2026 Leadership Development Program - Automotive

The Sherwin-Williams Company; Newport News (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sherwin-Williams Company seeks motivated individuals to join its Leadership Development Program (LDP). This eight-week training in an Automotive Branch provides hands-on experience in sales, customer service, finance, and strategic planning, with potential placement as Assistant Branch Manager after completion.

Relocation may be required for training across listed locations in the region; candidates must be at least 18, legally work in the US, and hold a bachelor's degree by start of the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required by start of program.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the US without sponsorship.
• Must be willing to relocate for training if required.

Responsibilities

• Support Branch Managers in key operations and planning.
• Develop branch market plans and strategies to increase sales.
• Provide excellent customer service and accurate transactions.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Sales

Team management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Sherwin-Williams is seeking motivated individuals with an interest in sales, customer service, leading a successful team to join our Leadership Development Program ("LDP"). LDP is an eight (8) week program offering hands‑on experience working in an Automotive Branch designed to provide successful candidates with a comprehensive learning experience through practical experience.

Successful candidates will be placed in training position in an Automotive Branch in the North Region.

During this program, participants will gain essential insight into sales, customer service, finance, and strategic business planning to support operations. Participants will also have access to professional networking opportunities to build cross‑functional partnerships with Marketing, Operations, and Research & Development.

Our training experience provides you with skills necessary for a successful career in management and professional sales. Upon successful completion of the 8‑week training program, participants will progress into an available Assistant Branch Manager position.

Relocation may be required based on business needs for the 8‑week training period and placement as an Assistant Branch Manager after training. If placement does not occur after the initial 8 weeks, your training may continue at other branches within the region based on business needs.

*You must be willing to relocate to any one of these locations for the training program*

• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Maryland
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• New York

This training program is currently scheduled to begin in 2025.

Job duties involve contact with customers, which may include minors; and access to cash and other payment methods, electronic equipment, personal information, store merchandise and other items of value, and such access may be supervised or unsupervised. The Company therefore has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and is necessary to protect the safety of the Company's customers, staff, employees, vendors, contractors, and the general public.

LDP's will support Branch Managers in essential aspects of branch operations including the following functions:

• Develop branch market plan based on market conditions, branch mission, and financial objectives
• Implement business strategies to increase sales and optimize profitability
• Build knowledge of products to ensure effective customer recommendations
• Provide excellent customer service
• Verify that customer orders and transactions are completed and documented accurately
• Maintain branch inventory levels
• Ensure compliance with policies and procedures including safety, loss prevention, and security
• Support employee training, development, performance management, and corrective action
• Respond to and resolve any customer and/or employee complaints
• Assist in determining staffing needs and develop work schedules
• Analyze management and financial reports, including financial ratios relative to Profit & Loss ("P&L")
• Assist in making deliveries, as needed

Minimum Requirements

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age
• Must be legally authorized to work in the country of employment without needing sponsorship for employment work visa status now or in the future
• Must have a valid, unrestricted Driver's License
• Must be able, with or without reasonable accommodation, to retrieve material from shelves and floor stacks and lift and carry up to 50 lbs. frequently and up to 70 lbs. on occasion
• Must have at least a bachelor's degree by the start of this development program
• Must be willing to relocate for this position, if required

Preferred Qualifications

• Willingness to relocate, as required, upon completion of the development program
• Have a bachelor's degree or higher in Sales, Marketing, Management, Business, Operations, or Supply Chain
• Have at least one (1) year experience working in a retail, sales, or customer service position
• Have previous experience working in a team-oriented setting including work experience, extracurricular activities, military service, etc.
• Have at least one (1) year of experience in leadership role(s), supervising others, or leading teams