counter sales representative.

Are you an ambitious professional or recent graduate eager to launch a high-impact career in sales, distribution operations, and commercial management? We are seeking a dedicated, energetic Counter Sales Representative/Strategic Development Program Trainee to join a leading construction wholesale distribution organization in Mississauga, ON. This unique role combines hands-on material handling, counter customer service, and inside sales support with a structured, 4-phase leadership development program. As a Counter Sales Representative/Strategic Development Program Trainee, you will serve as the frontline brand ambassador for our client's sales operations, mastering every facet of wholesale distribution from product logistics and inventory fulfillment to client account management and strategic sales growth.

In this dynamic position, the Counter Sales Representative/Strategic Development Program Trainee will embark on a comprehensive rotational pathway aligned with O*NET standards for wholesale sales representatives and commercial sales professionals. The primary focus of this career pathway in sales is to build well-rounded expertise across the entire business ecosystem. In the early stages, you will work directly at the sales counter and in the warehouse, assisting contractors, processing orders, managing inventory, and safely operating material handling equipment such as forklifts. As you build foundational technical knowledge, your responsibilities will expand into proactive sales, client relationship management, procurement strategies, and operational decision-making. This role offers an ideal environment for professionals in sales who want to combine physical warehouse logistics with high-touch, consultative customer interactions.

Throughout the four developmental phases, the Counter Sales Representative/Strategic Development Program Trainee will receive direct coaching and mentorship from experienced industry leaders in sales and branch management. Phase 1 focuses on mastering warehouse logistics, shipping and receiving, inventory accuracy, and counter customer transactions. Phase 2 deepens your expertise in vendor relationships, procurement, and consultative customer problem-solving. Phase 3 elevates your focus toward proactive sales, account management, commercial pipeline expansion, and strategic business development. Finally, Phase 4 prepares you for long-term sales leadership and branch operations, empowering you to mentor teammates, analyze financial performance, and drive long-term strategy. This structured progression ensures that your career in sales is backed by solid practical experience, deep technical understanding, and strategic insight.

Skills

• Strong consultative sales skills and a customer-centric attitude focused on delivering high-quality service in a wholesale distribution setting.
• Fast learner with the capability to master technical product lines, construction materials, and sales management processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to build lasting relationships with customers, vendors, and sales colleagues.
• Practical mechanical aptitude with the physical ability and willingness to safely operate forklifts and warehouse machinery.
• Outstanding organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced sales environment.
• Proficiency with enterprise software (e.g., M3 or similar ERP systems) and basic Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Solid quantitative capabilities and intermediate math skills for calculating order pricing, margins, quotes, and inventory measurements.
• Natural leadership qualities, high personal integrity, strong work ethic, and a passion for long-term career growth in sales.

Advantages
• Competitive annual salary between CAD $45,000 and CAD $50,000, supplemented by lucrative annual profit-sharing opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package including extended health, dental, vision, and disability coverage.
• Generous employer-matched pension plan to help build long-term financial security.
• Structured, fully supported 4-phase rotational training program designed to fast-track your progression into sales account management or operations leadership.
• Dedicated mentorship and executive coaching from seasoned sales leaders throughout your program journey.
• Vibrant, team-first corporate culture that emphasizes work-life balance, fairness, respect, and open communication.
• Continuous professional development and sales training within a highly stable, nationally recognized distribution network.

Responsibilities
• Provide exceptional, consultative counter sales support and expert product guidance to contractors, commercial partners, and walk-in clients.
• Process incoming customer sales orders, generate accurate quotes, check inventory availability, and respond to sales inquiries promptly.
• Oversee warehouse material handling tasks, including receiving vendor shipments, inspecting incoming freight, verifying packing slips, and logging inventory into computer databases.
• Safely operate forklifts and other material handling equipment to load and unload delivery trucks and organize warehouse space efficiently.
• Accurately pick, pack, assemble, and prepare customer orders for counter pickup, freight shipping, or local courier delivery.
• Progress through Phase 1 of the training program by mastering warehouse logistics, shipping/receiving protocols, and front-counter sales service.
• Execute Phase 2 objectives by managing vendor communications, resolving customer inquiries, and streamlining procurement workflows.
• Advance into Phase 3 by driving proactive sales initiatives, expanding existing client accounts, and identifying new business opportunities in the market.
• Contribute to Phase 4 goals by developing leadership skills, mentoring junior staff, and assisting with overall branch operations and strategy.
• Ensure full compliance with health and safety standards, company guidelines, and regulatory requirements (including Dangerous Goods documentation).
• Continuously expand product knowledge across all construction and wholesale lines to drive cross-selling and upselling during customer interactions.
• Maintain clear, proactive communication with internal sales teams, warehouse staff, and branch managers to deliver exceptional customer satisfaction.

Qualifications
• High School Diploma or equivalent required; College diploma or University degree in Business, Sales, Marketing, or Logistics is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in warehouse operations, material handling, counter sales, or inside sales preferred.
• Ability or willingness to obtain a valid forklift operator certification.
• Demonstrated track record of exceptional customer service, initiative, sales drive, and effective teamwork.
• Strong English language communication skills (spoken and written); bilingualism in French is a distinct asset.
• Ability to work full-time on-site in Mississauga, ON, adhering to scheduled shifts and safety standards.

Summary
At Randstad Professional, our recruitment experts are dedicated to helping ambitious job seekers build rewarding careers in sales and commercial management. Our sales recruiters leverage deep industry insights and personalized guidance to match your unique strengths with top-tier employer opportunities. If this specific position does not match your career goals, contact our expert sales recruiters today to explore other rewarding job opportunities tailored to your aspirations. Take the next step toward a fulfilling professional path and apply online or reach out to our team today!

Randstad Canada is committed to fostering a workforce reflective of all peoples of Canada. As a result, we are committed to developing and implementing strategies to increase the equity, diversity and inclusion within the workplace by examining our internal policies, practices, and systems throughout the entire lifecycle of our workforce, including its recruitment, retention and advancement for all employees. In addition to our deep commitment to respecting human rights, we are dedicated to positive actions to affect change to ensure everyone has full participation in the workforce free from any barriers, systemic or otherwise, especially equity-seeking groups who are usually underrepresented in Canada's workforce, including those who identify as women or non-binary/gender non-conforming; Indigenous or Aboriginal Peoples; persons with disabilities (visible or invisible) and; members of visible minorities, racialized groups and the LGBTQ2+ community.

Randstad Canada is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible workplace for all its candidates and employees by supporting their accessibility and accommodation needs throughout the employment lifecycle. We ask that all job applications please identify any accommodation requirements by sending an email to View email address on randstad.com to ensure their ability to fully participate in the interview process.

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