Sales Trainee

Position Summary:

The Sales Trainee position is a 3–6 month development program designed for individuals who are eager to build a career in sales and commercial leadership. This role provides hands-on experience across multiple departments, helping participants develop the knowledge, skills, and business acumen necessary for a successful transition into a Sales Representative role. 

As a member of the Commercial Team, the Sales Trainee will participate in structured rotational assignments throughout the organization to gain a broad understanding of Colortech's products, customers, and operations. Rotations may include Pricing, Customer Service, Technical Service, Process Engineering, Procurement, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, and other key business functions. Additional training opportunities may include customer visits, facility tours, ride-alongs with Sales Representatives, and formal training sessions designed to build commercial, technical, and industry knowledge.

Throughout the program, trainees will work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to meaningful projects, develop customer-focused problem-solving skills, and gain firsthand exposure to how the various functions of the organization work together to deliver value to customers. The program is designed to prepare high-potential individuals for future sales, commercial, and leadership opportunities within Colortech.

This position is intended for individuals seeking a long-term career in sales and commercial leadership and who are willing to relocate, learn continuously, and assume increasing levels of responsibility as they develop within the organization.

Relocation Requirement: Upon successful completion of the Sales Trainee Program, candidates must be willing to relocate into an assigned sales territory anywhere within the continental United States. Relocation is a condition of advancement into a Sales Representative role. While individual location preferences will be strongly considered, placement in a preferred territory cannot be guaranteed.

Essential Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Successfully complete rotational assignments by meeting or exceeding performance expectations while demonstrating a strong commitment to learning and professional development.
• Develop a thorough understanding of Colortech's products, services, customers, and internal processes through participation across multiple functional areas.
• Demonstrate curiosity, initiative, and a self-starter mentality by asking thoughtful questions, seeking to understand not only what is being done, but why it is important to the customer and the business.
• Take ownership of assigned projects, tasks, and training activities, delivering high-quality work with strong attention to detail, accuracy, follow-through, and a commitment to achieving results.
• Collaborate effectively with employees across commercial, technical, operational, and administrative functions to gain a broad understanding of how the organization creates value for customers.
• Participate in customer visits, facility tours, ride-alongs, trade events, and training opportunities to develop commercial awareness and customer-facing skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed for customer visits, training assignments, trade events, and ride-along opportunities.
• Support existing and prospective customers by assisting with projects, information requests, problem resolution, and other activities that contribute to a positive customer experience.
• Develop the communication, customer-facing, organizational, and problem-solving skills necessary to transition successfully into a Sales Representative role.
• Act as an advocate for the voice of the customer by effectively communicating customer needs, concerns, and opportunities throughout the organization.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, adaptability, and a willingness to work independently while managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Maintain a positive attitude toward learning, feedback, and new challenges, while embracing opportunities for growth and increased responsibility.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong desire to pursue a long-term career in sales, business development, and commercial leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly, adapt to new situations, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• High level of character, integrity, personal accountability, attention to detail, and follow-through.
• Willingness to receive coaching, implement feedback, accept constructive criticism, and continuously improve performance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and the ability to quickly learn business systems and processes.
• Willingness to travel and interact directly with customers and internal stakeholders.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Preferred fields of study include Business, Marketing, Sales, Engineering, Chemistry, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or related disciplines.
• Previous internship, co-op, leadership, military, manufacturing, customer service, technical, or sales experience is preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated leadership potential through academic, athletic, military, professional, or community activities is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of plastics manufacturing, material science, polymer processing, or industrial sales is beneficial but not required.

Other Duties

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. Duties, responsibilities, and assignments may change based on business needs and developmental objectives.

NOTE: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.