Sales Representative (Trainee)

Job summary

The trainee begins with warehouse operations, including receiving, shipping, inventory control, quality checks, and maintaining accurate records. They then support customer service and shipping coordination before progressing toward outside sales, building customer relationships, identifying needs, and tracking sales activity.

Job details

Sales Representative (Trainee) Job Summary: The Sales/Operations Trainee role is designed to develop a strong understanding of SurfacePrep’s products, customers, and sales processes. The position begins in the warehouse, providing hands-on exposure to products and operations. The trainee then transitions to the front office, working alongside the Customer Service team to learn customer interactions, internal systems, and sales support functions. With training and experience, the role ultimately progresses into an Outside Sales position, supporting and driving sales to both existing and new customers over an expected 12–24 month development period. Key Responsibilities: Warehouse Operations · Receive incoming shipments and verify contents against packing slips · Prepare outgoing shipments, ensuring accuracy of products and documentation · Load, unload, sort, move, and stage products manually or using equipment · Perform quality control checks on inbound and outbound materials · Maintain accurate inventory and assist with annual and cycle counts · Resolve discrepancies related to quantity, condition, weight, or delivery timing · Maintain accurate shipping/receiving records & update orders in the ERP system · Order shipping supplies as required · Perform general housekeeping to maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment · Adhere to company health and safety policies at all times Customer Service & Sales Support · Coordinate with internal departments to ensure timely delivery of products · Communicate with customers on order status, documentation, & delivery issues · Contact carrier representatives to obtain quotes, arrange shipments, and prepare shipping documentation · Prepare and manage international shipments, including customs documentation · Resolve customer issues related to shipping, orders, or product concerns · Maintain accurate records of shipments, receipts, and customer interactions Outside Sales (Developmental / Future Responsibilities) · Build relationships with existing customers while developing new sales leads · Schedule and conduct appointments with potential and current customers within assigned territory · Identify customer needs and recommend appropriate products and services · Demonstrate product value and functionality based on customer needs · Maintain customer communication to ensure satisfaction and post‑sale support · Inform customers of new products, services, and enhancements · Maintain detailed records of sales activity, opportunities, and customer interactions in the CRM system · Prepare sales activity reports and contribute to territory sales forecasting · Perform other duties as assigned to support sales growth Job Qualifications: · College Diploma or University Degree in a technical field is considered an asset · Strong mechanical aptitude required for future growth and advancement · Excellent written and verbal communication skills · Ability to understand, read, write, and fluently speak English · Knowledge of major carriers (FedEx, Purolator, UPS, etc.) & their software is a plus · Proficient in Microsoft Office applications · Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems is beneficial · Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently in a fast‑paced environment · Experience with international shipping and customs documentation is an asset · Forklift and reach truck experience preferred · Physically capable of performing job duties, including lifting up to 55 lbs · Ability to closely follow company health and safety policies · Strong multitasking and organizational skills Benefits: Vacation and sick days paid RSP and TFSA Plan and RSP employer contribution Health, Dental, Paramedical expenses and Vision Insurance Insurance Life, AD&D, Dependant life and long-term liability

What you’ll do

The trainee begins with warehouse operations, including receiving, shipping, inventory control, quality checks, and maintaining accurate records. They then support customer service and shipping coordination before progressing toward outside sales, building customer relationships, identifying needs, and tracking sales activity.

Requirements

A technical college diploma or university degree is an asset, along with strong mechanical aptitude, communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office; ERP/MRP knowledge is beneficial. The role also calls for attention to detail, organization, the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, English fluency, and the physical ability to lift up to 55 pounds; shipping, customs, and forklift experience are preferred or assets.

Benefits

• Paid Vacation Days
• Paid Sick Days
• RSP Plan
• TFSA Plan
• Employer RSP Contributions
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Paramedical Expense Coverage
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• AD&D Insurance
• Dependent Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance

Listed skills

• Customer service · Preferred
• Organization · Preferred
• Attention to detail · Preferred
• Multitasking · Preferred
• Microsoft Office · Preferred
• CRM Systems · Preferred
• Inventory management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Written And Verbal Communication
• Mechanical Aptitude
• Customer Service
• Sales Development
• Inventory Management
• Shipping And Receiving
• International Shipping
• Customs Documentation
• Microsoft Office
• ERP/MRP Systems
• CRM Systems
• Organization
• Multitasking
• Attention To Detail
• Forklift And Reach Truck Operation
• Health And Safety Compliance

Job areas

• Sales
• Logistics
• Customer Service & Support
• Manufacturing