Management Development Associate - Arkansas

Rubber & Gasket Company of America; Fort Smith (AR); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k)

PTO and vacation

Stock ownership

Job summary

A leading industrial distribution company in Arkansas seeks a Leadership Development Associate to cultivate future leaders through hands-on training and real-world experience. Candidates should possess a strong work ethic, desire for leadership growth, and 2–5 years of relevant experience. This role emphasizes understanding operations, supporting teams, and building effective relationships. Benefits include strong financial growth and a supportive culture. The opportunity for career advancement is significant as many managers emerge from this program.

Qualifications

• 2–5+ years of experience in operations, sales, or a related field.
• Strong desire to grow into a leadership role.
• Willingness to learn and take feedback.
• Experience in operations, sales, or a related field is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Understand business operations day to day.
• Support employees and leaders with team initiatives.
• Build relationships across branches.
• Build relationships across a branch and learn to influence without formal authority.

Skills

Proficiency in computer systems

Teamwork abilities

Good communication skills

Willingness to relocate

Adaptability

Strong work ethic

Education

College degree in industrial distribution

Tools

Microsoft Office products

Job description

Leadership Development Associate - Arkansas

Own Your Work. Own Your Future.

At RGA, you’re not just working a job—you’re investing in your future. As part of our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), you earn real equity and get a voice in a company that treats you like a person, not a number. That means when we grow, you grow. Whether you’re starting out or looking to advance, this is a place where your work makes a real impact—and where leadership listens.

Why You’ll Like It Here

• Real Ownership – You earn equity. That means real financial growth, not just a paycheck.
• Supportive, Respectful Culture – We treat you like a pro and trust you to do your job – no micromanaging.
• Strong Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, vacation, holidays, and stock ownership.
• Career Growth – Learn hands‑on skills and move up fast. Many of our managers started on the floor.
• Purposeful Work – What you build here helps keep America running—schools, farms, factories, and more.

You Belong Here If You’re

• Reliable, motivated, and ready to learn.
• Proud of your work and your team.
• Looking for more than just another job.

Sound like you? Don’t wait—apply today and start building a future you truly own.

Position Location

This position will be located in either Little Rock, Springdale, or Ft. Smith, Arkansas.

Position Purpose

This role is designed for a high‑potential individual who is looking to grow into a future leadership position within our industrial sales organization. The Leadership Development Associate will go through a structured learning and immersion experience focused on working in and understanding our business, our people, and what it takes to lead effectively in a fast‑paced industrial distribution environment. This is not a management role. You will not have direct reports initially. Instead, you will learn alongside experienced employees, gain real‑world exposure, and begin building the foundational skills required to lead teams in the future.

What You’ll Do

Learn the Business

• Work in a branch to understand how the business runs day‑to‑day.
• Work in each area of our business to learn what we do.
• Learn key roles, workflows, and what drives performance.
• Observe and support frontline employees and leaders in real situations.
• Participate in structured leadership development programs and training.
• Learn core leadership fundamentals: communication, accountability, coaching, and team leadership.
• Practice these skills in real‑world scenarios with guidance and feedback.

Support the Field

• Assist employees and leaders with team initiatives, projects, and operational priorities.Help reinforce consistent practices (team meetings, 1:1s, communication rhythms).
• Gain exposure to common leadership challenges and how they are addressed.

Build Relationships

• Work closely with employees and leaders across a branch.
• Learn how to influence, communicate, and build trust without formal authority.

What Success Looks Like

• Strong understanding of our business, operations, and culture.
• Demonstrated growth in leadership behaviors and mindset.
• Ability to communicate effectively, lead from the seat you are in, and build relationships across teams.
• Readiness to step into a frontline leadership role when the opportunity arises.

What We’re Looking For

Required

• 2–5+ years of experience in operations, sales, or a related field.
• Strong desire to grow into a leadership role.
• Must be willing to travel and relocate as opportunities arise.
• Willingness to learn, take feedback, and step into new challenges.
• Strong work ethic and ability to operate in a fast‑paced environment.

Preferred

• Degree and/or experience in industrial distribution, or field‑based environments.
• Demonstrated initiative or informal leadership experience.
• Interest in developing people and leading teams.

What Makes This Opportunity Different

• Clear path into a leadership role when a role becomes available.
• Hands‑on, real‑world learning—not just classroom training.
• Exposure to experienced leaders and day‑to‑day operations.
• Opportunity to build leadership capability from the ground up.

Physical Demands of Position

• Must be able to lift and move up to 50 lbs frequently.
• Must stand, walk, climb, crouch, stoop, and bend throughout the shift.
• Travel by car may be required for off‑site jobs.
• Works in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles.
• Frequently exposed to uncomfortably hot or cold temperatures.
• Occasional exposure to caustic chemicals, electrical hazards, and high noise levels.

Skills and Qualifications

• Basic proficiency with hand tools and measuring devices.
• Proficiency in computer systems such as Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to follow instructions, both verbal and written, in English.
• Good communication skills and teamwork abilities.
• Must be able to hear and see normally with or without the help of medical devices such as eyeglasses and hearing aids.
• Ability to work efficiently under supervision.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to safety procedures.
• Must be able to read and speak English.
• Must be able to use and read a tape measure.

Evaluated Quarterly On

• Work quality & productivity.
• Dependability & attitude.
• Safety & policy compliance.
• Willingness to learn and grow.

Education and Experience

• Preferred: College degree in industrial distribution.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

• Must have a valid, active driver’s license with an insurable driving record.