Industrial Sales Account Manager Trainee - Development Program
The Industrial Sales Account Manager Trainee Development Program at Confidential Client is a 12-month full-time training initiative designed for recent graduates or early career individuals to develop skills in outside sales within the industrial distribution sector. Trainees receive comprehensive product and sales training, mentorship, and hands-on experience working alongside experienced Account Managers, preparing them to transition into a full-time Account Manager role. The program emphasizes relationship building, technical knowledge, and performance-driven sales in a dynamic, customer-focused environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Industrial Distribution & Manufacturing.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Overview
Confidential Client is hiring for a 12-month Grow Our Own (GO2) Industrial Sales Account Manager Trainee — a structured development program for recent graduates and early-career candidates who want a career in industrial distribution sales. You will receive classroom and on-the-job training, mentorship, and product/technical education to prepare for a field Account Manager role after program completion.
What You’ll Do
- Participate in a structured 12-month training program at corporate headquarters with mentorship, professional development, and in-depth product training.
- Learn full-cycle outside sales skills: prospecting, territory management, quoting, and closing.
- Build customer relationships and identify technical/product solutions for real-world industrial problems.
- Join experienced Account Managers on joint customer visits and sales calls to gain field experience.
- Transition into a full-time outside sales/Account Manager role in an assigned territory upon successful program completion.
What You’ll Need
- Associate degree plus 2 years’ related experience OR bachelor’s degree (preferred disciplines: Supply Chain, Sales, Marketing, Business, or related).
- Internship, co-op, or hands-on experience in sales, distribution, or manufacturing preferred; mechanical interest/aptitude valued.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills; an outgoing, professional demeanor; and the ability to build relationships in a performance-based sales environment.
- Willingness and ability to relocate to Addison, IL for the 12-month training period (relocation support is provided where applicable).
- Authorization to work in the U.S. (Confidential Client complies with employment eligibility and verification rules).
What We Offer
- Full-time, paid training position with a planned transition to a commissioned Account Manager role after program completion.
- Compensation during the program: $55,000 to $65,000 per year, with additional bonus opportunities during training.
- Competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).
- Paid vacation and holidays, flexible start date, and relocation assistance (if applicable).
- Ongoing career development and clear path to outside sales with commission eligibility.
Location & Travel
- This posting is for Minneapolis, MN (primary work location for hiring and outreach). Training requires temporary relocation to Addison, IL for the 12‑month program; candidates must be able to relocate for that period. Ongoing travel to customer sites will be part of the field role after training.
Compensation
- Base salary during the training program: $55,000 — $65,000 per year (plus possible training bonuses). After successful completion, promotion to Account Manager with commission eligibility is expected. Exact compensation and benefits will be discussed during the hiring process.
Additional Notes
- This role is full-time. Confidential Client may use AI-assisted tools to help review applications or screen resumes; these tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
- If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please request one during outreach so the recruiting team can assist.
- The employer participates in employment eligibility verification as required by law.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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