sense of accomplishment, you've resolved issues, strengthened customer relationships, and contributed to Arrow's operational excellence. This rhythm repeats with variety, keeping every day engaging and impactful.

Why Huntsville, Alabama?

Huntsville, Alabama, known as 'Rocket City,' stands as America's premier aerospace and defense hub, perfectly aligning with Arrow Electronics' mission. Home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Redstone Arsenal, and countless high-tech firms, Huntsville boasts the highest concentration of engineers per capita in the U.S. This vibrant city offers an unmatched quality of life with a low cost of living—housing costs 40% below national averages while salaries remain competitive.

Cultural richness abounds with the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, world-class golf courses, and a thriving arts scene. Outdoor enthusiasts revel in Monte Sano State Park's hiking trails and the Tennessee River's recreational opportunities. Families appreciate top-rated schools and safe neighborhoods. Huntsville's economic momentum, fueled by a $10B+ annual aerospace impact, ensures job security and growth. Arrow's Governors Drive location positions you steps from this innovation epicenter, offering proximity to clients in defense, space, and advanced manufacturing.

The community's Southern hospitality blends with progressive tech culture, creating an ideal environment for career and personal fulfillment. With mild winters, four distinct seasons, and a growing food scene featuring farm-to-table dining, Huntsville delivers the perfect backdrop for your Arrow Electronics career.

Career Growth Path

Arrow Electronics invests heavily in employee development, and the Customer Sales Specialist role serves as a launchpad for advancement. Excel in this position, and you'll quickly progress to Senior Customer Sales Specialist within 12-18 months, taking on larger accounts and mentoring juniors. From there, pathways diverge into Account Management, where you'll drive multimillion-dollar relationships, or Supply Chain Analyst roles leveraging your e-Compass expertise.

High performers advance to Sales Operations Manager, overseeing teams and strategic initiatives, or specialize in Value-Add Services, managing complex programs. Technical paths lead to Business Intelligence Analyst positions, expanding your PowerBI mastery into enterprise analytics. With tuition reimbursement and internal training programs, many transition into engineering support or supplier management roles. Arrow's global footprint offers relocation opportunities to Centennial, Colorado headquarters or international sites. Long-term, executive tracks include Director of Sales Operations and Vice President levels, with numerous Huntsville alumni achieving C-suite positions company-wide.

Compensation & Benefits

Arrow Electronics delivers total rewards exceeding industry standards. Base salary spans $54,000-$75,000 annually, with target incentives pushing total compensation to $90,000+ for top performers. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance with low premiums, plus 401k matching up to 6%. HSA/HRA options maximize tax advantages, while short/long-term disability provides security.

Generous PTO encompasses 15+ vacation days, 10 holidays, and unlimited sick leave. Tuition reimbursement covers certifications like Six Sigma or APICS, fueling career growth. Hybrid flexibility enhances work-life balance, and wellness programs include gym reimbursements. Additional perks feature employee stock purchase plans, paid parental leave, and volunteer time off. Arrow's commitment to equal opportunity ensures fair advancement regardless of background.

Team & Culture

Arrow's Huntsville team embodies collaboration, innovation, and customer obsession. Diverse professionals from engineering, military, and tech backgrounds unite around shared success. Weekly stand-ups foster transparency, while cross-functional projects build lasting relationships. Leadership emphasizes empowerment—your ideas drive change. Social committees organize team-building events, from rocket launch viewings to holiday celebrations. Our culture celebrates wins, supports challenges, and prioritizes inclusion per our EEO policy. Join a team where your contributions matter and growth is limitless.

How to Apply

Ready to launch your Arrow career? Applications take 5 minutes via our careers portal. Submit your resume highlighting Excel/PowerBI experience, supply chain knowledge, and ITAR eligibility. Cover letters showcasing customer service passion stand out. Our Huntsville team reviews submissions weekly, with phone screens followed by virtual/in-person interviews. Background checks and references complete the process. We encourage prompt applications as positions fill quickly. Arrow celebrates diverse talent—apply today and join Rocket City's premier electronics team!

FAQ Section

Q: Is this role remote? A: Hybrid schedule: 3 days in office (Governors Drive, Huntsville), 2 days work-from-home.

Q: What ITAR experience is required? A: Must be U.S. Person (citizen, permanent resident, refugee/asylee) eligible for export license. No prior ITAR experience needed.

Q: What's the typical career progression? A: Senior Specialist → Account Manager → Operations Manager → Director roles within 3-5 years.

Q: Are there relocation benefits? A: Yes, for qualifying candidates moving to Huntsville, Alabama.

Q: What salary can I expect? A: $54,000-$75,000 base + incentives, based on experience.

Q: Do I need a college degree? A: 2-year degree preferred or High school + 3-5 years equivalent experience.

Q: What software skills are essential? A: Advanced Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivots), PowerBI, MS Office Suite.

Q: How does Arrow support professional development? A: Tuition reimbursement, certifications, mentoring, leadership training.

Q: What's the team environment like? A: Collaborative, diverse, innovative with regular team events.

Q: When will I hear back? A: Phone screen within 1 week of applying.