Sales Operations Specialist

Job DescriptionThe Sales Operations Specialist provides operational, process, and execution support to the Water North America sales team. This role is designed as a developmental pathway into a future sales position, giving high-potential individuals hands-on experience in sales workflows, tools, and customer engagement.

The role combines trade show strategy, lead management, Salesforce execution, and sales development activity. The individual will also gain direct customer-facing experience through structured cold calling and meeting generation. This role is expected to leverage AI and tools to improve efficiency, build scalable processes, and support continuous improvement across the sales organization.ResponsibilitiesBusiness Operations and Sales SupportSupport the Sales Director and sales team in daily operational workflowsMaintain accuracy and completeness of data in SalesforceAssign and route inbound leads from multiple queues using defined logicEnsure timely follow-up and resolution of assigned leadsManually enter leads into Salesforce when required and coach sellers on required data fieldsSupport development of call lists and target account lists in collaboration with sellersOwn coordination and preparation for assigned trade showsAct as the central point of organization across sales, marketing, and program teamsMaintain and distribute all planning documents, timelines, and materialsBuild and manage exhibitor lists for targeted trade showsIdentify which exhibitors are NSF certified and document certification detailsUse AI tools and process improvements to increase efficiency of this taskEnrich exhibitor data by incorporating:Sales team target accountsProgram team inputCoordinate with sales and program leaders to flag exhibitors for:Targeted visitsIntroductionsSpecific business discussionsTrade Show Strategy and Execution (Core Responsibility)Own coordination and preparation for assigned trade showsAct as the central point of organization across sales, marketing, and program teamsMaintain and distribute all planning documents, timelines, and materialsPre-show responsibilitiesBuild and manage exhibitor lists for targeted trade showsIdentify which exhibitors are NSF certified and document certification detailsUse AI tools and process improvements to increase efficiency of this taskEnrich exhibitor data by incorporating:Sales team target accountsProgram team inputCoordinate with sales and program leaders to flag exhibitors for:Targeted visitsIntroductionsSpecific business discussionsDuring and post-show responsibilitiesSupport capture and entry of leads into Salesforce where requiredEnsure completeness and accuracy of trade show dataSupport calculation and tracking of trade show return on investment using provided toolsSupport the planning of webinars and its communication to targets and compilation of participation interestParticipate in structured sales development activity as part of role progressionSpend up to 4–6 hours per week in defined cycles conducting cold outreachBuild confidence in pitching NSF services and handling rejectionGenerate and qualify meetings for the sales teamTrack personal outreach activity and performanceSales Development (Cold Calling and Pipeline Support)Support the planning of webinars and its communication to targets and compilation of participation interestParticipate in structured sales development activity as part of role progressionSpend up to 4–6 hours per week in defined cycles conducting cold outreachBuild confidence in pitching NSF services and handling rejectionGenerate and qualify meetings for the sales teamTrack personal outreach activity and performanceSalesforce and Data ManagementExecute day-to-day Salesforce activities including:Lead assignmentData entryOpportunity and account updatesBuild and maintain basic reports and dashboardsPartner with Commercial Operations and Salesforce IT teams to request updates and improvementsEscalate system or process issues and help drive resolutionContinuously improve data quality and process consistencyMeeting and Workflow SupportCoordinate scheduling for larger team or cross-functional meetingsSupport meeting preparation activities, including rotating responsibilities across team membersCapture meeting notes and clearly document follow-up actionsHelp ensure accountability on assigned actionsThis role supports team-level workflows and coordinationThis role does not provide individual administrative support such as travel bookingBe the main point of contact in multiple business initiatives and/or specific projects.Support Request for Proposals as defined in the RFP process (*)Support as requested the quoting/pricing of proposalsSupport cross-functional collaboration between sales, marketing, and program teamsIdentify opportunities to improve processes and recommend enhancementsAI and Process ImprovementUse AI tools to improve efficiency in workflows and data gatheringDevelop repeatable processes to reduce manual effortSupport adoption of AI tools within the sales teamValidate outputs and ensure accuracy and qualityQualificationsBachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience)1–3 years of experience in sales support, operations, or related fieldStrong interest in developing into a future sales roleProficiency in Salesforce and Microsoft ExcelStrong attention to detail and problem-solving skillsStrong verbal and written communication skillsPreferred QualificationsProficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)Experience with CRM systems, especially SalesforceExperience using data tools or reporting toolsFamiliarity with sales prospecting tools (e.g., Cognism or similar)Experience leveraging AI tools for business workflowsAdvanced Excel skills (Macro, Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP).About UsWith a legacy spanning more than 80 years, NSF leverages science and innovation to improve human and planet health. We provide science-driven, independent testing, inspection, certification, and advisory services and develop the very standards that drive the food, water, and life sciences industries worldwide. We empower our clients to navigate shifting regulations to improve consumer health, safety, and quality of life.One of our core values is We Are One NSF. This means that while we're one team, we embrace the cultural, ethnic, language, and demographic diversity that reflects the societies in which we live and work.Come join a team that makes a difference in the world. More information about NSF can be found at nsf.org.NSF is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Please note that NSF is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies/search firms for this role. Resumes submitted to an NSF employee by a third-party agency without a valid written & signed search agreement between NSF and said third-party