Klein Leadership Program - Sales

Colonial Group; Lincolnshire (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Klein Tools Inc. is launching the Klein Leadership Program (KLP), a 12‑month accelerated development track designed to identify high‑potential future leaders.

The program blends market and product exposure with hands‑on sales experience, preparing you to lead with impact. As a participant, you will conduct market research, support product development, manage a local retail market, and coordinate product demonstrations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business management, marketing or related field.
• Internship or co‑op experience related to the field of study is preferred.
• Extensive local travel and time in the field is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Must be an effective team player that takes initiative and ownership of projects.

Responsibilities

• Identify and conduct thorough market research on both the Company's and competitor's products through interaction with salespeople, distributors, and end users in a variety of venues and in‑field experiences.
• Assist Product Development team with product research by seeking out, evaluating, and prioritizing opportunities for product improvements, product line additions, new markets, improved merchandising, promotions, and other growth prospects.
• Assume ownership of a local retail market to build and leverage relationships with end‑users and customers. Utilize creativity to execute best‑practices for new, innovative merchandising, and sales events to drive both financial and brand growth within the assigned market.
• Partner with local and corporate sales team to coordinate and execute product demonstration events at key customer locations. Leverage product knowledge and sales techniques to convert customers from competitor products.
• Analyze current e‑commerce marketing and sales strategies to identify, recommend, and present opportunities to better align the Company's strategy with our core end‑users.
• Prepare and present executive reviews detailing product recommendations, sales market performance, and marketing initiatives on a monthly and quarterly basis.
• Drive effective communication and collaboration within the organization. Foster good working relationships among team members and other functional contacts.
• Perform other duties as required within the nature and level of work.

Skills

Excellent communication

Team player

Organized

Self-motivated

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, business management, marketing or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Klein Leadership Program (KLP) is an accelerated development program designed to identify and develop high-potential future leaders. KLP is built for individuals who are energized, growth-minded, adaptable, and eager to challenge themselves. We seek self-starters who pursue opportunities, embrace feedback, and are committed to continuous learning and leadership growth.

If you're ready to accelerate your development, expand your influence, and help shape the future of Klein, KLP offers the opportunity to learn, lead, and make a lasting impact.

This is a 12-month accelerated development opportunity that provides the foundation for a long-term career in sales. Upon graduation from the program, participants will be placed into a sales role, and relocation will be required.

• Identify and conduct thorough market research on both the Company's and competitor's products through interaction with salespeople, distributors, and end users in a variety of venues and in‑field experiences.
• Assist Product Development team with product research by seeking out, evaluating, and prioritizing opportunities for product improvements, product line additions, new markets, improved merchandising, promotions, and other growth prospects.
• Assume ownership of a local retail market to build and leverage relationships with end‑users and customers. Utilize creativity to execute best‑practices for new, innovative merchandising, and sales events to drive both financial and brand growth within the assigned market.
• Partner with local and corporate sales team to coordinate and execute product demonstration events at key customer locations. Leverage product knowledge and sales techniques to convert customers from competitor products.
• Analyze current e‑commerce marketing and sales strategies to identify, recommend, and present opportunities to better align the Company's strategy with our core end‑users.
• Prepare and present executive reviews detailing product recommendations, sales market performance, and marketing initiatives on a monthly and quarterly basis.
• Drive effective communication and collaboration within the organization. Foster good working relationships among team members and other functional contacts.
• Perform other duties as required within the nature and level of work.

Start Date: January 4th, 2027
Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business management, marketing or related technical/business field is required. Internship or co‑op experience related to the field of study is preferred. Extensive local travel and time in the field is required. Overnight travel out of state is minimal but may be necessary at times. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint). Ability to perform intermediate level mathematics and financial calculations. Must be an effective team player that takes initiative and ownership of projects. Must be self‑motivated have strong organizational skills. Must be able to multitask, manage shifting priorities, and work independently to completion of tasks and deadlines.

Must be willing to relocate anywhere within the US based on program graduation and business needs.

Physical Demand Requirements:

Occasionally required to stand, walk or sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Travel Requirements 10% (3 days per month).

This role has an annual salary range of $70,000 - $75,000. In addition to salary, you’re eligible for competitive benefits that support you and your family as part of your total rewards package at Klein Tools Inc. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors, including, but not limited to, skills, experience, and location.