Leadership Trainee

The Cary Company; Addison (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Company-Funded Profit Sharing

Short-Term Incentive Plan

Childcare Reimbursement

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The Cary Company in Addison, IL, is seeking a Leadership Trainee for its Future Leadership Program. This comprehensive rotational program provides hands-on experience across core business areas, positioning you for future leadership roles. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree and strong organizational and communication skills.

You will engage with customers, learn sales strategies, manage quality assurance, and assist in various departments. The company values personal growth, teamwork, and encourages a collaborative culture.

Qualifications

• Strong academic background with a high GPA.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Passion for learning and leadership development.

Responsibilities

• Engage directly with customers to understand their needs.
• Learn sales strategies and build client relationships.
• Manage quality assurance cases to ensure compliance.
• Gain experience in supply chain management.
• Assist in procurement and supplier negotiations.
• Learn operational aspects of order fulfillment.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Communication skills

Collaborative attitude

Leadership development

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution

Job description

Location: Addison, IL
Program Duration: Comprehensive rotational program (details below)
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance, Company-Funded Profit Sharing, Short-Term Incentive Plan, Childcare Reimbursement, and more

About The Cary Company

The Cary Company is a forward-thinking industrial distribution company committed to excellence in customer experience, innovation, and employee development. Our culture is built on collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement. We strive to create an environment where employees can thrive and contribute to our mission of providing exceptional products and services.

Position Overview

Join our Future Leadership Program as a Leadership Trainee and gain hands‑on experience across core areas of our business. This immersive program is designed to build a strong foundation for a rewarding career in management. If you’re motivated, organized, and eager to grow, this is your opportunity to lead.

Rotational Assignments

• Customer Relations (4–5 months): Engage directly with customers, understand their needs, and ensure satisfaction.
• Inside Sales (2–3 months): Learn sales strategies, build client relationships, and contribute to revenue goals.
• Quality Assurance (1–2 months): Manage cases and ensure compliance with quality standards.
• Logistics (1–2 months): Gain experience in supply chain management, inventory, and shipping processes.
• Purchasing (1–2 months): Assist in procurement, supplier negotiations, and inventory optimization.
• Warehouse Administration (1 month): Learn operational aspects of order fulfillment and inventory control.
• Additional Options: Accounting, Finance, and Marketing rotations available based on background/skillset.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Strong academic background with a high GPA
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills
• Professional demeanor and collaborative attitude
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Passion for learning and leadership development

Upon completion, you’ll be prepared for leadership roles such as:

• Customer Relations Lead/Manager
• Operations Manager
• Logistics Manager
• Purchasing Manager
• Product Management
• Technical Marketing

Ongoing opportunities for professional development and advancement with a strengths‑based approach.

• Life and Supplemental Insurance
• Short-Term Incentive Plan
• Company-Funded Profit Sharing
• HRA & Cafeteria Plan
• Seasonal Company-Sponsored Events
• Work/Life Balance Initiatives
• 9/80 Scheduling Option (after 1 year)

About Us

• Established in 1895
• Grew from 30 employees in 2005 to over 240 today
• Locations: Addison, IL (HQ), Indianapolis, IN, Pittsburgh, PA, Salt Lake City, UT, Jurupa Valley, CA, Livermore, CA, Charlotte, NC
• Distribute rigid packaging products and industrial filtration
• Recently renovated corporate office/warehouse in Addison
• Privately owned, focused on autonomy, connectedness, and confidence in your role

Culture Highlights

• Strengths-based approach to leverage what employees enjoy and excel at
• 2–4 structured one‑on‑one meetings per year (replaces traditional performance reviews)
• Mentorship and guidance from experienced leaders
• Committees: Culture Committee and Cary Cares
• Fun Fridays, Weekly Yoga, and other events (check out our Facebook page!)
• Core Values: Growth, Positivity, Customer Driven, Spirited Work Ethic, In This Together
• People who thrive here are positive, open-minded, curious, customer-focused, and supportive of co-workers