At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive sales for PLCs and control software while building strong customer relationships.
- Company: Join Rexel, a global leader in electrical distribution with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a positive work-life balance.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of energy solutions.
- Qualifications: Experience in PLC programming and technical sales is essential.
JoinRexel:AGlobalLeaderinElectricalDistribution
Rexel is a world leader in the electrical distribution market, operating in 18 Countries and leveraging a network of 1950 branches and 27000 employees. We provide innovative electrical solutions and equipment for the industrial, residential and commercial sectors. As the energy evolves, our business is transforming alongside it.This change is driven by you - our fresh thinkers, innovators and groundbreakers. By collaborating closely with our customers and partners, Rexel is dedicated to delivering exceptional value to our employees, customer and stake holders alike. Together we are building sustainable performance and shaping a better future.
Rexel Canada operates under six distinct banners : Rexel Atlantic, Rexel Utility, Westburne, Nedco, LTL and Talley
Westburne is a leading Canadian provider of energy solutions, renewables, lighting, wire & cable, automation, and connected network solutions. Supported by strong industry partners, we deliver technical expertise and products that help customers and partners grow.
Reporting to the Regional Automation Manager, the Outside Automation Sales Specialist — PLC & Software will be responsible for driving revenue growth for programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human‑machine interfaces (HMIs), industrial control software, and industrial networking solutions from Rockwell Automation (Allen‑Bradley). This quota‑bearing role requires a blend of deep technical knowledge, consultative selling skills, territory account knowledge, and proven success converting technical opportunities into closed sales across the assigned region.
How You Will Thrive With Us
1. Sales and territory development
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Own sales targets and deliverables for PLC, HMI, control software, and associated services within Central Ontario; develop and execute a territory sales plan to meet or exceed quota.
- Build, qualify, and manage a predictable opportunity pipeline using CRM; forecast sales, report progress, and adjust tactics to achieve revenue and margin goals.
- Actively pursue new business through prospecting, cold outreach, lead follow-up, channel partner engagement, and relationship development with end users, OEMs, and system integrators.
- Prepare and present commercial proposals, technical quotes, and accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs); negotiate pricing, terms, and scope to close business while protecting margin.
- Coordinate cross-functional pre-sales and post-sales activities with internal sales teams, product specialists, supply chain, and Rockwell Automation to ensure successful project delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Run targeted sales campaigns, customer workshops, and executive briefings to accelerate decision cycles and drive product/software adoption.
- Upsell and cross-sell complementary products and services (e.g., drives, safety, condition monitoring, system integration, training, maintenance) to increase average deal size and lifetime customer value.
- Implement competitive strategies and win/loss tactics to defend and grow market share in manufacturing, water/wastewater, food & beverage, mining, infrastructure and other verticals.
2. Technical leadership and customer enablement
- Act as the lead technical resource for PLC and control-software sales: assess customer control‑system requirements, design Rockwell controller, I/O, and HMI solutions, and provide programming/architecture guidance.
- Provide pre-sales technical consulting, programming support, and solution demonstrations, including hands‑on examples in Studio 5000/RSLogix and FactoryTalk.
- Lead control‑system migration and retrofit initiatives: assess legacy environments, develop migration strategies, estimate costs and downtime, and recommend phased implementations that align with customers’ operational objectives.
- Maintain current knowledge of Rockwell product roadmaps, firmware updates, licensing models, and partner integrations; travel to the U.S. for training as required.
3. Sales metrics and commercial focus
- Responsible for monthly and quarterly sales forecasting accuracy, pipeline velocity, close rate, average deal size, and margin targets.
- Drive measurable growth in installed base conversions, software license renewals, service agreements, and project-based revenues.
- Track and improve customer retention, net new logos, and territory market share.
Who Are You
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Diploma or degree in Electrical, Electronic, Control Systems, or Automation Technology from a recognized institution.
- Minimum of two years’ experience combining PLC programming/control system work with technical product sales or sales engineering (Rockwell experience preferred).
- Practical experience with Rockwell Automation PLC platforms and software (e.g., ControlLogix/CompactLogix, Studio 5000/RSLogix, FactoryTalk View, RSLinx).
- Strong understanding of PLC programming languages (ladder logic, structured text, function block diagrams) and common control strategies.
- Experience interpreting and producing single‑line electrical drawings, I/O lists, and control schematics.
- Working knowledge of industrial networking and EtherNet/IP architecture, including network diagnostics and segmentation best practices.
- Proven ability to develop BOMs, technical proposals, commercial quotes, and scope documents.
- Demonstrated consultative selling skills, negotiation experience, and a track record of meeting or exceeding sales targets.
- CRM proficiency and strong commercial acumen, including pricing strategy and margin management.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Valid driver’s license and passport required.
