Outside Sales Trainee

Mill Creek Lumber and Supply Company is a leading provider of lumber and building materials, serving the construction industry since 1934.  We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer service. As we continue to expand, we are seeking a dedicated and results-driven Outside Sales Representative to join our sales team. In this role, you will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with new and existing customers, promoting our products, and achieving sales targets within your designated territory. As an ambassador of Mill Creek, you will play a vital role in driving customer satisfaction and building a strong brand presence in the market.

Help Us Build America!

• Shadow experienced sales representatives to learn about prospecting potential customers within the assigned territory and expanding Mill Creek's customer base.
• Assist in conducting sales visits, presentations, and product demonstrations under supervision to gain an understanding of showcasing the features and benefits of Mill Creek's lumber and building materials.
• Learn to develop and maintain relationships with existing customers through regular communication and follow-up to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Collaborate with the internal sales team to observe lead generation, address customer inquiries, and provide basic sales support.
• Stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and market conditions to identify sales opportunities and understand the competitive landscape.
• Assist in preparing sales proposals, quotes, and contracts to gain experience in ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Work towards achieving monthly, quarterly, and annual sales targets with guidance and support from the sales management team.
• Provide feedback to the sales management team on observed customer needs, market trends, and competitive intelligence.
• Accompany experienced representatives to trade shows, industry events, and networking functions to gain exposure and expand professional networks.
• Learn to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of sales activities, customer interactions, and prospects using the company's CRM system.
• Assist with other duties as assigned to gain a comprehensive understanding of the sales role within the company.

Qualifications:

• Eagerness to learn and develop skills in outside sales, preferably in the lumber and building materials industry or a related field.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, with a desire to build rapport and present information to customers effectively.
• Basic negotiation and closing skills, with the willingness to learn to overcome objections and convert prospects into customers.
• Demonstrated self-motivation and goal orientation, with the capacity to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Interest in acquiring business acumen and understanding of sales principles and techniques.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and competitive sales environment.
• Basic analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Basic computer literacy with Microsoft Office and email.
• Willingness to learn to read blueprints and prepare a material take-off list.
• Ability to assist with lifting building materials.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form; deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Valid driver's license and openness to extensive travel within the assigned territory.
• Willingness to learn to use CRM software and other sales tools to manage customer relationships and track sales activities.
• High school diploma required; a bachelor's degree in business or a related field is preferred.