Description

Sales specialists' main duty is to explain the specifications and features of a product or service to existing or potential customers, with the goal of making a sale. Sometimes, sales specialists also forecast a company's potential sales and ensure these targets are met. These professionals usually travel around a designated sales area (which includes actual and/or potential customers) and attempt to sell products and build relationships; many times, sales specialists are always responsible for a particular region designated by their employer. Typical work hours for such a position vary, as traveling may mean an extremely busy week followed by a relatively easy one. However, the average sales specialist works 40-hour weeks and is on the road often to meet new potential clients. Sales specialists usually have to report with a head of their region's sales team, and answer to them when sales are low or a problem arises. They may also work with fellow sales specialists with specific clients or projects.The education requirement for sales specialist positions can vary depending on the position and company. Most positions require at least a post-high school degree, usually a bachelor’s degree. Work experience is frequently preferred in sales or a customer-service role. This position also requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to track and analyze their sales data.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Sales Specialist with 6-9 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with existing clients, ensuring customer satisfaction and repeat business. Regularly communicate with clients to understand their needs and provide personalized solutions.
  • Generate new leads and opportunities through prospecting, networking, and market research. Identify potential clients and engage in proactive outreach to expand the customer base.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as marketing and product development, to develop and execute sales strategies. Work closely with other departments to align sales efforts with company objectives.
  • Analyze market trends and competitors to identify opportunities for growth.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Sales Specialist, the following qualifications are required:

  • Previous experience in sales or a related field, demonstrating a track record of achieving and exceeding sales targets.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with clients, understanding their needs and providing appropriate solutions.
  • Excellent problem-solving abilities to identify potential issues or obstacles in the sales process and develop effective strategies to overcome them.
  • Proven negotiation skills to secure favorable deals and contracts, ensuring profitability for the company while maintaining customer satisfaction.

Essential Skills For Sales Specialist

1

Sales

2

Sales Technique

3

Sales & Management

4

Managing Accounts

5

Customer Relationship Management

Skills That Affect Sales Specialist Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Sales

33%

Sales Strategy

35%

Sales Technique

40%

Sales & Management

33%

Customer Relationship Management

29%

Career Prospects

The role of a Sales Specialist is crucial in driving revenue growth and building client relationships. For professionals with 6-9 years of experience in Canada's sales industry, there are several alternative roles worth considering. Here are four options to explore:

  • Key Account Manager: A position that involves managing and nurturing relationships with key clients, focusing on strategic account growth and customer satisfaction.
  • Business Development Manager: A role focused on identifying new business opportunities, developing partnerships, and expanding market reach.
  • Sales Operations Manager: A position that oversees sales processes, analytics, and performance metrics to optimize sales effectiveness and drive operational efficiency.
  • Product Marketing Manager: A role that involves developing marketing strategies, positioning products in the market, and driving demand generation through effective messaging and campaigns.

How to Learn

According to the latest data from Google, the Sales Specialist role in Canada is projected to experience significant growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, this job role has shown considerable expansion and is expected to continue growing in the future. The number of employment opportunities for Sales Specialists is also set to increase, providing promising career prospects for individuals in this field. With these positive trends, the Sales Specialist position in Canada offers excellent potential for professional development and a wide range of job openings in the coming years.