Industrial Sales Development Program - Account Manager Trainee

SunSource; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Relocation assistance

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k)

Paid vacation and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Ongoing professional development

Technical training

Career advancement opportunities

Training Program Salary Range: $50,000

Job summary

SunSource invites you to join its Grow Our Own (GO2) Industrial Sales Development Program in the United States. This 12-month training program leads to a full-time Account Manager role, with hands-on learning and mentorship from industry experts.

Ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals who are motivated to learn, build relationships, and grow long-term in industrial sales. Training locations include Chicago and other company hubs.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Industrial Distribution, Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, Sales or related field.
• Internship experience in manufacturing, distribution, engineering, customer service or sales is a plus.
• Mechanical curiosity and interest in how industrial systems and equipment work.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a structured training program at sales hubs (Chicago, Houston, Minneapolis, etc.).
• Learn consultative outside sales, territory management, and customer relationship development.
• Receive in-depth product and application training from experienced professionals.
• Work alongside Account Managers during customer visits and joint sales calls.
• Build relationships with new and existing customers and develop product recommendations.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Relationship building

Motivation to learn

Team player

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in Industrial Distribution, Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, Sales

Technical degree

Job description

SunSource and its family of companies represent 270+ locations and 4,000+ employees making up one of North America’s leading value-add industrial distribution companies. We provide customers with products and value-added solutions within Fluid Power, Fluid Process, Fluid Conveyance, General Industrial Components, and Industrial Repair. www.sun-source.com

Looking for more than just your first job? Start your career with a company that invests in your future.

The Grow Our Own (GO2) Industrial Sales Development Program is a 12-month, structured training program designed for recent graduates and early-career professionals interested in building a successful career in industrial sales.

You’ll receive hands‑on training, one‑on‑one mentorship, and real‑world sales experience while learning from industry experts. At the completion of the program, you’ll transition into a full‑time Account Manager role, managing your own sales territory and helping customers solve complex industrial challenges.

No previous industrial sales experience is required—we’re looking for motivated, curious individuals who are eager to learn, build relationships, and grow a long‑term career.

Why GO2?

This program is designed to develop our next generation of Account Managers and future sales leaders within SunSource and our family of companies.

• Comprehensive classroom and hands‑on training
• Dedicated mentorship from experienced sales professionals
• Exposure to multiple industrial technologies and markets
• Real customer interaction and outside sales experience
• A clear career path into a full‑time Account Manager position
• Long‑term career growth opportunities across SunSource’s nationwide network of companies

What You Will Do

• Participate in a structured training program at one of our sales development hubs (training locations may include Chicago, Houston, Minneapolis, and other company locations)
• Learn the fundamentals of consultative outside sales, territory management, and customer relationship development
• Receive in‑depth product and application training from experienced technical and sales professionals
• Work alongside experienced Account Managers during customer visits and joint sales calls
• Build relationships with new and existing customers
• Develop product recommendations and technical solutions that help customers improve productivity
• Gain hands‑on experience with prospecting, quoting, negotiations, and closing business
• Receive ongoing coaching, mentorship, and professional development throughout the program

What You Will Need

We’re looking for individuals who are interested in sales, motivated to learn, enjoy solving problems, and thrive in a relationship‑driven environment.

• Associate degree, technical degree, or bachelor’s degree in Industrial Distribution, Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, Sales, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field preferred
• Internship experience in manufacturing, distribution, engineering, customer service, or sales is a plus
• Mechanical curiosity and an interest in learning how industrial systems and equipment work
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Competitive mindset, strong work ethic, and a desire to succeed in a performance‑driven environment
• Ability to begin employment in Summer, Fall, or Winter 2026
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel as needed, overnight travel at times will be required.
• DEPENDING ON LOCATION/POSITION: Willingness to relocate for approximately 12 months during training and relocate again for permanent placement upon successful completion of the program

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Relocation assistance (where applicable)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid vacation and company holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Ongoing professional development
• Technical training
• Career advancement opportunities
• Training Program Salary Range: $50,000 – $65,000 + incentive, dependent upon experience, degree, business unit, and geography
• Upon successful completion of the program, you will be promoted to an account manager and eligible for commission and other incentives.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D.

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If you are an individual with a disability and require an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact [e-mail] to request reasonable accommodation.

Only requests for accommodations in the application process will be returned.

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