Outside Automation Sales Specialist — PLC & Software
Rexel · $70,000 (stated in the posting)
Company Description
Join Rexel: A Global Leader in Electrical Distribution
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.
Job Description
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
- 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.
Qualifications
Who Are You
- 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.
Additional Information
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.
- 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.
- For additional career opportunities, please visit www.rexel.ca.