Sandie Currie, sales and marketing manager with the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel and Signature Resorts, says people jumping into supervisory roles have to be ready to be role models and must be prepared to strive for excellence every day. (TED PRITCHARD / Staff)

SANDIE CURRIE,sales and marketing manager with the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel and Signature Resorts, says people jumping into supervisory roles have to be ready to be role models and must be prepared to strive for excellence every day.

Sandie Currie has seen sales and service from all sides.

Long before she was sales and marketing manager at the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel, she worked as a waitress, managed a tour boat operation, did personnel work in a publishing firm, booked spaces as a meeting planner and ran a public relations firm.

While the jobs were vastly different, the Dartmouth native says there were common factors that contributed to individuals. success in each of the fields.

"I learned that you had to do it right. Whether it's setting a table, planning a water tour or training a concierge, you had to know what you were doing and you had to strive for excellence at all times," she said.

"People can tell when you are faking it. They do business with people they know, they trust and they like."

And while it's important to keep customers happy, as a supervisor she said it is important to remember employees are your clients on the inside. You have to earn their respect and keep them happy.

She warned that the jump from sales to supervision is more difficult than it appears. Just because you are a good salesperson does not mean you will be a good sales supervisor. Too often she sees people promoted in companies who are unwilling to accept the responsibilities that go with supervision, like being a role model and consistently being committed to excellence going over and above the call of duty.

Read on for more information about the profession.

WHAT DO THEY DO?
Sales and service supervisors coordinate staff and activities for governments, health-care organizations or businesses.

They prepare schedules, assign duties, and establish and implement operational procedures. Supervisors maintain records and prepare progress and budget reports. They may be required to hire and train new staff and select and purchase equipment.

WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE WORK IN THIS JOB?
Supervisory, organizational, leadership and effective communications skills are essential. You must be observant, responsible and able to enforce rules and regulations. As a supervisor, you will be required to resolve problems and address the concerns of unhappy customers.

Services, product lines and sales methods may change frequently and you must be prepared to keep informed and adapt. Due to the widespread use of computerized inventory systems in sales and service industries, computer proficiency is an important skill.

Seventy per cent of sales and service supervisors have at least a high school education or equivalent. More than 30 per cent have a post-secondary certificate or diploma.

This is a young occupation, with an average age of 37. One in 10 works part time and six of 10 are women. There is little self-employment in this occupation.

WHERE DO THEY WORK?
Annapolis Valley 11%
Cape Breton 13%
Halifax 45%
North Shore 17%
Southern N.S. 14%

WHAT TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED?
Occupations in this category usually require high school completion and experience in the areas being supervised.

Previous retail sales experience, such as retail sales clerk, cashier, telemarketer or door-to-door salesperson, is usually required to become a retail supervisor.

Food service supervisors are required to complete a certificate or diploma program in food service administration or a related discipline.

For employment in health-care institutions, membership in the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management is preferred.

Other service supervisors, such as tour guide supervisors, may be required to complete college courses related to the areas supervised and have experience in the field.You may also find courses or programs in retailing or marketing helpful to secure supervisory positions in sales.

WORK PROSPECTS
Sales and service supervisors work in the service economy, which is experiencing some of the greatest growth of all economic sectors in Nova Scotia, in both rural and urban areas. The creation of new consumer centres has added to this growth and created demand for sales and service supervisors.

The vast majority of people in this group work as retail trade and service supervisors. Since the workforce is relatively young, retirements will not contribute significantly to job openings in the coming years. Turnover can be high in these occupations, particularly for lower-paying positions.

Annual incomes will depend upon many factors, including the product or service, industry, location, qualifications and the number of staff being supervised.

LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION
Outlook: Good
Employment in 2005: 7,890
Estimated average number of job openings for new workers: 340
Earnings in 2005: Averaged $10.50 an hour with a maximum of $21.75

TYPICAL JOBS
Department store supervisor, food service supervisor, hotel executive housekeeper, laundry supervisor, reservations supervisor, sales supervisor, telemarketing super¬visor.

On The Job is a weekly feature looking at career opportunities in Nova Scotia.