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 3-6 years of experience in Canada, your main responsibilities include:

  • Developing and maintaining strong relationships with existing clients, understanding their needs, and providing tailored solutions. You will be responsible for nurturing relationships with current clients, gaining a deep understanding of their requirements, and offering customized solutions to meet their needs.
  • Prospecting and generating leads through various channels, including cold calling, networking, and referrals. Your role involves actively seeking new business opportunities by identifying and engaging potential clients through cold calling, networking events, and leveraging referrals.
  • Conducting sales presentations and product demonstrations to showcase the value of your offerings to potential clients. You will be responsible for delivering compelling sales presentations and product demonstrations that effectively communicate the unique selling points and benefits of your products or services.
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as marketing and customer support, to ensure seamless customer experiences and achieve sales targets.

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

31%

Sales Strategy

19%

Sales Technique

53%

Customer Relationship Management

5%

Career Prospects

The Sales Specialist role is crucial for driving revenue and expanding market reach. With 3-6 years of experience in Canada's sales industry, professionals can explore various alternative roles. Here are four options to consider:

  • Key Account Manager: A position that focuses on building and maintaining relationships with key clients, driving sales growth, and maximizing customer satisfaction.
  • Business Development Manager: A role centered around identifying new business opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, and implementing sales strategies to achieve growth targets.
  • Sales Operations Manager: A position that involves overseeing sales processes, managing sales data and analytics, and optimizing sales efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Customer Success Manager: A role dedicated to ensuring customer satisfaction, retention, and upselling by proactively addressing customer needs and providing exceptional post-sales support.

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.