The anticipated annual base salary range for this position starts at $70K. Final compensation within this range will be determined by factors such as relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and internal equity. This range does not include variable pay or other components of Rexel’s total rewards package.
What We Offer:
- Our employees enjoy a positive work-life balance while thriving in an environment that is dynamic and motivated by new and exciting challenges.
- Rexel does not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make final hiring decisions. Where technology is used (for example, to schedule interviews or manage applications), assessments and hiring decisions are made by our hiring team members in accordance with applicable privacy laws and our commitment to a fair and transparent recruitment process.
- We provide competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits plans, and pension plans, along with a remarkable range of career opportunities—whether advancing in your current field or exploring something entirely new. If you’re motivated, we’ll help you find the career path that suits you.
- Rexel Canada is committed to Employment Equity and values a diverse workforce, recognizing each employee's unique talents and skills.
What Is Next?
- If this position aligns with your career goals, click "Apply" to submit your application.
- We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
- If you require any accommodation in the application process, please contact us with the “Need Help” button in Fitzii.
- For additional career opportunities, please visit www.rexel.ca.
Outside Automation Sales Specialist — PLC & Software in Sudbury employer: Westburne
Rexel is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and supportive work environment, encouraging employees to thrive while balancing their professional and personal lives. With a strong commitment to employee growth, Rexel offers comprehensive benefits, competitive compensation, and diverse career advancement opportunities, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the electrical distribution industry. Located in Central Ontario, this role provides the chance to work with cutting-edge technology and collaborate with industry leaders, ensuring a rewarding and fulfilling career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Outside Automation Sales Specialist — PLC & Software in Sudbury
✨Get Involved in Local Automation Meetups
We can’t stress this enough – getting your face out there in the automation and control systems community can really set you apart. Look for local meetups or workshops where you can chat with industry professionals, learn about what’s trending, and even discover hidden job gems. Who knows, you might meet someone from a company like Westburne!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure you have a portfolio of your work ready to roll. Whether it’s academic projects, internships or personal experiments, showcase how you’ve tackled automation challenges. When you apply for the Outside Automation Sales Specialist — PLC & Software position at Westburne, linking your portfolio gives your application that extra oomph and demonstrates your practical knowledge.
✨Leverage Your Uni Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, don’t forget about your career services! Many universities have established connections with companies in the automation field. They may know when Westburne is looking for fresh talent or even have internships that lead to full-time positions. So, hit them up!
✨Keep an Eye on Industry Certifications
While hunting for roles, consider getting certified in relevant automation technologies. It shows dedication and gives you a leg up in the job market. Plus, many organisations offer job boards or networking events to certified professionals. This might just lead you to that coveted Outside Automation Sales Specialist — PLC & Software role at Westburne!
We think you need these skills to ace Outside Automation Sales Specialist — PLC & Software in Sudbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an automation-control-systems role, it’s crucial to highlight your technical skills. Whether it's your proficiency in programming languages like Python or understanding control systems, make sure your CV showcases these prominently. Don't forget to mention any specific software or tools you're experienced with – that’s music to the ears of hiring managers!
Tailor Your Projects to Automation:If you've worked on any relevant projects, especially those involving automation or control systems, make them stand out in your CV. Use a dedicated section to highlight these projects, explaining your role and the impact of your contributions. This could be the difference between getting noticed and getting overlooked!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tell us why you’re passionate about automation-control-systems! Discuss specific experiences that sparked your interest in this field. Maybe it's a university project or a previous job that truly got you hooked. We love seeing that spark! Make sure to reference how you can contribute to Westburne and its goals.
Quantify Your Achievements:In the world of automation, results matter. When listing your experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you improve system efficiency by a percentage? Did you reduce downtime? Putting numbers to your successes not only demonstrates your impact but also lets us see the tangible outcomes of your efforts. It makes your application pop!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westburne
✨Master Your Technical Knowledge
In the automation control systems field, you need to brush up on your technical know-how. Be prepared to talk about specific control systems you’ve worked with, such as PLCs or SCADA systems, and expect technical questions or even hands-on problem-solving scenarios during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Whether it's freelance projects or your academic work, come ready to showcase your portfolio of automation projects. Bring along any diagrams, code samples, or automation solutions you’ve implemented—these can really set you apart and demonstrate your applied skills to Westburne.
✨Understand Industry Trends
Stay updated on the latest trends in automation technologies and methodologies, like Industry 4.0 or IIoT. We'll want to discuss how these concepts may affect the role and future projects at Westburne, so showing that you're knowledgeable about current and emerging technologies can give you an edge.
✨Commit to Continuous Learning
As this is a full-time role, it's essential to express your eagerness for continuous improvement and learning. Share how you plan to enhance your skills and keep pace with the evolution of automation in the workforce – companies love candidates who are committed to growth and adaptability.
