Manager Trainee Program

The Catalyst Corporation; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid training

Mentorship

Career advancement

In-person work

Job summary

The Catalyst Corporation is currently seeking Manager Trainees for a full-time, in-person program in Oak Brook, IL. You will learn sales, customer engagement, and leadership skills while advancing through training and mentorship.

No prior management experience is required; paid training and ongoing development are provided as you progress within client campaigns and leadership responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in sales, customer service, retail, or leadership is a plus, but not required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to learn and be coached.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Desire to take on increasing responsibility over time.

Responsibilities

• Represent client brands directly inside established retail locations.
• Engage face-to-face with customers to identify needs and interests.
• Introduce and explain client products, services, and current promotions.
• Assist customers throughout the sales and enrollment process.
• Develop effective sales, communication, and customer acquisition techniques.
• Work toward individual and team performance goals.
• Support the daily execution of various client campaigns.
• Maintain strong knowledge of client products, services, and campaign objectives.
• Participate in ongoing sales, product, and leadership training.
• Develop skills in coaching, team development, and performance management.
• Assist with training and supporting newer team members as you progress.
• Work alongside leadership to gain exposure to campaign and team operations.
• Take on additional leadership responsibilities based on performance and development.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Goal‑oriented

Self-motivated

Reliable transportation

Job description

About the Opportunity

Catalyst Corporation is currently hiring motivated individuals to join our Manager Trainee Program in Oak Brook, IL.

This full-time, hands‑on development program is designed for individuals interested in building experience in sales, customer engagement, business development, leadership, and management.

Manager Trainees begin by working directly with customers inside established retail locations while supporting a variety of client campaigns. You’ll learn the fundamentals of customer acquisition, sales, brand representation, and relationship building before developing additional skills in training, coaching, team leadership, and daily operations.

No previous management experience is required. Catalyst Corporation provides paid training, ongoing mentorship, and continued professional development throughout the program.

What You’ll Do

• Represent client brands directly inside established retail locations
• Engage face‑to‑face with customers to identify their needs and interests
• Introduce and explain client products, services, and current promotions
• Assist customers throughout the sales and enrollment process
• Develop effective sales, communication, and customer acquisition techniques
• Work toward individual and team performance goals
• Support the daily execution of various client campaigns
• Maintain strong knowledge of client products, services, and campaign objectives
• Participate in ongoing sales, product, and leadership training
• Develop skills in coaching, team development, and performance management
• Assist with training and supporting newer team members as you progress
• Work alongside leadership to gain exposure to campaign and team operations
• Take on additional leadership responsibilities based on performance and development

What We’re Looking For

Previous experience in sales, customer service, retail, or leadership is a plus, but not required.

Ideal candidates will have:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• A positive and professional attitude
• Goal‑oriented and self‑motivated mindset
• Confidence interacting directly with customers
• Willingness to learn, accept coaching, and develop new skills
• Strong organization and time‑management abilities
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Interest in sales, business development, leadership, or management
• Desire to take on increasing responsibility over time
• Reliable transportation and ability to commute to Oak Brook and surrounding retail locations

Training & Development

Manager Trainees receive hands‑on development in areas including:

• Sales and customer acquisition
• Customer engagement and relationship building
• Client product and service knowledge
• In‑store campaign execution
• Sales strategy and performance
• Team training and development
• Coaching and leadership
• Performance management
• Daily team and campaign operations

What We Offer

• Paid, hands‑on training
• Experience supporting a variety of client campaigns
• Ongoing coaching and mentorship
• Sales and business development experience
• Leadership and management development
• Performance‑based recognition and incentives
• Opportunities to take on additional responsibilities
• Advancement opportunities based on performance and development
• Supportive, team‑oriented work environment

At Catalyst Corporation, we believe in developing talent from within and providing team members with opportunities to strengthen their skills, gain leadership experience, and take on greater responsibility as they progress.

This is a full‑time, in‑person position supporting client campaigns directly inside retail locations throughout the Oak Brook, IL area. This is not a remote or hybrid opportunity.